A/N- Dear readers, I'm heartbroken. I can imagine most of you think that the chapters are fine, and there is not much to say, and I'm absolutely gratified, but I was hoping for more reviews over the last chapter, since I asked for help over background information that only DizzyLizzy60 and Raina responded to. I'm looking for whatever canon information anyone might have about the older generation of Pride and Prejudice gor another story. Can anyone help? Thank you.
Mr Collins, having a good house and a very sufficient income, intended to marry; and in seeking a reconciliation with the Longbourn family he had a wife in view, as he meant to choose one of the daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were represented by common report. This was his plan of amends for inheriting their father's estate; and he thought it an excellent one.
Seeing them brought no change in the idea, for he found that words could not do justice to the beauty of Ms Bennet, nor to the agreeableness of Ms Mary. He knew that being the oldest, Ms Jane Bennet deserved to have his proposal, but in his hearts of hearts Mr Collins knew that Ms Mary was the only woman who could make him happy.
Fortunately for him, the next day at the breakfast table, his conversation with Mrs Bennet helped make up him mind. She told him that Jane and Lizzy were quite well loved, and that she had no doubt they would be engaged soon. Mr Collins was delighted with the news, but he did not let on his intentions, wishing to keep his feelings to himself till he had had a word with Ms Mary, and knew whether or not she was willing to spend her life with him. Mrs Bennet however, was much mistaken and supposed that it must be lively Lydia who would capture the gentleman's heart.
After breakfast, Lydia wished to walk to Meryton, and all her sisters but Mary agreed to accompany her. Mrs Bennet had extracted a promise from Mr Collins to accompany them, with her husband's approval, for Mr Bennet wished to have his study to himself, and welcomed the opportunity to get rid of the intruder. Mr Collins had gladly agreed at the time, for he felt that spending more time with Ms Mary would help him ascertain her feelings, as well as his own. He was hence, much disappointed when she announced that she did not particularly enjoy the journey and would much rather stay at home. There was nothing for him to do, however, so he set forth with the others, resolving to do his duty gallantly.
He certainly did seem to do his duty well, for he kept the young ladies much amused and thus passed the time well till their arrival to the said attention of the younger ones was then no longer to be gained by him. Their eyes were immediately wandering up in the street in quest of the officers, and nothing less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop window, could recall them.
But 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. All were struck with the stranger's air, all wondered who he could be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretense of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. Mr Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies of the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr Darcy corroborated it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger, and Elizabeth happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting.
Mr Wickham looked as though he had seen a ghost, and Mr Darcy too looked as though he could scarcely believe his eyes. After the first shock, however, was over, and they exchanged pleasantries, and after a few minutes Mr Bingley took leave and rode off with his friend.
Mr Denny and Mr Wickham walked with the young ladies to the door of Mr Phillip's house, and then made their bows, in spite of Miss Lydia's pressing entreaties that they should come in, and even in spite of Mrs Phillips's throwing up the parlour window and loudly seconding the invitation.
Mrs Phillips was always glad to see her nieces; and the two eldest, from their recent absence, were particularly welcome, and she was eagerly expressing her surprise at their sudden return home, which, as their own carriage had not fetched them, she should have known nothing about, if she had not happened to see Mr Jones's shop-boy in the street, who had told her that they were not to send any more droughts to Netherfield because the Miss Bennets were come away, when her civility was claimed towards Mr Collins by Jane's introduction of him. She received him with her very best politeness, which he returned with as much more, apologizing for his intrusion, without any previous acquaintance with her, which he could not help flattering himself, however, might be justified by his relationship to the young ladies who introduced him to her notice. Mrs Phillips was quite awed by such an excess of good breeding; but her contemplation of one stranger was soon put to an end by exclamations and inquiries about the other; of whom, however, she could only tell her nieces what they already knew, that Mr Denny had brought him from London, and that he was to have a lieutenant's commission in the —shire. She had been watching him the last hour, she said, as he walked up and down the street, and had Mr Wickham appeared, Kitty and Lydia would certainly have continued the occupation, but unluckily no one passed windows now except a few of the officers, who, in comparison with the stranger, were become 'stupid, disagreeable fellows.' Some of them were to dine with the Phillipses the next day, and their aunt promised to make her husband call on Mr Wickham, and give him an invitation also, if the family from Longbourn would come in the evening. This was agreed to, and Mrs Phillips protested that they would have a nice comfortable noisy game of lottery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper afterwards. The prospect of such delights was very cheering, and they parted in mutual good spirits. Mr Collins repeated his apologies in quitting the room, and was assured with unwearying civility that they were perfectly needless.
As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen pass between the two gentlemen; but though Jane would have defended either or both, had they appeared to be in the wrong, she could no more explain such behavior than her sister.
Mr Collins on his return highly gratified Mrs Bennet by admiring Mrs Phillips's manners and politeness. He protested that, except Lady Catherine and her daughter, he had never seen a more elegant woman; for she had not only received him with the utmost civility, but even pointedly included him in her invitation for the next evening, although utterly unknown to her before. Something, he supposed, might be attributed to his connection with them, but yet he had never met with so much attention in the whole course of his life.
A/N- Please review, I really need that information, since I can't start writing the story without it.