That evening at dinner, Mr. Collins was even more exuberant and talkative than usual. He seemed to have a perpetual smile on his face as he regaled the table with effusive praises of Miss Lucas.
"My dear cousins," he declared. "I had the most delightful day in the company of your charming friend and neighbor, Miss Lucas. Such genteel manners and moral rectitude in one so young! Her wisdom far surpasses her tender years."
Mr. Collins helped himself to another large serving of pot roast as he continued waxing poetic. "Why, her insights into the workings of a proper household and estate management would make even my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, nod in approval."
He smiled and chewed, oblivious to the strained glances being exchanged around the table. Mrs. Bennet set her silverware down, food untouched, and clutched nervously at her necklace.
"I see..." she said faintly. "You clearly admire Miss Lucas a great deal."
"Oh indeed!" Mr. Collins enthused. "She is the very model of womanly virtue and modesty. Just this afternoon, I had the privilege of accompanying her on a stroll to Lucas Lodge. She comported herself with utmost decorum and propriety."
He shook his head in admiration while sopping up gravy with a dinner roll. "Such maidenly charm is rare in this modern age. Why, her gentle wisdom reminds me of the heroines of Fordyce's Sermons. You are truly blessed to have such an intimate friend, dear cousins!"
"Yes, Charlotte is a dear friend to us all," Elizabeth said carefully, keeping her tone neutral. She dared not glance at Jane or her father for fear of betraying the anxiety she felt.
Elizabeth forced herself to take slow, deep breaths, trying to ignore the swooping nervousness in her stomach. They still had time, Mr. Darcy was most likely in London right that moment purchasing a special license.
Mr. Collins was now expounding on how he had helped Miss Lucas avoid a mud puddle, enabling her to cross the path with nary a speck on her dainty slippers.
"Such chivalry, Mr. Collins," Mrs. Bennet interjected a little desperately. "I am sure Miss Lucas appreciated your gentlemanly intervention on her behalf." Under the table she gripped Elizabeth's hand tightly, anxiety written across her features.
Oblivious as always, Mr. Collins beamed. "But of course! What are relations for, if not to offer protection and guidance to innocent young ladies?" He shook his head pityingly. "In truth, I fear many influences in Meryton do not cultivate the proper feminine virtues. It is my duty to guard against such deterioration of morals."
Kitty and Lydia exchanged outraged glances down the table at this implied criticism. But for once, they held their tongues under Jane's quelling gaze.
"Naturally you take your duties seriously, as a parson and esteemed cousin," Elizabeth said diplomatically. Though her stomach twisted nervously, she maintained an outward calm. "Your wisdom does you credit."
Mr. Collins looked gratified by her praise. "Why thank you, Cousin Elizabeth! It gladdens me to hear you appreciate the gravity of my responsibilities."
Mrs. Bennet gave Elizabeth's hand another anxious squeeze. They could only hope empty compliments would distract their cousin from acting on any intentions toward Miss Lucas, at least until Mr. Darcy returned.
But judging by the brooding look on Mr. Bennet's face, they could not depend on Mr. Collins' inflated sense of self-importance to restrain him for long. No, Mr. Darcy must hurry back with the special license if they had any hope of preserving Longbourn.
Elizabeth picked at her food, appetite diminished by worry. All she could do was silently will Mr. Darcy to make haste.
The next morning, Elizabeth could scarcely choke down her breakfast for anxiety that Mr. Collins would announce an engagement to Charlotte Lucas over the morning meal.
But oddly, their cousin did not come down to breakfast at his usual hour. The family exchanged puzzled glances, wondering at his absence. Until Hill entered with an urgent summons.
"Pardon me, but Mr. Bingley is here requesting to see Miss Bennet."
Jane's eyes grew round at this unexpected visit. Mrs. Bennet let out an excited shriek, leaping to her feet. "Mr. Bingley, here to see you! Oh, my dear girl!" She rushed forward to grasp Jane's shoulders. "This must mean...oh, surely we are to hear the hoped-for news at last!"
Jane's cheeks bloomed pink. "Let us not assume, Mama," she chided gently. But there was a spark of anticipation in her eyes as she rose gracefully to receive their guest.
Elizabeth felt a smile spread across her own face as she followed her mother and Jane out of the breakfast parlor. Under the circumstances, such happy news was just what they needed to lift their spirits and distract from worrying over Mr. Collins.
They found Mr. Bingley pacing nervously in the drawing room. When his eyes landed on Jane, he seemed to come to a decision. Stepping forward, he grasped her hand fervently.
"My dear Miss Bennet," he began. "From the first moment I saw you, I felt you were the most beautiful creature I had ever beheld." Jane's blush deepened but she did not pull away.
"Over time, as I have had the privilege of knowing you better," Mr. Bingley continued earnestly, "your beauty within and strength of character have utterly confirmed you as the only woman I could ever wish to marry."
He dropped to one knee before her. "If you would do me the greatest honor, Miss Bennet, of consenting to be my wife..."
Jane seemed too overcome for speech, merely nodding as joyful tears sprang to her eyes. But the brilliance of her smile left no doubt of her answer.
Mrs. Bennet did not hesitate to supply the verbal response. "Yes! Oh, yes, she accepts, Mr. Bingley!" she trilled, dabbing at her own eyes as she beamed. "Oh, my dear Jane, such fortune!"
Mr. Bingley's face lit up with a triumphant grin as he rose and ardently kissed Jane's hand. Elizabeth hurried forward to offer heartfelt congratulations, embracing her overjoyed sister.
"I am so happy for you both," she declared warmly. Mr. Bingley smiled appreciatively.
"This is the most joyous day!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, fanning herself rapidly. "My dear Jane, engaged to such an esteemed gentleman! Oh, we must begin planning the wedding at once. Let me see, there is your trousseau to assemble, and the wedding breakfast to arrange..."
She bustled off, chattering happily about all the preparations to be made, too distracted even to question Mr. Bingley on the particulars of his finances.
Elizabeth shook her head in amusement. "Do not mind Mama, she is just excited for Jane."
Mr. Bingley beamed. "As well she should be! I consider myself the luckiest man in England today." He turned back to Jane, love and admiration glowing in his eyes.
Jane returned his besotted gaze. "I am the fortunate one, to have gained such a good and generous man's love."
Their joy was infectious, and Elizabeth felt her own spirits lifted at the prospect of Jane's happiness being secured at last. Perhaps the dawn was finally brighter after the long, worrisome night.
Mr. Collins waited until the joyful commotion had drawn all from the breakfast room before quietly slipping away upstairs. Judging by the gleeful shrieks still audible from below, Mrs. Bennet would be thoroughly distracted making wedding plans for some time.
Perfect. Today was the day - he would make his way to Lucas Lodge and secure his own bride. Then Longbourn would be his, and the Bennets left to lament their folly in crossing him.
Donning his best coat and hat, Mr. Collins stole out the door unseen. As he hurried off toward Lucas Lodge, he allowed himself a smug smile. Today, at long last, he would claim his rightful inheritance and have the last laugh on his presumptuous cousins.
Arriving on the Lucas' doorstep, he schooled his features into a mask of sympathy and benevolence. The servant showed him in to the sitting room, where Charlotte sat mending a dress. She looked up in surprise at his entrance.
"Mr. Collins! To what do I owe the honor?"
He took a seat across from Charlotte and smiled benevolently. "My dear Miss Lucas, I have come today with a matter of great import to discuss."
Charlotte set her mending aside, regarding him curiously. "Indeed? I am all ears, Sir."
"Might I propose we take a turn about the grounds?" Mr. Collins suggested. "The fine weather invites us out of doors."
Charlotte agreed and soon they were strolling through the gardens of Lucas Lodge, Mr. Collins extolling the many virtues of exercise and fresh air.
When they had walked some distance from the house, Mr. Collins paused under the shade of an elm tree. Turning to Charlotte, he captured her hand in his.
"My dear Miss Lucas," he declared. "During our acquaintance, I have come to admire and esteem you greatly."
Charlotte's eyes widened in surprise. Unease prickled her spine as she sensed what was coming.
Oblivious to her dismay, Mr. Collins pressed on earnestly. "Your wisdom, economy, and strength of character all recommend you as the ideal helpmeet. It is my fondest wish that you consent to make me the happiest of men by becoming my wife."
Charlotte stared, stunned into silence. Marry Mr. Collins? The thought had never remotely occurred to her. Yet what other prospects did she have? At 27, this may be her last opportunity for a home and security of her own.
Taking her silence as maidenly modesty, Mr. Collins beamed. "I know you must be overcome by this offer, as any virtuous young lady would." Still grasping her hand, he dropped to one knee. "Permit me to plead my case and assure you of the comforts you will enjoy as mistress of Longbourn. My patroness Lady Catherine will welcome you warmly into our social circle..."
As Mr. Collins painted a rosy picture of their married life, Charlotte collected herself. Clearly he assumed her acceptance was guaranteed. The notion grated, yet she was pragmatic above all else.
"Yes," she heard herself utter faintly. "I accept your proposal, Mr. Collins."
His smug grin threatened to split his face in two. "My dear Charlotte! You have made me the happiest of men!"
As he bowed over her hand, pressing ardent kisses to her knuckles, Charlotte suppressed a grimace. What had she just agreed to?
Back at Longbourn, the Bennet ladies were happily chattering over wedding plans when Hill entered looking troubled.
"Pardon me, but I thought you should know Mr. Collins seems to have gone out."
Mrs. Bennet frowned impatiently at the interruption. "Well, what of it, Hill? Our cousin is free to come and go as he pleases."
But Elizabeth felt a spark of unease. She exchanged glances with Jane before turning back to Hill. "Did he give no indication where he was going?"
"No, miss. Just slipped out quiet-like over an hour ago while you were all occupied." Hill gave an apologetic curtsy before exiting.
Mrs. Bennet waved a hand unconcernedly. "I am sure it is nothing to worry over. Now, where were we? Ah yes, you simply must have Brussels lace for your gown, Jane..."
She happily resumed wedding chatter, but Elizabeth shared another anxious look with Jane. Why did Mr. Collins leave so mysteriously this morning? Had he slipped out after Mr. Bingley had called on Jane?
Elizabeth rose abruptly. "Mama, I feel the need for some fresh air. Jane, will you walk with me?"
Jane stood quickly, glancing out the window. "Yes, of course. It looks to be a lovely day for a stroll."
Linking arms, the sisters made their escape while Mrs. Bennet was engrossed in describing the wedding breakfast menu. As soon as they were out of earshot down the garden path, Elizabeth squeezed Jane's arm.
"You do not think Mr. Collins would actually..."
"Propose to Charlotte?" Jane finished gravely. "I sincerely hope not. Though he did seem quite taken with her company yesterday." She chewed her lip worriedly.
Elizabeth shook her head. "He cannot! Not when our own futures hang in the balance."
They walked on in tense silence for a few moments before Jane spoke gently. "Lizzy, we must prepare ourselves that he may. He is resolved to inherit Longbourn, and with the entail..."
Elizabeth sighed, her shoulders slumping. Jane put a comforting arm around her.
"Do not lose heart. Mr. Darcy will return soon, I am certain of it." Though her voice held more hope than conviction.
Trying to redirect her thoughts, Elizabeth remarked, "I imagine your Mr. Bingley will also suffice to break the entailment. Perhaps when he returns for supper you could mention the need for a special license as well?" She arched her eyebrow teasing.
Jane blushed and bumped Elizabeth. "Oh Lizzy, stop. Mr. Darcy will arrive, take heart."
The Bennet family was gathered in the drawing room before dinner when Mr. Collins burst in, beaming with self-satisfaction.
"Esteemed cousins! I have the most felicitous news," he declared. "I have secured the hand of the fair Miss Lucas in marriage."
Mrs. Bennet paled, one hand flying to her throat. "M-marriage, Mr. Collins?" she stammered. "To our neighbor Miss Lucas?"
"The very same!" Mr. Collins looked fit to burst with smug delight. "Is she not the most virtuous young lady, with her want of connections and lack of fortune? I know you will rejoice for your dear friend's good fortune in making such an eligible match."
"Oh yes...of course," Elizabeth managed faintly, gripping Jane's arm for support. To her horror, she felt tears pricking her eyes and hurriedly blinked them back.
She could not believe that her good friend Charlotte would accept a proposal from someone she barely knew. Mr. Collins was so pompous and foolish - what could have possessed Charlotte to marry him, and so hastily?
Then a thought struck that took her breath away, it was her good friend Charlotte that Elizabeth would have to beat to the altar.
"As you know, I am sacrificing my own cherished plan to select a bride from among my fair cousins here at Longbourn. But Providence guides me to where I am most needed, and clearly dear Charlotte will benefit most from my guiding hand."
He smiled smugly around at the distressed faces of the Bennets. "Yes, I shall take great satisfaction in raising up one less fortunate than myself. It is the duty of those like me, with superior understanding, to be charitable toward our more deficient neighbors."
Mr. Bennet made a derisive noise at this but held his tongue with effort. Mrs. Bennet merely stared, distraught.
Mr. Collins continued blithely, "With my wisdom and Charlotte's economy, Longbourn shall be even more profitable than before. Rest assured, dear cousins, you will always hold a special place in my heart."
Elizabeth compressed her lips, outraged at his arrogance and insensitivity. But she held back the angry retort on the tip of her tongue, not trusting herself to speak.
Mr. Bennet's face was stony, his knuckles white where he tightly gripped his book.
An uncomfortable silence descended on the room as Mr. Collins seemed oblivious to the turmoil his announcement had created. The Bennets stood frozen, each grappling with this startling turn of events and its implications.
After several tense, interminable minutes, Hill entered to announce that Mr. Bingley had arrived. His appearance broke the oppressive atmosphere, prompting hurried efforts to resume normal composure before he joined them.
When Mr. Bingley arrived in the drawing room, he found the atmosphere oddly subdued. "Is something amiss?" he asked with concern, going to Jane's side.
She attempted a smile that came out more as a grimace. "We have just learned our cousin is engaged."
"Well congratulations, Mr. Collins!" Mr. Bingley said jovially, clapping him on the back. "Should this not be a time of celebration?"
"Quite so, dear sir!" Mr. Collins agreed. "I am pleased to see you appreciate the significance of this felicitous event."
As they moved solemnly in to dinner, Elizabeth whispered to Jane, "He must marry quickly now to secure Longbourn. Where can Mr. Darcy be?"
Mr. Bingley kept up an effort at cheerful small talk over the subdued meal, bewildered by the lack of joy at Mr. Collins' news. But the Bennets' thoughts were consumed with willing Mr. Darcy's swift arrival before it was too late.
After dinner, Elizabeth rushed to the privacy of her room, finally giving way to tears. That Charlotte could accept Mr. Collins' proposal! Elizabeth knew her friend was pragmatic and desired security, but to bind herself to such a foolish man?
Still, Elizabeth had to acknowledge Charlotte did not have many prospects at her age. Securing an establishment of her own must hold great appeal. And Mr. Collins, while ridiculous, could offer her a comfortable home as mistress of Longbourn.
Elizabeth sighed, her anger fading to resignation. She could not fault Charlotte for seizing an opportunity, ill-advised as it seemed. Her friend was simply facing the stark reality most women did - marriage was often the only path to independence. Still, it saddened Elizabeth greatly that her dear friend had felt so compelled by circumstance.
Clutching her pillow, she gazed despairingly out at the night sky. "Hurry, Mr. Darcy," she whispered into the darkness. "If you do not come by tomorrow, all hope is lost."
A single star flickered over the horizon as if in silent reassurance. Elizabeth watched it through tear-filled eyes, praying it was an omen of hope yet to dawn.