"Oh, Mr. Collins! You do honor us with your intentions. However, I must caution you. Our Jane is much sought after and not one to be promised." Mrs. Bennet cooed sickeningly. "Being the eldest and most beautiful of my daughters, she has caught the eye of a very handsome and wealthy man, a fine gentleman, indeed. It is likely that she is very soon engaged. As to my younger daughters I cannot not take it upon myself to say, as I cannot not positively answer, but I do not know of any prepossession."
Disappointed though he was, Mr. Collins forged ahead. "Then Miss Elizabeth has no claims upon her, you say?"
Mrs. Bennet's excitement rose, trusting that she might soon have two daughters married. "I believe Lizzy is unattached. It is providential, her being so practical and sensible, that she has remained so, that she could attract the consideration of her father's heir and a man of cloth. I am sure she will receive your attentions with alacrity."
"Though not as comely as her elder sister, she is a well-formed young lady and quite energetic too. Yes, she will do quite nicely." Mr. Collins uttered, almost to himself. "She cannot but be pleased by my notice."
Jane Bennet silently stepped away from the door and leaned back against the nearby wall. She could not bear to hear more. What she had already heard left her both breathless and tearful. "Poor Lizzy," she whispered. She could not stand there much longer without being discovered. Seeking some time alone, she escaped to the garden.
How could her mother think such things? The way she allowed Mr. Collins to talk about her dearest sister made her ill. She had encouraged him. The fool. As she paused, she was not quite sure to whom she was referring, her mother or Mr. Collins. She decided there was quite enough foolishness between them for both to lay claim to the appellation.
Very soon engaged, her mother had said. There was no guarantee that Mr. Bingley wished to marry. He was still very young. Nor was there any indication he wished to marry her. While she thought he favored her, so, too, had there been other gentlemen, who delighted in dancing with her or found ease in the quiet calm of her company.
Though she hoped to marry for love, and she thought she might just love Mr. Bingley, she could not be as certain as her mother. She knew, even in the absence of Mr. Bingley, her mother would never allow her to marry Mr. Collins. She had always stated Jane was meant for greater things.
"No, as the eldest, it is my duty," she said aloud. Her duty to protect her sisters where her parents could not and would not. She would see to it that Lizzy did not marry Mr. Collins. Such disparate sensibilities would ensure an unhappy union. She believed Mr. Collins would be largely oblivious but Lizzy would find only profound misery. It would not do.
Lizzy was convinced of Jane's goodness. Such sincere belief sometimes shook Jane to the core, for she did not know that she believed it herself. To what was her goodness attributed? She was pleasant to all. She tried to be an obedient and thoughtful daughter, a caring sister, and a helpful friend. She did not seek to gossip about her neighbors. As goodness goes it was all a bit frivolous, Jane thought. She had never challenged herself to stand for anything or engage in the greater good. This was her opportunity to confirm Lizzy's faith in her.
"Jane, is there anything the matter? You are quite lost in thought." Her father was before her, suddenly. Where had he come from? Mr. Bennet did not wait for an answer.
"I wish I could say the same. That man's incessant ramblings are quite fatiguing. The only thought I have is the desire for him to be off and leave me and my library in peace."
"Papa, regarding Mr. Collins, there is something I wish to discuss with you—"
"Unless you desire to wed the man today and take him from my presence posthaste, I wish to hear no more from, or of, him." Mr. Bennet jested. "At the very least grant me a reprieve and take him with you now." At her quizzical look, he prompted. "Lydia wishes to go into Meryton. You shall all accompany her and take Collins with you."
His comment immediately had Jane rethinking her intention to speak to her father about Mr. Collins' imminent pursuit of Lizzy. The very thought of Mr. Collins and Lizzy would strike him as hilarity in its grandest form. His amusement would overwhelm any alarm he might feel at such a pairing.
She chastised herself for thinking, even for a moment, that her father could be relied upon to listen to her concerns and provide a solution or even comfort. She knew he could not be persuaded as to the seriousness of the situation. Nor did she have any confidence that he would stand firm against her mother's wishes. Even recognizing that Lizzy was her father's favorite, he had never done anything to convince her that he loved his daughters more than he loved his peace.
Something of her distress showed on her face. Mr. Bennet paused in a rare moment of awareness for those around him. "Jane, child, what is it that troubles you?" The relief she felt at his question was short-lived. "You go along and entertain Mr. Collins, and I will reward you with some new ribbons for your sacrifice." With a pat to the shoulder and a parting smirk, he made his way back towards the house.
To his retreating form, Jane replied, "Nothing, Papa. I shall see to it myself."