The sun had set over Longbourn, and the Bennet family had gathered in the cozy sitting room. Mrs. Bennet was fidgeting with her handkerchief, a worried expression etched on her face. She couldn't contain her disappointment, and her patience was wearing thin.

"Oh, Mr. Bennet," she sighed, "I cannot fathom why our cousin, Mr. Collins, did not choose to stay with us at Longbourn. It is most distressing."

Mr. Bennet, reclining in his favorite armchair with a book in hand, looked up with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "My dear, you seem rather perturbed. Mr. Collins' decision is of little consequence, is it not?"

Mrs. Bennet huffed, "But, Mr. Bennet, we are family! It is only proper that he stays with us during his visit. It is such a disappointment."

"He had his reasons, my dear," Mr. Bennet replied, trying to soothe his wife's vexation. "He mentioned that he had some pressing business to attend to for his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh."

"Lady Catherine?" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, her eyes widening. "What business could be so important that he would choose not to stay with us?"

"He did not elaborate," Mr. Bennet said, "but he assured me that he would return in a day's time, maybe two, and remain for an extended stay. He expressed his regret at not being able to spend more time with us at present. It was a request that came of short notice. He regrets the inconvenience."

"One day less with our girls" Mrs. Bennet complained.

Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow at his wife's matchmaking ambitions. "My dear, let us not be hasty. It is Mr. Collins' decision to make, and we must respect it. He will be back soon enough, and we can make him feel welcome then."

Mrs. Bennet grumbled, still feeling disappointed. "I do hope he will not be swayed by those silly Lucas girls or any other girl in Meryton. Our daughters are much more suitable matches for him."

"Indeed, they are," Mr. Bennet said with a smile. "But let us not worry about such matters now. Mr. Collins will be back, and we can try our best to make him feel at home during his extended stay."

Mrs. Bennet sighed, finally relenting a little. "You are right, Mr. Bennet. I suppose we must be patient and hope for the best. I just want to see our girls married off to respectable gentlemen, and Mr. Collins seems like such a suitable match."

"He is certainly a gentleman of means and good character," Mr. Bennet agreed. "We shall see what the future holds, my dear. In the meantime, let us enjoy our time together as a family."

Mrs. Bennet nodded, the corners of her mouth turning upward. "Yes, you are right, as always, Mr. Bennet. I shall try to be patient and not fret over Mr. Collins' absence."

Lydia, the youngest and most boisterous of the sisters, couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She leaned over to Elizabeth, who was quietly reading a book.

"Lizzy, Lizzy!" Lydia whispered, barely able to contain herself. "I have the most delightful news to share with you!"

Elizabeth looked up from her book, amused by her sister's enthusiasm. "Pray tell, Lydia, what is it that has you in such high spirits?"

Lydia leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper. "It's about Mr. Collins!"

"Mr. Collins?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "And what about him, pray tell?"

Lydia giggled, unable to contain her glee. "He paid you particular attention, Lizzy! I saw the way he looked at you during dinner, and I caught him stealing glances at you when he thought no one was watching."

Elizabeth tried to hide her amusement, not wanting to encourage Lydia's teasing. "You must be imagining things, Lydia. Mr. Collins is merely being polite to all of us."

Lydia laughed, clearly not convinced by her sister's response. "Oh, Lizzy, you can't fool me! I know when a man is smitten, and Mr. Collins is absolutely taken with you."

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a smile. "Lydia, you have such a vivid imagination. I assure you, Mr. Collins is here to visit all of us, not just me."

Lydia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she gushed, "Oh, Lizzy, Mr. Collins is positively dashing is he not? I could hardly contain my admiration!"

"He is so tall, Lizzy. He must be a foot taller than you!" Kitty joined in. "I wonder with his blond hair and blue eyes if your children will have your unruly locks or his perfectly combed hair?

Elizabeth couldn't help but chuckle at her younger sister's enthusiasm. "Well, even if what you say is true, it doesn't mean anything, Lydia. Mr. Collins is a charming man, and he is simply being friendly."

Lydia raised an eyebrow, not buying her sister's nonchalant attitude. "Oh, come now, Lizzy! You can't deny that you enjoy the attention. I can see it in your eyes!"

Elizabeth's cheeks flushed slightly, caught off guard by her sister's keen observation. "Lydia, please, it's not like that. Mr. Collins is a cousin, and I treat him with the respect he deserves."

Though Elizabeth tried to brush off Lydia's teasing, a small part of her couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to her sister's observations. Mr. Collins had indeed been kind and attentive to her, and though she was not sure how she felt about him, she couldn't deny the flutter of curiosity in her heart.

Only time would tell what the future held, but for now, Elizabeth was content to enjoy the teasing and laughter shared with her beloved sister, Lydia.