Chapter 13
At four o'clock exactly the sound of hooves could be heard coming into the yard. The family immediately assembled to greet Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet said little, but the ladies decided to give the poor man a chance. Mr. Collins needed little encouragement as he was little inclined towards silence. His manners were overly formal and spoke of a man who took himself far too seriously.
After getting settled into the guest room, Mr. Collins joined the family for tea and to await afternoon callers. Kitty and Lydia were working on reading a book of poems assigned by Miss Watson in French, while Mary worked on a German collection of fairy tales recommended by Mrs. Gilchrest. Lizzy and Jane were working on their drawing skills, as Miss Watson referred to their sketches of nature as atrocious. Mr. Collins enquired as to the reading of his younger cousins.
"Mr. Collins, I am afraid my sisters are working on reading assigned by our governess and are likely focused on that. But my middle sister, Mary, reads a book of fairy tales. My two youngest sisters, Kitty and Lydia, are reading some poetry."
"I have often observed how little young ladies are interested by books of a serious stamp, though written solely for their benefit. It amazes me, I confess; for, certainly, there can be nothing so advantageous to them as instruction. Though I do wonder at the estate being able to afford a governess. But I will no longer importune my young cousin."
With that Mr. Collins started to discuss his most recent sermon and the comments of his patroness with the eldest two Bennet sisters. Lizzy found her attempts at delicate flower petals had become quite heavier since starting to listen to Mr. Collins inane chatter. A glance at Jane and Lizzy nearly snorted with laughter. Jane had started drawing flower that looked remarkable like gears. Lizzy knew that when Jane wasn't focusing she occasionally would start drawing random mechanical parts. Jane wasn't even listening, instead she had begun to occasionally insert a "yes" and "how lovely" when Mr. Collins paused for breath.
When the girls retired to their rooms for the afternoon before dinner, the less standard educational materials would come out. Lydia, Kitty, and Mary would complain over their sums and natural science lessons. Jane and Lizzy would start pouring over the latest publication from the Royal Society that arrived in the mail this morning to report to Mr. and Mrs. Gilchrest. And the sisters would be restricted to talking in German when Mr. Collins was not in company. Tomorrow it was to be Italian. All complained at the threat of adding Greek to the rotation, for no sister felt up to carrying around a dictionary.
When the dinner bell rang, all trudged down the stairs. Soon after sitting down for dinner, Mr. Collins complimented Mrs. Bennet on having such lovely daughters as they would make fine brides. He immediately jumped into the importance of marriage to a clergyman and his desire to marry one of his lovely cousins, at the recommendation of his most esteemed patroness.
"You are kind, I am sure; and I only hope that it may prove to be so. Things are settled so oddly." Mrs. Bennet attempted felt now was an appropriate time to see if this man was even worth her time. Of course, he would never be good enough for her daughters; but should he be amiable and a good sort of person, Mrs. Bennet would be happy to assist him in finding a wife without the last name Bennet.
"You allude, perhaps, to the entail of this estate."
"Ah! sir, I do indeed. It is a grievous affair to my poor girls, you must confess. Not that I mean to find fault with you, for such things I know are all chance in this world. There is no knowing how estates will go when once they come to be entailed."
"I am very sensible, madam, of the hardship to my fair cousins, and could say much on the subject, but that I am cautious of appearing forward and precipitate. But I can assure the young ladies that I come prepared to admire them. At present, I will not say more; but, perhaps, when we are better acquainted—"
With that he began to praise everything in the dining room: the cutlery, the furniture, the decorations, and the potatoes. Though he did question the expenditure of such fine cuts of meat and the over indulgence on finer decorations and again brought up the expense of a governess. Mr. Bennet merely stated that while the manner is in his possession, he may choose to spend its income however he pleases. At this, Mr. Collins seemed rather disgruntled and moved to protest but was quickly silenced by the removal to the sitting room. It was quickly agreed upon that all were tired and the party were quite happy to disperse earlier than usual. The Bennet sisters quickly found themselves ensconced within Jane's room, two footmen standing watch down the hall.
"Lord how ridiculous Mr. Collins is."
"Lydia, it is not charitable to say that about anyone."
"Even if you know it to be true." With that Lydia and Kitty burst into giggles.
"Well, I am quite glad mother did not allow us to wear our nice frocks or we would have listened to him wax on about how fine Lady Catherine's gowns were. And we all know that no gown is superior to the ones I design with Madame Durand."
Lydia, whose head was always in some fashion magazine or the other was insistent on designing (down to fabric and accessories) for every sister. Lydia's least favorite thing about Meryton was the fact that they could not wear all the fine gowns she designed. So she had decided to start looking at designing country gowns. While not a feature of the Haute Ton, she was quite sure that only a visionary such as herself could bring fashion and grace to daily wear. Kitty on the other hand enjoyed helping Lydia with selecting colors and patterns, sometimes she would help design the embroidery for the gowns. The pair of them often came up with lovely designs that, in exchange for sole access to the design, Madame Durand often created their clothes at a steep discount. Their Uncle Gardiner would supply the fabrics, which had all been selected by Kitty and Lydia ahead of time as to what would come into fashion and what was lovely. As a result, Madame Durand sold dresses by the mysterious designer L and the finest fabrics. Her store flourished and only the top of society could get an appointment.
Her sisters minded little for it meant no effort on their part was expended in choosing clothes other than to stand with one's arms outstretched. Jane, Lizzy, and Marry were hopeless when it came to anything that involved colors, patterns, or fashion in general. As such, Kitty and Lydia took great delight in selecting every purchase and outfit. The sisters were quite close and allowed each of their strengths to shine. This Mr. Collins would have a force to reckon with when he came against the Bennet sisters. If only he knew that any Bennet sister had a deeper understanding of literature, culture, and society in their little finger than he had in his entire body.
The sisters agreed that Mr. Collins was to be watched and agreed that no sister was to be left alone for the duration of his stay. While in the family apartments, they were quite safe with a footman on duty to ensure no unwanted visitors, but Mama had warned them that stupid men often get desperate and attempt to force the desired outcome.
Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society; the greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father; and though he belonged to one of the universities, he had merely kept the necessary terms, without forming at it any useful acquaintance. The subjection in which his father had brought him up had given him originally great humility of manner; but it was now a good deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the consequential feelings of early and unexpected prosperity. A fortunate chance had recommended him to Lady Catherine de Bourgh when the living of Hunsford was vacant; and the respect which he felt for her high rank, and his veneration for her as his patroness, mingling with a very good opinion of himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his right as a rector, made him altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility.
Having now a good house and a sufficient income, he intended to marry. With his future inheritance, he would need an heir and Lady Catherine was quite insistent that it was his moral obligation to be an example in the parish. He had decided he would choose one of his fine cousins, as he was to inherit their estate, they must defer to him and be grateful for the honor of a proposal from a man of such import and as eligible as he. Miss Bennet's lovely face confirmed his views, and established all his strictest notions of what was due to seniority; and for the first evening she was his settled choice.
The following afternoon, the sisters decided to walk to Meryton. All her sisters, except Mary agreed to go, and Mr. Collins volunteered to escort them. Mr. Bennet immediately assigned two footmen to assist in protecting his daughters. Mary recalling the conversation the night before promised to remain close to Mrs. Bennet in the house so as not to be caught unaware. The sisters were not sure which of them Mr. Collins had decided would be his intended.
"Mr. Bennet, surely the footmen cannot be spared from their duties. For such an expense to the estate as footmen must render them necessary in some other duties than as escorts."
"Mr. Collins, one would start to assume that you are not here to mend a breach but rather to check my spending of my own money."
"Well, Lady Catherine has often said that one must pay head to one's station and not overspend on little luxuries that are unnecessary."
"Mr. Collins, should I find myself interested in either the opinions of yourself or Lady Catherine on what is necessary on my estate or where it comes to the protection of my daughters I shall inform you. But I assure you, I am quite capable of making such decisions."
"But sir, I have offered my protection, I am quite sure that shall be sufficient."
"Indeed? I have known you for a night, what makes you think I should trust my daughter's safety to you."
"I am far more trust worthy that those sinners you have assigned."
"Sinners? My servants are entirely trustworthy and dependable people."
"Sir. God has seen to punish them. It is well documented that the lower classes are of a much courser moral character. You should be wary to trust a lady in the company of those of a lower class."
"Mr. Collins, I will not hear such drivel from your mouth in this house while I am still alive. Each servant and tenant on this estate is to be treated with respect. I shall not have you disparaging or moralizing to them."
"Mr. Bennet, surely you-"
"Good day Mr. Collins."
With that, Mr. Bennet ended the conversation and went to find his wife. While he had little hope for Mr. Collins, he did not expect the man to take on the views that servants were such because they were being punished by God. Several comments over dinner the previous evening had cemented Mr. Bennet's belief on Mr. Collin's view on women. He was grateful that it appeared his daughters were quite determined to fend him off.
In pompous nothings on his side, and civil assents on that of his cousins, their time passed till they entered Meryton. The attention of the younger ones was then no longer to be gained by him. Their eyes were immediately wandering up in the street in quest of the officers, and nothing less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop window, could recall them.
But 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. All were struck with the stranger's air.
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. His appearance was greatly in his favor; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address.
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, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger. Both changed color, one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat—a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return.
Mr. Collins, having observed the interaction, concluded that as Miss Bennet seemed to already have a suitor, he should switch his attentions to Miss Elizabeth. Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham walked with the young ladies to the door of Mr. Phillip's house, and then made their bows. The two footman followed a way back, warily eyeing the new gentlemen who had joined the group.
Upon reaching Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Phillips issued an invitation to her card party for the new gentlemen. The invitation was quickly accepted. In that an afternoon was spent discussing the events in Meryton. The Misses Bennets took note on what neighbor seemed to have landed on hard times so that they might take a basket. At the conclusion of the visit, the sisters agreed to return the following afternoon for the card party. The footmen had spent the visit in the corner of the room watching their charges.
As they walked home, Elizabeth asked Jane about the look that had passed between Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy. It had appeared the two knew one another, but she could no more explain their behavior than her sister. Mr. Collins on his return, extoled the virtues of Mrs. Phillips and her politeness at including him in the invitation for the next evening.
