Mr. Bennet shook his head. “I am afraid that will not do, sir. I value my peace far too much to disturb it over a matter that is so clearly decided.” Mr. Bennet rose. “But you must not despair. There are many young ladies in the neighbourhood who would be very happy to oblige you.”
"But you do not comprehend, my situation, Lady Catherine…”
He escorted Mr. Collins to the door and gently closed it behind him.
“Now then. Charles V.” Mr. Bennet returned to his chair, opened the book again, and resumed reading.
***
Mr. Bennet looked up from his book and noticed Elizabeth sitting on a bench in the garden. He smiled, thinking it pleasant that she allowed herself a moment’s rest, and turned the page.
Some movement outside the window caused him to glance up again. A soldier in a scarlet coat stood gesturing with his hands toward Miss Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet watched the scene with interest, finding it for the moment more engaging than Charles V.
The soldier did not appear pleased; his gestures had lost all ease. Whatever he was saying to Elizabeth did not seem to impress her in the least. She remained seated, listening with calm composure. Suddenly she rose, said something in reply, and turned to leave.
The soldier seized her wrist.
For one instant, Mr. Bennet did not move. His expression hardened. He was on his feet at once and threw open the door. “Mr. Hill. Get Harris to the garden. West side of the house. At once!” Mr. Bennet glanced back toward the window. The soldier was still holding Elizabeth’s wrist. He strode to the window and struck the glass sharply with his fist.
The soldier started in alarm. Elizabeth wrenched her wrist free and ran toward the front of the house.
Harris, the groom, ran past her and seized the man, twisting his arm behind his back. “Sir,” Harris said sharply.
Two other grooms hurried forward to assist.
Mr. Bennet left the book-room and made his way outside. As he stepped out, the grooms were already bringing the man toward him.
Harris nodded. “We have him, sir.”
Mr. Bennet approached the struggling man, who was still attempting to pull free, though the grooms held him firmly. “Who are you,” Mr. Bennet said coolly, “and by what right do you lay hands upon my daughter?”
“Lieutenant Wickham. Let me go. I was only speaking to her.”
“You seized her.”
“No. I was only attempting to speak with her.”
Mr. Bennet turned to Harris. “Go to Colonel Foster. Request that he bring several men to retrieve this officer.”
Harris nodded and ran off.
Mr. Bennet looked to the other two grooms. “Take him to the coal shed for the present. Keep him there until his commanding officer arrives.”
“Yes, sir.”
The grooms dragged Wickham away.
“You will answer for this,” Wickham shouted. He twisted around as they dragged him away, casting Mr. Bennet a look of pure hatred.
Mr. Bennet watched until they disappeared from sight, then turned and returned to the house with composed deliberation.
Colonel Foster came in due course, and the officer was returned to his command.
***
The moon shone through the window of the book-room.
After a moment, something moved in the darkness.
