A/N I will be fudging the timeline of things a bit but hopefully not so much as to make it distracting.
This distressing mode continued through the Sunday service, after which Mr. Collins critiqued the local parson's conduct and words. Privately, Elizabeth wondered how Mr. Collins should think himself only lately ordained one to have such lofty perception of the ideals for leading a congregation. He was careful to attribute everything to his honorable patroness, but she had no more expertise in the profession having never received orders herself. Elizabeth smiled at the image of the proud, opinionated woman being in employment of any sort.
Elizabeth was even more eager than usual for her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to arrive for their yearly Christmas visit as there was a woeful lack of sense at Longborn. Jane's tried to disguise her discontent, but despite her carefully controlled behavior and countenance Elizabeth noticed the emptiness of her smiles. Not only that, but her sister's appetite and thus her complexion had waned and she indeed seemed unwell. That Mr. Collins not to mention Mrs. Bennet took no notice of this shift sunk each farther in Elizabeth's estimation.
Even Lydia had commented on this when her eldest sister stood up from the table one evening "La, Jane you have scarcely eaten two bites!" But this statement was followed by laughter, so it was not made out of concern. Elizabeth was hoping her Aunt would bring the necessary balance and trusted she would be a valuable asset in restoring Jane.
That Wednesday afternoon, the Gardiner's arrived and were greeted by a nervous Bennet matron, and amused host. Mr. Collins gave his compliments to the whole party with his usual mixture of pride and awkwardness. His attitude towards the children was enough to have Elizabeth stifling laughter despite her concerns. He treated even the youngest at only 7 as a small adult and used large words and long sentences to the point that the children could only nod in confusion. The evening meal continued in this way.
Afterwards, Elizabeth sat by Mrs. Gardiner and quietly told her all that weighed on her mind concerning her beloved sister. "Truly Aunt, she has not been herself for a fortnight. I do not see how she will be able to have the energy attend the Christmas party at Lucas lodge tomorrow evening but she is too a good to beg off going. And yet, my mother sees none of it and does nothing to dissuade Mr. Collins. It's clear she intends the match to secure her own comfort!"
Mrs. Gardiner pointed out that to secure Longborn after Mr. Bennet's death was not nearly for comfort's sake as it was to preserve the roof over all their heads and as much independence as could be found as a widow with unmarried daughters and not nearly enough to live on. This Elizabeth could see, but she countered, why did it need to be Jane who was sacrificed?
"What would you do, Lizzy, if you were in her place? Would you be able to insure your whole family's security as Jane seems to be doing? What is truly wise and good? To marry for love of your future husband or love of your own family?"
This left Elizabeth speechless and with much to think on the next morning on her ramble. There had been so much going on within the walls of Longborn with their visitors and the constant calls from officers, having time to herself was a rare treat but her mood was decidedly pensive. She could not have the strength to marry such a man, not even for her dearest Jane. And in Jane's attempt to do so for her and all her family, her sister was fading away before her eyes. In the few novels Elizabeth had read, melancholy of the heart was usually short lived as the romantic ladies who authored the stories did not leave their heroines too long without their dashing beaus or a more honorable suitor to replace the unworthy. She was sure her father would treat Jane's distress with the same levity as her own mother's nerves, which must sometimes be a genuine burden, though much less often than she complained of it.
What was to be done?