Disclaimer: Pride and Prejudice and Beauty and the Beast, all characters, places, and related terms are the sole property of Jane Austen, Focus Features and Walt Disney Pictures.
Dedicated: To scrimshaw.
A Light unto My Path
Situated just inside a small alcove on a high niche, the candelabra sighed when Mr. Collins ducked in and quickly pulled a curtain across the entryway, cutting off the brightness and merriment of the Netherfield Park ball. Pity. Lumiere had been enjoying himself, making new acquaintances and observing the goings on.
"Did you note my fair cousins?" Mr. Collins asked, mopping his brow with a handkerchief.
"The Miss Bennets? They all look like angels from heaven," Lumiere praised with a wide beam.
"Indeed!" the clergyman rubbed his hands together in excitement. "My patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh told me, 'You must take a wife, Mr. Collins.' And so, I shall. I will offer my hand to one of my cousins!"
"Miss Lydia or Miss Catherine would brighten things up at the parsonage, certainly."
Two familiar, shrilling bursts of loud laughter passed very close by the curtained alcove. An unbidden image of Miss Lydia carrying on, seated across the dinner table from Lady Catherine flashed through the enchanted object's mind. He masked his snort with a coughing fit before glancing sideways at Mr. Collins. The man shuddered violently.
"Perhaps they are too young…?" Lumiere trailed off.
"I fear they would not make a suitable wife to a clergyman. Not serious enough," the little man said. "Now there is the eldest Miss Bennet! She would make an excellent marriage partner."
It was the candelabra's turn to wince. "No, my friend!" He shook his head.
"But she is kind, sensible, compassionate!"
"Yes, yes! However, it will not do! Miss Bennet appears to have caught the notice of Mr. Bingley. Have you not seen or heard?"
Indeed, according to a pretty silver candleholder, Mr. Bingley had held up the receiving line, so captivated was he meeting Jane Bennet. Lumiere himself saw the ginger-haired gentleman observe Miss Bennet dancing with her respective partner.
"Oh, dear." Mr. Collins deflated. "I was not aware."
"He is rich, respected, well connected, and your host," the enchanted object pointed out. "You would not want to cross such a gentleman!" (Truthfully, Mr. Bingley seemed an amiable fellow, with not a mean bone in his body.)
"Hmm. You are right, my friend." Mr. Collins's downcast expression soon brightened. "Then I will propose to my cousin Elizabeth!" he declared.
Lumiere's brows rose high. Now that match would be...like oil and water mixing. Miss Elizabeth had appeared less than enthused while dancing with her cousin (perhaps she simply was not fond of dancing), though the clergyman had been oblivious.
"I don't know if that is wise," he advised slowly.
Mr. Collins frowned. "She is spirited, considerate, and prudent, qualities befitting a clergyman's wife."
"Your personalities are very different."
"Now see here! I—"
The curtain opened with a swift jerk. Caught red-handed, Mr. Collins and Lumiere froze: the former had a wavering finger in front of the latter's nose, and the candelabra's arms were held high over his head. Bugged-eyed, they gaped at an equally startled Mary Bennet. No one moved for an endless moment.
"Cousin Mary!"
"Mr. Collins." Mary's gaze flickered back and forth between the two.
"I-I-I was just seeking some advice from my friend," the man explained sheepishly.
The enchanted object bowed dramatically. "Bonjour, mademoiselle."
For a second the young lady blinked owlishly. "...A lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," she murmured to herself.
Lumiere blinked in confusion. Mr. Collins gave her a double-take.
Turning fully to the clergyman, she said seriously, "Mr. Collins, it is time to dine. Will you come?"
The candelabra was very impressed by Mary Bennet coolly keeping her head. If Jane or Elizabeth had stumbled over him and their cousin, he was sure the former would've fainted from fright while the latter laughed herself silly.
"Oh, we are not— Ouch!" Mr. Collins rubbed his finger which had been burned by Lumiere's flame and shot him a glare. The enchanted object gave him a significant look, along with wagging eyebrows and frantic tilts of the head.
"Ah!" Comprehension dawned in the man's face. He nodded firmly. Turning back to his cousin, he stepped out of the alcove and offered his arm. "Certainly, I will come. After supper, may I have the honor of a dance?"
Later when the dancing resumed, the candelabra watched with deep interest. Mary was an attentive partner, engaging her cousin in conversation as they made their way down the set. And Mr. Collins lighted up, growing more enthusiastic with their discussion and dance. (Mr. Bingley finally danced with Miss Bennet; they were adorable. Elizabeth Bennet partnered a stern-looking gentleman, both seemingly less than thrilled with the other. Look out for fireworks…)
"Oui. All things considered I do believe things have worked out quite well!" Lumiere declared happily.
THE END