Chap 30: A proposal and an engagement

Five daughters, it is indeed fortunate to be related to him. He thought, as he got down the carriage. He looked at the building in front of him. A few years from now, I will be the master of this estate. He smiled.

He had written to Mr Bennet a few days ago, informing about his intended visit. He had expected the entire family to welcome him with pleasure. He was disappointed when he found none of them as he entered the house. He was directed to the library.

Mr Bennet had almost forgotten about his visitor until he saw him.

"It is indeed a pleasure to meet you, Mr Bennet. Just like noble patroness Katherine de Bourgh said when I left, I am happy to visit you so that you can finally meet the man who may take care of your estate when you are no longer here. She said, "Go, Mr Collins. He will see what a fine man you are, he will no longer be worried for his estate. Kind sir, I expected to see my cousins, unless they are occupied elsewhere, as young women may have certain chores to tend to, I would like to see them. It is indeed a happy occasion. I look forward to lending my wisdom to the younger ones and protect them with my guidance."

Mr Bennet looked at him keenly. Fool! He elevates the standards of my wife.

The rest of the family met Mr Collins and they were all amused by him. Mrs Bennet thought he would make a decent son in law.

"Mrs Bennet, my noble patroness Katherine de Bourgh says daughters are a treasure. I am elated to meet the jewels of Hertfordshire. But I am equally disappointed in not meeting the eldest's Bennet's. This room needs the presence of them to complete the family."

"They are on their way from Netherfield sir."

After he inquired in detail about Netherfield. He was unsettled. He did not like the idea of two of his future wife prospects to have stayed in another man's house.

So, the eldest Miss Bennet already had a suitor. Then I must keep my options open. Elizabeth should be the choice. The rest of them look too plain. It may upset my patroness.

Just as he was pondering, Elizabeth and Jane entered. They were shocked to see him.

When the introductions were made, Mr Collins could not stop himself from lecturing Elizabeth about her injury and how to stay safe. Mr Bennet had enough.

"Mr Collins, my daughter needs rest. Please excuse us." Jane and Mr Bennet escorted her upstairs.

"Papa, how come you never mentioned about his intended visit."

"I was not in a state to even remember that man's letter. You look better. I hope you can give yourself the rest you need. I hope that man can leave us at peace. I have not seen such ignorance in my life."

Elizabeth smiled. Her room suddenly felt strange to her. It seemed as if she had been away for many years.

"Lizzy, what is it?" Jane asked with concern.

"Nothing. I just have a strange feeling to be back home. Nothing is different here, but everything seems to be different."

"Take rest. I will not allow anybody to disturb you."

"I am tired of taking rest. That is all I have been doing. Talk to me, Jane, just like old times."

"I have something to share with you. I wanted to tell you as soon as we reached home."

"Is it what I think it is?"

"Mr Bingley has asked for my hand. I agreed, but I asked him to speak with papa."

"Oh! Jane! This is wonderful. I am so happy for you. I am sure papa will consent."

"He is worried after the recent events. He feels that papa is upset with him about how he handled things."

"Do not worry. Mr Bingley is a wonderful person. You both will be very happy together."

Elizabeth was very happy for her sister. She pondered on how easy it was for Jane to find happiness in love. She reflected on herself. She loved Darcy very deeply. But she wanted to be loved in return without any compulsion. She did not want a life with him, out of gratitude.

Whenever she slept, the recurring dream haunted her. "I love you, Elizabeth." She heard his manly voice filled with adoration.

As much as she wanted the dreams to stop, she cherished the few moments of happiness feeling close to him.

The next day, Mr Bingley arrived.

"Good luck Bingley. I am sure Mr Bennet will give you consent." He watched Bingley ride away. His hopes of asking for Elizabeth's hand seemed far from reality.

Mr Bennet was surprised to see Bingley. He listened calmly when expressed his wishes.

"Mr Bingley, I can see that you are earnest in your proposal. I need to have a word with Jane before I give you my answer."

Jane was worried that her father may not consent to the match.

"Jane dear, you see only the goodness in people. I would be happy to consent to this match if you assure me that you trust and respect Mr Bingley."

"Yes, father I do. He has been most sincere and kind to me. I respect and admire him greatly."

"Then my child. I grant you both my blessings and permission."

Both Jane and Bingley were extremely happy. Mrs Bennet was elated. The general mood in Longbourn lifted. Mr Collins started thinking.

I need to secure my wife soon, before some other man comes to claim her hand. She is beautiful. My noble patroness will be happy with my fine choice.

To his disappointment, he never saw Elizabeth for a couple of days. He was growing impatient. He found his opportunity when he saw her enter the library. He knew Mr Bennet was not at home.

He found Elizabeth sitting on the chair, reading a book.

"Fair cousin. Good morning."

Elizabeth was startled to see Mr Collins. Before she could say anything, he started his well-planned monologue.

"It is true that a man of good position and handsome features deserves the same in his wife. Though my noble patroness has never mentioned my features, she once said, "Mr Collins, you look well today, and your complexion seems to have improved." My position at Hunsford may interest all the ladies I meet, but I have principles not to entertain their affection and give them disappointment. My purpose for this visit was to judge the state of the property I will inherit in the future and find a wife who can match my status. I suggest you do not get worried by the nature of your dowry. It will not be of a worry. My patroness can keep us comfortable."

Elizabeth was irked.

"I do not understand what you wish to convey. Please allow me to leave."

"Miss Elizabeth, I know it is a delicate subject for your fragile heart after your injury."

Idiot!

"But please understand, God has sent you the happiness to heal your wounds through me. I remember once my noble patroness said to her daughter, who is a little sick, although I have never openly disclosed that she is of a sickly disposition. "Anne, dear, your worries will cease with the love of your cousin. Fitzwilliam will make all your sickness go away." I am sure my patroness is right. When Miss de burgh marries, she will bring extensive happiness to all of us."

"Fitzwilliam?"

"Oh! Yes! Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. He is engaged to Miss De Burgh. And now it would be wonderful if we could be in Kent before their wedding to help and offer our services to my patroness as her humble servants."

Elizabeth was shocked beyond measure. He is engaged.

"Miss Elizabeth, you are beautiful. I am sure you can cook well. I am sure your wound will heal soon, and you can look presentable next to me."

"Sir, I request you to stop. What are you insinuating?"

"Maybe you are not as clever as I assumed. But I am sure my patroness can increase your wisdom, and my sermons will help you understand the world. I want you to be my wife and serve me to get fulfillment in your life. You can trust me to keep you comfortable. I have shelves installed in the closet, if you may need them."

Elizabeth was not in the temperament to be humoured.

"You have expressed your wishes very clearly. But you must understand we barely know each other and I am not inclined to marry you or anyone at the moment. I am very sorry to disappoint you. But please understand that I can never accept you."

She left him bewildered. He did not know how to react.

Elizabeth hurriedly reached her room and shut the door.

It makes no sense. He is engaged. Then why did he say that he admired me? He has offered for me.

She fell into the bed with a terrible headache. She had believed in true love all her life, but she had never realized that the first proposal she would receive would be one from a man who had no idea what love was.

Yes! Never!