Chapter 16

November 18th 1811

At promptly four o'clock, Hill was presenting William Collins to the drawing room, where Mrs. Bennet, had been expectantly waiting for his arrival. Mr. Collins was a small greasy man and every bit as ridiculous, as Mr. Bennet though he would be. Proper introductions of each family member were made. Mr. Collins bowed to the ladies in a ridiculous manner, he bent all the way forward, to his knees, holding one hand out. He complimented the beauty of his cousins and began to pay Jane particular attention. Within five minutes of meeting the man, Mr. Bennet questioned his decision of letting his idiot cousin stay here. The family walked to the dining room and sat down. Mrs. Bennett made sure Mr.Collins was next to her and Kitty was to his left. Mary snickered at Kitty's position, which Jane responded to with a glare to Mary and a reassuring squeeze of Kitty's hand. The first course of dinner was served and Mr. Collins began a monologue about his beloved patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

"Lady Catherine is a fine woman and a perfect example of what a lady should be. Her Ladyship paid me a visit at my humble abode, right before my departure and complimented the alterations I have made to my home and made a few wise suggestions to changes I should make to my home. She gives the most advantageous advice, on her visit she also, instructed me to marry as soon as I could, for a man in my position must set an example for my parish."

Mrs. Bennett was the only person interested in hearing him continue to speak so she asked "Does her ladyship have any children?"

"She has a daughter, a Miss Anne de Bourgh, the heiress of Rosings, and is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that, in point of true beauty, Miss de Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex, because there is that in her features which marks the young lady of distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her from making that progress in many accomplishments which she could not have otherwise failed of, as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education, and who still resides with them. But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies." Mr. Collins replied.

"Has she been presented at court? I do not recall seeing her name on the list of debutantes." Mrs. Bennett inquired.

"Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine one day, has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea; and you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine, that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. These are the kind of little things which please her ladyship, and it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay."

"You judge very properly, and it is happy for you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?" Mr.Bennet said, which caused Lizzy and Mary merriment.

"They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible." Mr. Collins replied earnestly.

Feeling a lag in conversation Mr.Collins opted to compliment the food that he was finally able to start eating.

"What excellent boiled potatoes! Which of my fair cousins do I owe compliments to for the cooking?" Asked Mr. Collins expectantly

"We are quite able to keep a cook, sir." Mrs. Bennett replied feeling slighted by their guest.

Dinner was finished with relatively no conversation. And Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet retired to his study after the meal. The ladies had barely moved to the drawing room, when Mrs. Bennet started to berate her eldest "Kitty, you need to stop scowling and smile, no man wants a sullen wife." Kitty coughed to keep from laughing at her mother's instruction "And stop coughing no man wants a sick wife either." As the ladies entered the drawing room, there was a bustle to be seated, so that no one was stuck with Mr. Collins.

Meanwhile Mr.Collins, was boring his host with a description of Rosting's fine library and how there were several fireplaces throughout the room to keep it the proper temperature. Mr. Bennet watched the clock on the mantle of the fireplace counting the minutes until he was free of this ridiculous man. As soon as the proper amount of time passed and Mr. Bennet could rejoin the ladies, Bennet cut off Mr.Collins mid-sentence and walked out.

Mr. Bennet's long legs walked directly into the drawing room and he picked a seat between his youngest daughter and eldest who, Mr. Collins had probably set his sights upon. Jane lacked the spirit to warn off Mr. Collins attentions outright, whereas his younger daughters would cast down any offers from the man. When Mr.Collins entered the room he was disappointed that the seat by Miss Bennet was taken. Miss Elizabeth was sitting next to Miss Kitty. Miss Lydia was sitting next to Mrs. Bennett. Mrs. Bennett frowned at the seating arrangements and found thought of the perfect way to arrange the seating to her satisfaction.

"Oh Lizzy, Mrs. Hill seems to have forgotten the lemon pastries, be a dear and check on that." Mrs.Bennett said

Lizzy rang for Mrs. Hill. Mrs. Bennet scowled and said "I need your assistance in the kitchen, Elizabeth."

"Whatever for?" Lizzy replied being deliberately obtuse to the fact that Mrs. Bennett was trying to get her to move, so Collins could sit next to Kitty.

"Come now, Lizzy" Mrs. Bennett said glaring at Elizabeth.

Mr.Collins interjected "My dear cousin, you need to listen to your Aunt, she has done a great service in helping raise you and your sisters, who are motherless, and I am aware of how hoyden like girls without a mother turn out."

Everyone, bar Mrs. Bennett looked in shock as Mr. Collins finished. Mrs Bennet looked triumphantly at Lizzy. When Lizzy responded "Mr. Collins, I wonder what, service she may have done in raising a ladies who were all above seven and ten, when we started living with her."

Mr. Collins looked confused and said "Mrs. Bennett, I thought you said in your letter that you helped raise your nieces out of the goodness of your heart."

Mrs. Bennett stuttered and replied "Well, I have been helping raise them since my arrival at Longbourn, you see."

Mr. Bennet looked at his sister amused that she tried to recommend her daughters to Mr. Collins, by saying that she was charitable to the clergyman.

Mrs. Hill walked in the room. " Miss Elizabeth, might I have a moment of you time?"

Lizzy reluctantly followed Mrs.Hill, Mr. Collins took this time to sit next to Kitty. Mr. Collins decided that he would read Fordyce's Sermons, for his cousins benefit, so they could learn how to behave like ladies, since they've lacked instruction for so long.

Lizzy returned to the room shortly looking pale much quieter than before. Mr. Collins opened the book and Lydia gaped at the sight. Collins took this moment to observer each of his cousins and pick one that he would direct his attentions to. Jane, who was the eldest and most attractive and had easy manners was the clear winner, but he needed to be sure. Elizabeth was pretty, and had easy manners but she was giggling in the middle of dinner and her ladyship would not approve, though she seemed reserved now, maybe with the right influence she could be acceptable. Mary was plain and she giggled along with her sister, she was not an option. Kitty who was sitting next to him was a possible choice, but she looked disgruntled and was quite rude, sighing while he was speaking, she too was not an option. Lydia, was loud and rude even though she was next in beauty, only behind Jane, she was definitely not appropriate.

Before Collins had, with very monotonous solemnity, read three pages, Lydia interrupted him with: "Do you know, mamma, that Denny, is bringing a friend back from London and Colonel Forster will hire him. My aunt told me so herself on Saturday. I shall walk to Meryton tomorrow to hear more about it, and ask Mr. Denny for an introduction comes back from town."

Mary and Jane reprimanded their younger cousin even though everyone in the room was bored to tears from Collins reading.

"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. But I will no longer importune my young cousin." Collins replied disappointed, but confident that he would be able to repair his cousins' behavior before the end of his visit.

The family gather for cards, but Elizabeth and Jane retired early, for Jane was concerned about her sister's behavior since she had spoken with Hill. Mr. Collins was saddened by the loss of Jane, but knew tomorrow was a new day to begin his wooing of a certain lady.

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Upstairs Jane asked Lizzy "Why did Mrs. Hill need to see you?"

"It seems that Mr. Darcy was questioning Mrs. White about the owners of Netherfield and my relationship with them."

"What? We need to tell father!? Why did Mrs. White not tell him?" Jane exclaimed

"Jane, It is all my fault because Mr. Darcy saw me outside, my room, forgive me HIS room." Lizzy replied to her sister despondently "Anyways Mrs. Hill told Mr. Darcy that we were close friends with the daughters of the owners and spent a great deal of time there; she said he seemed satisfied with that answer, but she came to warn me, if he decided to mentioned it."

"Oh Lizzy, no worries all will be well, we shall be in London soon and away from the Netherfield Party." Jane replied "But what will you do about your locket? It is too much of a risk for you to try to get it again."

"Oh Jane I would not dare try again, I will just have confess our visit to our aunt, once she returns and have her write a note, that she lost jewelry and have them check for it and send it to her." Lizzy replied

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Longbourn

November 19th 1811

The entire family minus Lizzy was gathered for breakfast. Mr. Collins wasted no time pursuing Jane, he raced to the empty chair next to her, displacing Mary to the seat next to him. Jane tried to handle his company as best as possible. She finally was able to escape his presence by taking her leave to go write a letter in her room. One by one each member of the family left the table until only Mary and Mr. Collins remained. Mary took this opportunity to discourage her eldest sister's new suitor.

"Sir, I feel that it is my duty to inform you that my eldest sister, was likely to be very soon engaged." Mary said to Collins

"Engaged! To whom!?" Mr. Collins demanded to know

"A gentleman, from the north who recently moved into the neighboring estate." Mary replied "The early bird gets the worm, Mr. Collins."

Just then Lizzy entered the room and Mr. Collins smiled at her and asked. "Cousin Elizabeth, how was you walk? Rosings has many beautiful paths and Lady Catherine encourages walks in the beautiful gardens of Rosings."

"My walk was refreshing, that sounds lovely Mr.Collins." with an irritated tone that escaped her cousin's notice.

Mary noticed that Mr. Collins had given up on Jane, but not on marrying into the family via another sister. Lizzy saw the gleam in her sister's eye and eyed her suspiciously.

Lydia came downstairs dressed for the walk to Meryton. Her intent to go to Meryton last night was not forgotten, and her cousins and sister decided It was best that they all came along to keep her in check, since Mr. Bennet was unwilling to. Kitty and Jane came down ready for the while Mary went upstairs to change.

Mr. Collins offered his services as an escort for his cousins, which no one could think of a reason to deny. Once Mary returned the six headed off toward Meyton. Mr. Collins had tried to engage Miss Elizabeth,in conversation, but she paired off with Miss Bennet, Miss Kitty and Miss Mary had also paired off. He thought to escort Miss Lydia, but she rushed ahead of the group. As soon as they had arrived in town Lydia eyes had begun scanning the streets for officers and soon she spotted one that she had been introduced to.

"Oh Captian Denny!" Lydia called out walking over to a set of gentlemen, one striking blonde in a red coat, the other extremely handsome and reminded Elizabeth of Mr. Darcy. The group began walking over to the gentlemen, following behind Lydia, who was eager to meet the new gentleman. Introductions were made to Captain Denny, and his new friend from London, Lieutenant Wickham.

Lieutenant Wickham was everything a gentleman should be charming, polite and well spoken.

The girls on their way to the millners were offered escort by the officers. The Lieutenant offered Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth his escort while Lydia was escorted by the Captain. Miss Mary and Miss Kitty kept their arms locked to prevent Mr.Collins from offering to escort them.

Soon the group was approached by two riders. Mr. Bingley called out smiling at the group "What a fortuitous encounter! We were just on our way to Longbourn." Darcy bowed to the group and looked over the company the Bennet women found themselves in. His eyes locked with a man he had known his entire life and who he was disgusted by the sight of. He could feel his anger rising and his face grew hot, while he started at Wickham.

Wickham looked up to see Darcy unexpectedly and he was afraid, he could feel the blood drain from his face. After their last encounter Wickham was sure Darcy would challenge him to a duel if he ever saw him again.

Elizabeth observed the gentlemen and saw one looked white, the other red. What could be the meaning of it? It was impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know.

Darcy could feel Elizabeth's eyes on him and Wickham, everyone else was listening to Bingley prattle on about Miss Bennet's health. At that moment he realized how close Wickham was to Elizabeth, he was touching her. HIS Elizabeth. He had to get her away from him, so Darcy did the unthinkable, he dismounted his horse.

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Darcy dismounted Apollo, grabbed his reigns and walked directly over to Wickham. Wickham saw the fury in Darcy's eyes and did the sensible thing and made his excuses and left. Darcy then replaced him as Elizabeth's escort. Elizabeth looked at Darcy with curiosity. Darcy knew she wanted an explanation, but he couldn't give her one, not without risking Georgiana's reputation. Captain Denny excused himself and followed his friend.

Bingley followed Darcy's dismount with one of his own and was headed over to Miss Bennet, when Miss Lydia latched onto his arm and said "Mr. Bingley since you scared away my escort, I am sure you will have no problem replacing him." Bingley obliged Lydia, reluctantly, he could not offer Miss. Bennet his other arm because he had to walk his horse. Jane walk up to Lydia and linked her free arm. She was not going to let her cousin push her out.

Mary saw the exchange between, Mr. Darcy and Lizzy and knew that they needed their privacy, so she did the unthinkable, she grabbed Mr. Collins arm and asked "Mr. Collins, Kitty and I would appreciate your escort back to Longbourn." Kitty glared at her cousin, but Mary smiled. If she was going to be stuck with their idiot cousin, she would not be doing it alone, besides he would still be attempting to woo Lizzy, for the remainder of his trip. Mary turns and smiles at Lizzy. Lizzy sees her and is not quite sure what her sister is up to.

Collins replied "Oh Miss Mary and Miss Kitty, I would be delighted to. I'm not sure if you have heard about the chimney at Rosings."

Mary rolled her eyes and pulled Mr. Collins and Kitty ahead to catch up to Mr. Bingley, Jane and Lydia to give Lizzy and Mr. Darcy some privacy.

Elizabeth sees Mary pull Collins and Kitty ahead of her and Mr. Darcy, she silently thanked her younger sister for her forward thinking. Lizzy knew her good fortune would only last so long before someone else noticed and stopped to wait for her and Darcy.

"Do you and your sisters often walk to Meryton?" Darcy asked breaking the silence

"Not very often, but we had the pleasure of making a new acquaintance just before you arrived."

Darcy tensed up at the reference to his sworn enemy.

"Mr. Darcy I could not help, but notice the apprehension between you and Mr. Wickham and I wonder if I could be of assistance?" Lizzy asked taking a risk to find out the reason for the tension between the two.

"Do you always involve yourself in other people's affairs?" Darcy asked accusingly. She was trying to mediate for him and Wickham and she had only just met the man! Had he already drawn her in with his lies?

"Only if I am trying to help them." Lizzy said exasperated. She thought to herself I don't even know why I tried to help him, He would never condescend himself to listen to me or explain anything. She began to walk quickly to catch up to the group. Darcy saw a look of hurt flash her eyes and he called out "Wait!" Lizzy froze in her tracks. Mary coughed loudly. All attention turned to her and she glared at Darcy, for drawing attention to him and Lizzy.

Mary announces "I feel being outside much longer will make me ill." And urges everyone to walk faster.

Darcy and Lizzy stay back to gain their privacy once more, As Longbourn came into the view of the group.

Darcy leans over and quietly says to Lizzy "Wickham cannot be trusted, that is all you need to know."

In true Lizzy fashion she asks "Why?"

"I cannot tell you, you just have to trust me." Darcy responds frustrated

"Trust you? Why should I trust you when you will not trust me?" Lizzy yelled in agitation, as she turned her back on Darcy and stormed into Longbourn.

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AN: Please Review. PS I've always wanted Darcy to get off his horse in PP, so I had to add that part.