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Chapter 28
After more than a week's worth of ribbons, dresses, and dance cards amongst their preparations and worries, the Bennet ladies were off, set to arrive at the ball in moments. They alighted the carriage and charged forward, with everything from matrimony to red coats consuming their minds.
The carriage would return to pick up Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins. Her father had promised her if she occupied Mr. Collins the afternoon prior, he would delay the carriage sparing her at least one of the first two sets she was required to promise to him.
Elizabeth never understood why a woman was not free to decline a dance with one man without refusing the rest. Was it not far worse manners to force a woman to dance with a man she did not prefer? Would it not ultimately cause further humiliation for a man to feel encouraged when his attentions were more than the lady may wish? For those who were particularly insensible to subtlety, Elizabeth felt it far more prudent to reject a man's suit through a refused dance than a refused offer of marriage, but she digressed, as she had little say in the matter of propriety's protocols. She understood that in an era where few rules were set but for the preservation of a man's authority, little consideration could be expected to be given to a women's comfort and dignity.
He arrived, eventually, still stinking, carrying on, and complaining the carriage was late. Insisting she give him another dance, she was determined to decline. She had filled her dance card to the best of her ability, sparing herself little humiliation in an effort to refuse him a replacement and putting herself forward more than was her usual wont. She had felt as though she were imitating Lydia, but it must be done, to spare herself worse indignities through the encouragement of Mr. Collins.
"It's not proper Mr. Collins. I have reserved two dances for you, at your request. You failed to show for one of them. It is never proper to add a third, and as I have explained, my dance card is otherwise full."
"But in such cases as these, once I explain the matter...," replied Mr. Collins
"No such case exists sir. If you prefer not to continue to dance this set, I will not hold it against you, as you have not yet learned the steps, but it would be wrong sir, to presume you can replace a ladies dance partner without her consent. Furthermore, If I were to remove a man from my dance card it would hardly be proper to dance with you."
He looked at her wide-eyed, about to object, but was intruded upon by Miss Bingley before he could make his sentiments known.
"My dear Miss Eliza, may I congratulate you on finding a suitor who is such an extraordinarily advantageous match for you. How eminently suitable he is for you." laughed Miss Bingley, who had approached them as they were finishing their set.
Deliberately being obtuse, as was the best she could accomplish in such a public setting, Elizabeth replied, "I can not know what you mean Miss Bingley, tis merely a dance. Your imagination is very rapid indeed, madam, to make such aspersions."
"I've had it from your mother Miss Eliza, you have every expectation of good fortune, and to think, with such a man, so deserving of you. I daresay, you'll have the benefit of all his advantages. What a person to connect yourself to, to the benefit of your entire family, who may continue on as they are." she replied gleefully.
Mr. Collins, both lacking the intellect and too inclined to think well of himself, quite missed that he was being mocked. He interjected, while thinking himself discreet, "Indeed, soon enough an announcement shall be made that pertains to my future happiness. I can only say, for now at least, that near as soon as I had arrived, I singled out which of my dear cousins would be my future partner in life."
Elizabeth was shocked, appalled, her humiliation complete, according to her feeling on the matter. It seemed nothing could discourage his suit, though she had tried at every turn, he failed to recognize her lack of enthusiasm for him. There was little she could do aside from work within the bounds of decorum and remind him incessantly of propriety, showing her lack of preference by giving him little license, and no preference. Mr. Collins may be too insipid to recognize the proper behavior in such circumstances, but Carolina Bingley certainly knew her behavior was lacking decorum and discretion, not to mention basic consideration for the prospect of another woman's entire future being taken away from her.
"Sir, I'm sure it is not appropriate to say any such thing," replied Elizabeth, dealing with the party she thought herself most likely to be able to sway.
"My dear cousin," cried Mr. Collins "I daresay soon everyone will know of our happiness."
"Sir, I am sensible of no such future happiness," replied Elizabeth. "I must insist you act with decorum as befitting a clergyman. What would your dear patroness say? Has she no concern that the rules of priority are considered and adhered to?"
"It is she that has sent me to you, dear cousin and I'm pleased to say she would approve of my choice. Lady Catherine is everything proper, as she always advises on how the rules of decorum must always be followed in accordance with preserving the distinction of one's rank."
"Mr. Collins it is not proper nor respectful to make such claims without the explicit consent of the intended bride or her father. I must insist that you desist immediately, sir." With that, Elizabeth gave a brief courtesy and whisked herself away. Determined to avoid Mr. Collins for the remainder of the evening. Though God only knew what he would espouse to her neighbors in the meantime, she was certain at least, it would be no worse than what her mother was saying.