AN: Here we have the results of the meeting between our dear pumpkin Mr. Collins and his Jane. Indeed, that encounter was too intimate to describe, or perhaps Mr. Collins kept talking and talking and would have bored everyone but Jane. Thank you to the gorgeous faeries who left their good comments! xoxo jest on you
CHAPTER 3
"This man?" Mr. Bennet frowned at his eldest daughter. "You would accept this man?"
"With all my heart," said Jane, smiling.
"But what of Mr. Bingley?"
"His sister writes that he is attached to Miss Darcy."
"Surely you do not believe the word of a jealous shrew."
"Papa!"
"I am sorry, my dear, but I admit that if I were a young lady such as yourself, I would prefer Mr. Bingley."
"I have nothing against Mr. Bingley. Indeed, he is everything a gentleman ought to be—only, I prefer Mr. Collins."
"But what of Lizzy?"
"What of Lizzy, papa?"
"Your mother must have made everyone within ten miles, including yourself, aware that Mr. Collins had proposed to your sister."
"That can only ascribe to Mr. Collin's good sense, for who could not admire my dearest sister. It is perfectly natural for him to see her as a desirable bride."
Mr. Bennet stared.
Jane smiled.
"He is my heir," spoke Mr. Bennet, choosing to ignore what had just been said by his daughter. "However, his title is not so important. If you have agreed to marry him because he is to inherit Longbourn, I will tell you that you do not have to. I do not plan on dying soon, but when I do, I promise you that you, your mother, and all of your sisters will be well enough without having to rely on Mr. Collin's kindness."
Jane assured her father that she was thinking of his death.
"I hope, then, that this is not a reaction to Mr. Bingley closing Netherfield," said Mr. Bennet.
"Oh, no, I hardly thought of Mr. Bingley either. Oh! That is not to say that Mr. Bingley is so insignificant. I am sure I will think of him, when mama or anyone speaks of the wonderful ball he threw with his sisters."
"Yes, what a delightful evening that was. But are you certain you are not trying to make Mr. Bingley jealous? I was young once too, my dear, as was your mother. I daresay it does young ladies a bit of good to be crossed in love sometimes, but to accept an engagement without really meaning to will do you no favours."
Jane assured her father that she meant to accept Mr. Collins's proposal.
"Then it is true? You wrote him a letter?"
"Yes." Jane was shy. "Did he share it with you?"
"Of course he did. He is Mr. Collins. I had hoped that your youngest sisters were involved."
"Oh, no, they would never joke so far as to write a false letter. It was mine."
"You really admire Mr. Collins." It was a statement, but one Mr. Bennet had trouble speaking. Really, if one had paid enough attention, one would have heard quite clearly the revulsion in his tone.
Of course Jane did not understand his incredulity, as she only willed herself to see and hear good, happy things. She nodded and smiled.
"Is this because of what Lydia says?" asked Mr. Bennet. "You know better than to listen to her young remarks. You are not a spinster yet, my dear. You are an exceptionally handsome, kind, and well-mannered lady. I am sure, if you are patient, you will find a better suitor."
"I think that Mr. Collins is a perfectly good suitor. It is just like you said, papa. I really admire him."
Mr. Bennet sighed. It was a deep, long, and painful sigh. "Then I suppose, because I love you and cannot refuse you, I have no choice but to give you my blessing and delight in the wonderful future in which Mr. Collins is not only my cousin and heir, but my son-in-law."
"Oh, thank you, dearest papa!"
"Send your Mr. Collins to me again, Jane. I fear I have left him waiting for my approval."