Although he would never say it aloud, the idea that Mr. Bennet had five pretty daughters of marriageable age had crossed Mr. Collins' mind; he thought it might be beneficial for all if he found one of them suitable for marriage. He knew that he could not put off marriage much longer, since he was already thirty years old. What was more, now that he was heir to an entailed estate, it was his responsibility to ensure that the estate was passed on to the next generation, and thus he should endeavour to father a child.
On his arrival, he found out two of the daughters were much younger than he expected. Generally speaking, seventeen or eighteen was the age when girls in London made their debut. Certainly, never had he come across a young lady in London who was out at fifteen. Thus, his options were confined to the three eldest daughters.
Upon speaking further with the Bennet daughters, he found Miss Mary's conversation very tiresome. Although Mr. Collins perceived himself as a virtuous man, he disliked talking about sermons day and night. He could not imagine marrying such a one as she. The two eldest daughters had remarkable intelligence and were very engaging. Out of all the five, they were the most comely. Even though beauty was not an essential requirement in his wife, it was still a desirable quality. Still, he barely knew these ladies. He would be careful to wait until he was certain he could get along with one of them before making any decisions, to avoid raising expectations or damaging their reputations.
Thus, in an effort to become better acquainted with the Bennets, he proposed to accompany four of the five Bennet daughters when they decided to walk to Meryton. Although Mr. Bennet did enjoy Mr. Collins' conversation, he did encourage the notion of the others walking to town, for he enjoyed nothing more than being alone in his library.
Thus, the group of five left for Meryton, Kitty and Lydia rushed ahead while Mr. Collins, Elizabeth, and Jane followed at a more leisurely pace. They spoke of inconsequential things and their thoughts on the scenery. When they went by a house or estate of someone they were acquainted with, they told Mr. Collins of the family living there. In this way, they passed their time contentedly until they reached Meryton. By the time they arrived in the town, the two younger ones had lost all interest in Mr. Collins. Their eyes moved up and down the street, looking for the officers. Nothing less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop window, could recall them.
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. The officer was the very Mr. Denny concerning whose return from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. Everyone was amazed by the charming demeanour of the handsome stranger and speculated as to his identity. With the goal of ascertaining the identity of the gentleman, Kitty and Lydia advanced to the other side of the street with an excuse of needing something from a store across the way. Thankfully, they had just stepped onto the pavement when the two gentlemen, who had turned back, had come to the same spot.
Mr. Denny spoke to them directly and requested their permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with him from town the day before and who was pleased to accept a position in their regiment. Jane then introduced their cousin, who gave a polite bow to the two other men.
Mr. Wickham had a very amiable manner and fine conversation. He was at once perfectly correct and unassuming. The whole party stood together, making ready conversation when the sound of horses drew their attention, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street. The gentlemen, upon recognising the ladies of the party, urged their horses in their direction. When they came near, they began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. Mr. Collins watched this interaction curiously, for no one had mentioned to him that any of the ladies were attached to anyone.
"We were just now on our way to Longbourn," said Mr. Bingley to Jane. "We thought to inquire how you were." Mr. Darcy collaborated Mr. Bingley's statement with a bow.
"I am quite well, sirs," Jane replied with a slight blush.
Bingley said something in response, but neither Mr. Collins nor Elizabeth paid much attention. Their attention had been arrested by the interaction between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. Upon straightening from his bow, Mr. Darcy caught sight of Mr. Wickham. The effect on the countenance of both was immediate; each was astonished to meet the other. Both changed colour; one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat—a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. While it was impossible to know the meaning of it, it also was impossible not to wonder. After a little while longer, Mr. Bingley, not having noticed what passed between the two men, took his leave and rode on with his friend.
Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham accompanied the young ladies and Mr. Collins to the front door of Mr. Phillips' house and bid them farewell, despite Miss Lydia's earnest insistence that they come in. Mr. Collins was shocked when Mrs. Phillips abruptly opened the window and boisterously seconded the invitation. Still, the two gentlemen declined and went on their way.
Mrs. Phillips was pleased to greet her nieces, and the two eldest, who had been absent from her home due to their stay at Netherfield, were especially welcomed. She was evidently astonished that they had returned home, as she would have had no knowledge of it had she not encountered Mr. Jones's shop-boy in the street. He had informed her that they would not need to send any more draughts to Netherfield as the Miss Bennets had departed. At this point, her attention was called away as Jane introduced Mr. Collins to her. She showed him the utmost respect, which he responded with even more, apologising for his unsolicited presence without any prior acquaintance with her. Mrs. Phillips, who was nothing if not hospitable, told him to think on it no further for she was glad to meet him and that his coming might be justified by his relationship to the young ladies who introduced him to her notice.
Mrs. Phillips was quite awed by the good-breeding and civility of the stranger. However, her contemplation of one stranger was soon put to an end by exclamations and inquiries about the other, of whom she could tell her nieces little they did not already know. It was fortunate that a number of the officers were to dine with the Phillipses the following day. Their aunt promised to get her husband to call on Mr. Wickham and extend an invitation to him as well if the family from Longbourn would also come in the evening. It was decided that they would have a pleasant, noisy game of lottery tickets, followed by a little bit of hot supper afterwards. The prospect of such delights was welcomed by all, particularly by Mr. Collins. He devoted such a large portion of his time to his business that it left him with little time for amusement. He appointed two of his men — one for each of his warehouses, to undertake many of the less important tasks — it was possible for him to visit his cousins. He was hoping that this would give him the opportunity to spend time on pursuits such reading, playing cards, and visiting his family more often.
As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she saw pass between the two gentlemen. Mr. Collins, who was a little behind them, happened to hear and suggested that, as the gentlemen obviously had something unpleasant between them, it might be best to consider anything one might say of the other with scrutiny.
"What do you mean, sir?" asked Jane.
"Only that I have seen often where a man who has a quarrel with another will exaggerate and sometimes outright lie about another. I do hate to say it, but I have been the victim of such defamation before."
"How terrible!" cried Jane.
"And the quarrel, was it settled between you and the other man?"
"It was settled in court. Often that is the only way to go about these things, when each party believes themselves in the right."
"I do not think either Mr. Wickham or Mr. Darcy would tell falsehoods about the other. What benefit could there be? I understand that in business that might be some advantage, but what could be a motive here?" asked Jane.
"Men are sometimes prideful, dear cousin, and that can be enough."
Elizabeth could not help but think back on Mr. Darcy's prideful manner, his admission of implacable resentment and an uncertain temper, and could very easily imagine such an occurrence. She was immensely curious about what the quarrel between the two men might be, but supposed she might never learn of it if neither man decided to share their burdens with her.
When they arrived home, Mrs. Bennet asked after her sister. She was highly gratified to learn that Mr. Collins had found Mrs. Phillips delightful. He added that he was most pleased to have been invited to attend the card party the next evening, even though he was previously unknown to her. Kitty and Lydia then drew Mrs. Bennet's attention with talk of Mr. Wickham and Mr. Denny, which allowed Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, and Mr. Collins to seek respite from the silliness in a less used room. Elizabeth was not given an answer the night before when she asked Mr. Collins what books he enjoyed, so she asked him again. They then spoke of books, plays, and the opera until the hour for dinner had come.