Jane was eager to begin her day, yet she was determined not to behave rashly. Her reactions of the previous day had scared her. She must be bold, yes, but more importantly she must be smart and patient. However, patience required time. And time was a luxury she did not have.
She was afraid her mother would be the greatest impediment. Now that she was settled on one of her daughters marrying Mr. Collins, she would be quick to see the event take place and ensure her own security and comfort. Jane had little faith her mother would heed her words, but she just might delay her rush to the altar.
"Mama, I understand you have directed Mr. Collins's martial ambitions to Lizzy. Do you think that wise?"
"Wise, how can it be anything but wise? Lizzy will do her duty and wed your father's heir. And your sisters and I may stay at Longbourn." Though very simply put, Mrs. Bennet spoke with the greatest confidence that her will would be done.
Jane seldom used the favoritism she enjoyed from her mother for her own purposes. However, knowledge of it gave her courage to speak her next words for she knew her mother would protect her as she never would her sisters, save Lydia. "I think that duty should be mine. I am the oldest."
"Jane, you are to have Mr. Bingley and his five thousand a year. Oh, it will be a splendid match, an amiable man for my most amiable daughter." Mrs. Bennet exclaimed proudly, as she patted Jane's cheek.
"Mama, Lizzy and I both wish to marry for love. Why should she be deprived of that privilege? If you promote this match Lizzy will be miserable. Besides, I do not know that Mr. Bingley will even offer for me."
"Of course, Mr. Bingley will offer for you." Mrs. Bennet dismissed such an unpleasant thought with a wave of her hand. "And what does happiness have to do with marriage?" Jane thought her mother's happiness had a great deal to do with Elizabeth's proposed marriage to Mr. Collins. "Why should Lizzy be miserable? The mistress of Longbourn is an enviable position. More so, she will have her family around her in the home where she was raised. She can even keep up her walking, though I am sure Mr. Collins would wish to curb that habit."
To become Mrs. Collins would be disagreeable enough but to also keep her mother and younger sisters in her home? Happy thought indeed. Jane thought that was an argument best left unsaid. "Mama, you have to know Lizzy would be unhappy with such a situation. Not only would she be denied the loving marriage she has always wished for, but she and Mr. Collins are so dissimilar. If you force Lizzy to marry Mr. Collins, you may not be securing your future. If anything, you may be ensuring your greatest fears come to be."
"I know Lizzy has always been ungrateful child, but I cannot comprehend your meaning."
"Are you so sure Lizzy will welcome you in her home should she become mistress? Lizzy will resent being coerced into marriage, to have her wishes ignored, her dreams discarded, to the benefit of all but herself."
"It is her duty." Mrs. Bennet repeated. A duty that should not be necessary, Jane thought.
"What duty would she feel to a mother who does not understand her, has never attempted to understand her and thinks her ungrateful. Lizzy would be more inclined to toss you into the hedgerows than Mr. Collins." Jane was not dissembling. She could easily envision Elizabeth acting in such a fashion if her hand was forced. She hoped it would not come to that.
"You must know that Lizzy will reject a proposal from Mr. Collins. Can you be sure that Papa will support you? Or will he support his favorite daughter." Though Jane could not be certain her father would take Elizabeth's side, it did not hurt to remind her mother of his partiality. "Promising Mr. Collins a bride who is certain to reject him will only anger and humiliate him. He will be less likely seek an attachment to any of your other daughters, should they even be willing. In fact, I would expect him to marry outside of the family. You must know there is little chance the new mistress would wish to maintain you in the household."
"Jane, that is preposterous. And not even worth considering. Your father will see sense and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins." Jane could see that her mother was starting to consider the ramifications of encouraging Mr. Collins toward Elizabeth.
Still, Jane thought it a flimsy defensive and one likely to fail, for her mother did not think long on things that did not please her or conform to her particular sentiments. But it might just grant her some time.