They were not welcomed home very cordially by their mother. Mrs. Bennet wondered at their coming, and thought them very wrong to give so much trouble, and was sure Jane would have caught cold again. But their father, though very laconic in his expressions of pleasure, was really glad to see them; he had felt their importance in the family circle. The evening conversation, when they were all assembled, had lost much of its animation, and almost all its sense by the absence of Jane and Elizabeth.
They found Mary, as usual, deep in the study of thorough-bass and human nature; and had some extracts to admire, and some new observations of threadbare morality to listen to. Catherine and Lydia had information for them of a different sort. Much had been done and much had been said in the regiment since the preceding Wednesday; several of the officers had dined lately with their uncle, a private had been flogged, and it had actually been hinted that Colonel Forster was going to be married.
The next day brought a new piece of news to the party at Longbourn. The arrival of Mr Collins was announced by Mr Bennet with all the ceremony that one would expect from someone who delighted in the ridiculous and was received by the Bennet ladies with varying degree of anticipation. Mrs Bennet was considering which of her daughters might be suitable candidates for the wife of Mr Collins. She discounted Jane due to the interest from Mr Bingley. She was not so sure about any interest from Mr Darcy towards Elizabeth. They had merely danced once, but she had witnessed a few deep conversations and Elizabeth had mentioned talking to Mr Darcy a few times at Netherfield. Jane had also let slip she had seen Elizabeth and Mr Darcy walking together too. No she would hope to steer Mr Collins away from Elizabeth in the hopes of a more fortuitous connection.
Mary, next in age, should be considered next in line. But she was so somber that Mr Collins might prefer a younger, more lively, wife. She would have to wait to see what sort of man he was to decide which of the younger girls would be most suited.
At 4 o'clock he was due to arrive and at 4 o clock he did. He was received politely by the whole family and was effusive of his praise of the daughters of the family, and the plants, and the house. Indeed it almost felt that the ladies were comparable to the furniture. A fact that made Elizabeth share a look and a smile with her father for they both were enjoying his foibles.
Mr Bennet remained mostly silent but opened the conversation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh during dinner and was more and more amused with Mr Collins manners and way of speaking. After dinner he entertained the ladies with reading from a book of sermons. Mrs Bennet was decided; a young lively wife was unlikely to interest him, Mary would suit best.
The next day brought a tête-à-tête between Mrs Bennet and Mr Collins. The discussion involved her girls. Her praise of his cleverness in thinking of taking wife, and his choice of the Bennet family was effusive. For who could know more about running Longbourn than one of her daughters. A short conversation on the attachment between her eldest and a young gentleman ensued and an even shorter one on Elizabeth being little suited to a clergyman led to Mrs Bennet extolling the virtues of her third daughter and how kind and caring she was and how she would make a fine wife for any clergyman. Mr Collins was by no means sure, for he was somewhat shallow and would prefer one of the more attractive Bennet girls, but he resolved to think on the matter.
Mrs Bennet caught the hesitation and decided to spend some time with Mary and the upstairs maid to see what improvements could be wrought. If it was in the pursuit of a suitable husband she was not unable to pay the correct attentions to her middle daughter, even if she was not as jolly as the younger, nor as beautiful as Jane. Indeed the improvements in Mary's appearance made by a softer hair style were noticeable to all the sisters, the next day some new trimmings to her gowns improved things further. Far from being vain Mary still glowed with the attention from her mother and submitted to the attentions with good cheer, for she was still allowed plenty of time to practice the piano and study fordyces sermons.
She was also happy to encourage Mr Collins attentions at the urging of her mother, for although his manners were overbearing, his opinions could be improved with the right guidance, and Mary was not insensible to the security in becoming the next Mrs Collins. That she could potentially be the first of her sisters to be married also filled her with a sense of importance that she had sorely lacked in the last few years. Yes, she thought, she was more than happy to encourage his affection.
It was a day or so after Mr Collins had arrived that Lydia suggested a walk to Meryton. Mary was reading with Mr Collins and so the rest of the girls set off together towards the town to call on their Aunt Phillips. The attention of the younger girls was on the street from the moment they entered Meryton.
The attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, whom they had never seen before, of most gentlemanlike appearance, walking with another officer on the other side of the way. The officer was the very Mr. Denny concerning whose return from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the stranger's air, all wondered who he could be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot.
Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation — a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street.
On distinguishing the ladies of the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow when his eyes were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger.
One man turned white and the other red. Mr Darcy dismounted and spoke quietly to Mr Bingley. They both turned to the ladies and Bingley addressed them.
"How fortuitous, for we were just now riding to Longbourn to call on you, perhaps even we could have the honour of escorting you home, we have a proposition to discus with your mother and father?"
Although they had only just arrived in town Jane and Elizabeth had noticed the tension and were happy to accept. The younger put up a small protest but were quieted by the older sisters. And so back towards Longbourn they started with a short drop in to the Phillips's to explain hey were needed back at home. The younger two sulked somewhat on the journey home and whispered to themselves slightly ahead of the two gentlemen and their respective ladies.
"Well Darcy" started Bingley "can you explain why we have all but dragged the Miss Bennets away from town now?"
"That gentleman was Mr Wickham" a look passed between the two gentlemen and Mr Bingley nodded in acceptance.
"Well" said Elizabeth "Mr Bingley may be happy with that explanation Mr Darcy, but we have just slighted my aunt in our haste to return home, I do not wish to pry but I would like more of an explanation if you would be so kind!" She knew she was pushing the bounds of propriety with the question but she was in equal parts curious and angry about the way they had been manoeuvred away.
"Miss Elizabeth, you must excuse me, I cannot give you the details but that man is no gentleman. He has happy manners to be sure but they hide a number of sins. I cannot say more but I will talk to your father, as a leading gentleman of the community, and try to see how best to proceed."
She was not happy with the that explanation but understood enough to let the subject drop. Clearly Mr Darcy knew some serious harm of Mr Wickham and she would try to bear that in mind.
The rest of the journey home passed in pleasant conversation, mostly between Miss Bennet and Mr Bingley who was pleased to see such a recovery. Once at home Mr Darcy left Mr Bingley to the mercies of Mrs Bennet and the rest of the ladies and sought out Mr Bennet in his study. The discussion between Mr Bennet and Mr Darcy mostly focused on Mr Wickhams many crimes and the recommendation of warning the local gentry and the local tradesman about his character and penchant for running up debts. Mr Darcy then found himself addressing Mr Bennet on another issue he had not meant to discuss
"Mr Bennet I would speak to you about your younger daughters and their conduct" he plunged on giving him little time to reply
"I have noticed on more than one occasion their flirtatious behaviour and want of propriety, given the addition of Mr Wickham into the community I am concerned about the possibilities. I am aware of the growing regard between my friend and Miss Bennet but feel that the situation of her younger sisters are only hurting her chances of him developing any further feelings for her. I was wondering if I could offer any assistance in improving their manners?" He held his breath, he knew he was way outside the bounds of polite conversation with ones neighbour but he knew he had to try to improve the Bennets situation in society if he had any hope of forming a relationship with Elizabeth.
"Mr Darcy, you are surely not suggesting you are willing to fund their education, what could possibly be your motive here? Not merely for your interest in your friend?" Mr Bennet was mortified that a gentleman so wholly unconnected to him could be highlighting the deficiencies in his household and suggesting remedies, but he was also intrigued and amused as to the gentleman's motives and was keen to explore.
"Mr Bennet, I need your help with Mr Wickham, I have let him loose on polite society, and the last time I encountered him I sent him away with little punishment for his last set of indiscretions. In truth that was the easiest path, but seeing him here, and in particular your youngest daughters reception of him, I see that he will continue to cause the same chaos wherever he goes and I am keen to make amends where possible."
There was truth in everything Mr Darcy said but Mr Bennet could see there was more to it. He would have to watch him carefully in future.
"Well Mr Darcy I do not like having my inadequacies pointed out to me." Darcy made to protest
"No no Mr Darcy" continued Mr Bennet "you have said it now and it cannot be unsaid. I cannot pretend to like the manner of your approach but I cannot fault your intention, if that is your sole motive. I will not accept any aid but I will endeavour to review my household and monitor things with your Mr Wickham " Darcy flinched "closely, will that do?"
A short bow was his only answer, "Well let us return to the ladies."
Darcy noticed immediately the absence of Miss Elizabeth and wondered at where she could be. He did not get a chance to find out as soon after the gentlemen took their leave and headed off to other visits to issue invitations to Bingley's ball, for that was the original intent of the trip. A personal invite was taken as a compliment to Jane and all the ladies burst in to discussion of gowns and lace.
Elizabeth had left the discussion in the drawing room intending to think more on what Mr Darcy had said, she made her way to a bench by the side of the house and sat in the sunshine contemplating the gentleman. That the study window was near by and it was open was a chance she had not anticipated. She did not hear much of the initial discussion about Mr Wickham but heard clearly Mr Darcy's insinuation about her family. She blushed with mortification and then anger and lept up to stride away in to the garden for she did not want to hear any more beyond Mr Darcy insulting her father by offering aid in the education of Kitty and Lydia.
So discomposed was she that she missed the departure of the gentlemen and Mr Bennets observation and reflection of her younger sisters that would imply he was not overly offended but more that he had been awakened to the situation that had developed in the family.
