Elizabeth had left so early that when she returned to Longbourn, most of her family was still abed. When she got to her room, she crawled back under the covers, to take the chill off as well as to get cozy with her thoughts. That was where Jane found her sometime later.
"Lizzy, did you fall ill on your walk? It is not like you to be back in bed, and with your walking dress still on." Jane was concerned. She sat on the side of Elizabeth's bed and put a hand to her sister's forehead.
"I just needed to rest and reflect, and the bed looked so inviting I could not resist."
"I knew you wanted to speak to me yesterday and I did not make time you for in my excitement. I am so sorry, Lizzy. This is but another way that I have failed you. I am so very selfish."
"Jane, I am well," Elizabeth reassured her sister and wondered at the cause of her sister's reaction. "And, of course, you are not selfish! Your goodness is an example to us all. And I can think of no way in which you have failed me or anyone else."
"I try to be good, but it seems I only do so when it will serve me or make my life easier. How easily I dismiss anything that would interfere with that."
Elizabeth grasped Jane's hand, "Why do you say this? What has upset you so? Please do not worry yourself on my account. I did want to speak with you but that is hardly reason to blame yourself so. In fact, it is just as well for I have far more need to speak with you now."
At that moment, Mrs. Bennet burst into the room. "Lizzy, why are you still in bed, child? Change your dress and go downstairs so you can entertain Mr. Collins. You must be nice to him, for you know your father will hide in his bookroom while Jane and I make our visits."
Elizabeth refused. "I cannot. I will not."
"Mr. Collins has decided on you, Lizzy and you shall be mistress of Longbourn one day. I cannot understand your resistance."
"Though I have not been granted the courtesy of being consulted, I say this to you now, I am, most certainly, decided against Mr. Collins."
"Oh, you do vex me. I will go to your father, and I will see two daughters engaged, if not married, before the year ends."
"That very well may occur, but it does not stand that Mr. Collins will be among the engaged parties. Not only do I find him repellant in every way but there is another gentleman who has my attention." During her repose, she had weighed the benefits of acknowledging Mr. Darcy's preference and her mother's resulting effusions versus staying silent and being forced into Mr. Collins' presence or worse. She opted for the former.
"Lizzy!" Jane's exclamation did not quite mask Mrs. Bennet's gasp of surprise. Lizzy stood up to pace while her mother dropped onto to the bed by Jane.
"Mr. Darcy has asked to call on me today." Elizabeth instantly cut off the squeal that threatened to escape from her mother. "Please, Mama, do not become too excited. If you promise not to make much of it, I will tell you more. Do you promise?" Mrs. Bennet had pressed the fingers of both hands to her lips when Elizabeth first silenced her. She had not removed them as she was unsure if she could contain herself, so she only nodded.
"Mr. Darcy and I have had an opportunity to talk. We spoke frankly," Mrs. Bennet and Jane exchanged confused glances at the small smile that Elizabeth tried to disguise, "and we were able to clear up some of our disagreements. We would like the chance to get to know each other now that there are no misunderstandings between us. It is not a courtship or an engagement. Mr. Darcy has not made a pledge of any sort, but I would very much like to explore this. As discreetly as possible." She leveled her gaze on her mother. As Mrs. Bennet looked ready to burst, Elizabeth nodded to indicate her mother was welcome to share all she had been holding back.
"Lizzy, clever girl, Mr. Darcy, my goodness, I had thought as much yesterday but I did not dare believe, and so Mr. Collins…" The words were released in a rush on great exhale, as if Mrs. Bennet had not only been holding her words but her breath as well. "Of course, you must stay home if Mr. Darcy is to call. How much I shall have to tell this morning!"
"Mama, Lizzy is correct, we must be discreet. It will serve no purpose to excite the anticipation of the neighborhood. For what if nothing comes of it? It would be intolerable."
"Oh, yes. Mrs. Goulding would no doubt have something to say. I can just hear her snide comments now. I will not give her cause to gloat over me!" Mrs. Bennet was indignant at the imagined slight.
"Of course, but I was thinking of Lizzy. And there is Mr. Collins to consider," Jane said.
"Mr. Collins' feelings are the very last thing we need to consider, Jane." Elizabeth was adamant.
"While I do not wish for anybody to be hurt, even Mr. Collins, that is not of which I speak. His patroness is Mr. Darcy's aunt. We have all heard Mr. Collins speak at length of her involvement in the lives of her rector and her parish. It may be unjust, but I believe her attention to her very own nephew might extend beyond that to be expecially intrusive. If Mr. Collins were to inform her, she may have strong opinions about any potential attachment Mr. Darcy may form."
"She would disrupt my Lizzy's engagement! It would be just like that toadying Mr. Collins to sabotage everything!" Mrs. Bennet was becoming quite agitated. "I would not trust him not to do so intentionally, the odious man."
Despite herself, Elizabeth was amused. Only moments ago, her mother was encouraging a match with that same odious man. "Perhaps, you could take him with you and persuade one of our neighbors to host him for supper."
"But then one of them might get their clutches into him," cried Mrs. Bennet.
"You just said he was odious." Jane gently reminded her.
"If he were to come between Lizzy and Mr. Darcy then he would be, but he still might do for Mary. Oh, three daughters married, I shall be overcome."
"Mama, I cannot keep up with your brain."
"Thank you. That is the nicest thing you have ever said to me, Lizzy. All this time, I am the only one thinking about preserving Longbourn and our place it." Elizabeth had meant her comment in jest, but she recognized the correctness of her mother's words.
Jane had not come this far only to see Mr. Collins' attentions transferred to another sister. "While Mary would be well situated as a rector's wife, I do not think this particular rector would offer her any contentment. However, for the moment, we should concern ourselves with allowing Lizzy and Mr. Darcy the opportunity to meet without any interference from Mr. Collins."
"Oh, very well. Mr. Collins may come with us. It is sensible I suppose. I will make some excuse for Lizzy to stay home. Down to breakfast both of you, and then you can ready yourself for your gentlemen."
~OJ~
Mr. Bennet's morning peace was interrupt by a servant informing him that Mr. Darcy was requesting to see him. Curious, he consented to see the younger man. He could count on one hand the number of conversations the two had shared. Conversation might be a generous description. They had both been in the same room when the other imparted information. Closing his book and setting it aside, he stood when Mr. Darcy entered the room.
"Mr. Darcy, I am sorry. Did we have an appointment? I have nothing in my diary." He picked up a book and flipped through it to prove the truth of his words, as there was literally nothing at all in his diary. He gestured for Darcy to take a seat.
"No, sir, my apologies for imposing on your time. There has been a development I would like to discuss with you."
"Is this about that Wickham fellow? My wife was good enough to inform me of his depravity."
"It is not about Wickham, but I do encourage you and your daughters to be cautious if you encounter him in the future."
"I hear you have run him off most successfully so I am sure that we shall not be called upon to exercise such caution. Is that all?"
"It is not. As it happens, I did not come to Longbourn with the intent to speak with you today. However, it is to my great advantage that I do." He fidgeted a bit, concentrating on balancing his hat on his knee. "I find myself intrigued by Miss Elizabeth. I would like to get to know her better. I have asked if I may call on her and she has granted me that privilege. Regarding this conference with you, my purpose is twofold."
"I assume one of them is to explain how this came to be. I admit I know nothing of your interest in Lizzy."
"Threefold, then," Darcy corrected himself. He proceeded to tell Mr. Bennet his recent conversations with Elizabeth, leaving out that fact they had met alone earlier that morning.
Mr. Bennet was thoughtful for a moment, "That is one."
"My primary purpose today was to assure you that my intentions are honorable. It is not my practice to trifle with a respectable young lady. I would like to get better acquainted with Miss Elizabeth in order to see if we may suit, or if our earlier disapprobation is insurmountable. I am not trying to create expectations, but I want you to know I do not take this on lightly and will give due consideration to not only my own future but Miss Elizabeth's as well."
"And that is two," Mr. Bennet said with surprising equanimity.
"Finally, I know Mr. Collins believes he will be given the honor of your daughter's hand. I am here to plead that you do not allow that to happen. Miss Elizabeth deserves the world, full of love and joy, not a tiny colorless existence in Hunsford with that buffoon and my overbearing aunt." Darcy's words were heated.
"And that is three. Despite your earlier claim, I believe this is the crux of the issue and the most revealing. You were almost fiery there. I suppose it is good that Lizzy can upset your equilibrium. Let me ask you a question, does my Lizzy deserve a world of love and joy or a world of love and joy with you? Do not worry. I do not demand an answer that you are not prepared to give. However, you may call at your leisure. As to Collins, Lizzy will not be forced to wed anyone she does not wish to, Mr. Darcy." Mr. Bennet waited to see if his meaning was understood. Once satisfied he picked up his book again.
"Do you not have more questions for me?" Darcy asked,
"Would I be correct in assuming that as a schoolboy you often asked questions that resulted in more assignments?" Mr. Bennet laughed. "Never mind, I can see by your expression it was so. Very well, if you insist…Oxford or Cambridge?"
"Cambridge."
"Good man. Do you read, Mr. Darcy?"
"Yes, frequently."
"And your library?"
"Extensive, both at Pemberley and my home in London. I am currently re-reading Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson."
"Do you play chess?"
"I do, quite well, in fact."
"Do you enjoy a ball, Mr. Darcy?"
"I am afraid I see them as a necessary evil. Though I admit, my perspective may alter depending on future circumstances. And before you ask if I prefer brandy or port, I enjoy both, but brandy is more to my liking. And I have never been partial to cigars."
Mr. Bennet chuckled, "You caught on quickly. If nothing else, we shall prove to have some areas of compatibility."
"Do you not have any more substantial questions for me?" Darcy had come prepared to make his case.
"Mr. Darcy, you are simply asking me to call on my daughter. While I appreciate the courtesy it is not entirely necessary. I can promise you a more rigorous interrogation should your relationship progress." He picked up his empty diary and let his pencil hover above one of the many blank pages. "Shall we fix the time now? I imagine I will see you again before the fortnight is out. If you can rid my house of Collins, I would be willing to entertain you again within the week though.