For over a week, Mr Bennet had enjoyed the peaceful solitude at Longbourn. He spent most of his time ensconced in his study, appreciating his prized books. Without interruptions from his frivolous wife and lively daughters, he was able to finish a few new volumes and reread some old ones too.
Now that his family had returned, he had to bear listening to their incessant chatter. Everyone seemed to compete for his attention with their stories from their prolonged stay at Netherfield.
It came as no surprise to him that Mr Bingley continued to show regard for Jane. However, he was perplexed to learn that Elizabeth no longer criticised Mr Darcy at every turn and now seemed to view the man in a more favourable light. The news about Miss Bingley and Colonel Forster was a shock to hear but he found the unexpected match thoroughly amusing.
"Mr Jones has been very busy. He had quite a number of patients at Netherfield alone. Jane, Mr Collins, Mr Wickham and even Miss Bingley," he remarked.
"And Lydia too! She suddenly developed a terrible cough this afternoon," Mrs Bennet reported.
"A terrible cough, you say? I have not heard a single cough from her. What miracle draught has Mr Jones given her to produce such a swift recovery? You must let Kitty take the same dose."
"He was not able to prescribe her anything. He had walked in on her while she was dressing, and Lydia made such a big noise of it all." Mrs Bennet recounted the details of the incident to her husband.
"Pardon? Is this correct, Lydia?"
"Yes, papa! I think Miss Bingley had designed for it to happen because she wanted revenge. I was the clear winner of our fight earlier today and it must have been embarrassing for her."
Mr Bennet gathered more information about Lydia's encounters with Caroline and the apothecary. With a grim expression on his face, he resolved to have a serious discussion with Mr Jones as soon as may be.
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The following day, Mr Bennet called for his wife and youngest daughter into his study. Sitting on one of the armchairs was Mr Jones who appeared anxious.
"I have no wish to prolong the agony. In view of yesterday's unfortunate turn of events, Mr Jones here has declared his willingness to offer for Lydia," Mr Bennet made an effort to keep his voice even.
Lydia looked stricken.
"What do you mean, offer for Lydia? Offer what?" Mrs Bennet asked warily.
"Marriage," Mr Bennet simply said.
"Are you in jest? If this is another one of your attempts to be funny, you better stop as I do not see any humour in it," Mrs Bennet did not sound pleased.
"I am serious."
Mrs Bennet studied her husband's countenance and then that of the apothecary and felt ill at ease.
"But why?"
"Mr Jones has expressed his concern that he has compromised Lydia, and he is ready to do the honourable thing."
"Lydia, you do not feel that you were compromised, do you?"
"No, I do not, mama," Lydia replied in a weak voice.
"See? There is no need for this conversation. No one else knows about what happened yesterday so let us just forget about it."
"Mr Jones visited the Phillipses this morning and your sister asked him about it. One of their servants has a sister who works as a housemaid at Netherfield. And if your sister knows…" Mr Bennet gave his wife a knowing look.
At this point, Lydia let out a whimper and could not help but burst into tears. "It must be that stupid maid who has been spreading gossip!"
"Mr Jones, if you could return in a couple of days, Lydia will have an answer for you."
After the apothecary left, Mrs Bennet did not waste time in making her real sentiments known to her husband. "How could you allow this to happen?"
"I do not have any hand in what happened yesterday. You were the one who stayed with the girls at Netherfield."
"Poor Lydia! She deserves better than to be forced to marry an apothecary!" she lamented.
"She is not being forced. However, you know more than anymore how nasty rumours could develop, and how rapidly they spread."
"Lydia always fancied marrying a redcoat, not somebody in trade!"
"You forget you have relations in trade. Besides, Mr Jones generates a comfortable income, whereas a low-ranking officer would not earn as much. He is well-respected by the local people," Mr Bennet reasoned.
"She is but sixteen. She need not rush into a serious commitment at such a young age!"
"You have been so keen for her to be out in society. She has joked about being the first daughter to marry, and now it could become a reality."
"He is too old. He is more than twice my age!" Lydia blurted out.
"It may do you well to marry a mature, sensible man," her father released a deep sigh. His youngest daughter had been brought up thinking she could get whatever she wanted. Perhaps her carefree ways could be curbed by a husband who was not so young.
"No! I do not want to marry Mr Jones! You cannot make me!" Lydia cried then ran out of the study.
"Now look what you have done!" Mrs Bennet blamed her husband, whose reply urged her to consider her other unattached daughters.
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Throughout the day, Mrs Bennet fretted and whined. She was in a foul mood and found something to criticise about everything.
"Mama, please do not worry too much," Elizabeth tried to comfort her mother.
"Not worry? Why should I not worry? Whatever would happen to us? None of you have secured a match! Jane is too shy to show an interest in Mr Bingley. And you, you…" An idea then formed in Mrs Bennet's mind, and her eyes grew wide. "Of course, why did I not think about this earlier?"
"What is it, mama?"
"You, Lizzy, can save us."
"Can I? How so?"
"You will marry Mr Collins, and Longbourn will stay in the family!" Mrs Bennet pronounced, clapping her hands. "You ought to accept Mr Collins soon, and we can start planning your wedding!"
"Mama… I cannot accept someone who has not proposed. Even if he did, I truly do not believe we would suit," Elizabeth replied with honesty.
"Bah! And do you think Lydia and Mr Jones would suit? Have some mercy on your youngest sister!"
"There must be some other way…"
"You think you are so clever. Until you come up with another solution, mine is still the best. I am off to talk to Mr Collins now."
Mrs Bennet immediately sought Mr Collins and suggested that he and Elizabeth would make a perfect match. Not only that, she also strongly hinted that her second eldest daughter held him in high regard.
"Mrs Bennet, I am extremely flattered by your kind words. That my dearest cousin Elizabeth admires me has not escaped my notice. She is indeed one of the few that I would deem as a worthy lady. However, I must be careful to choose an exceptional woman to take as my bride. My esteemed patroness expects only the best for her most trusted parson," Mr Collins remarked with confidence.
"Do you mean to say that you have not decided on my Lizzy? You have been paying her a great deal of attention," Mrs Bennet was somewhat alarmed.
"I hope I have not raised any expectations at this early stage of our acquaintance, madam. I do appreciate her many desirable qualities." It is a pity that she has a pitiful dowry, especially in comparison to that of Miss Bingley, he thought to himself.
"I am quite certain that if you request to court her, she will readily agree. You would then have the chance to know her better," she pressed.
"I promise to give it due consideration, Mrs Bennet."
Soon after, Mr Collins excused himself, stating that he wished to read some valuable text from his book.
A word, a glance, a smile
Do you know they make my heart race?
I have been waiting a while
To feel the warmth of your embrace.
Mr Collins had discovered the note inserted between the pages of the book that Miss Bingley had reminded him not to leave behind.
Oh, Miss Bingley. Sweet Caroline. Is this a secret message from you to me? Should I save you from your entanglement with Colonel Forster?
What about the colonel? I do not want to earn his wrath. Perhaps I should propose an elopement. Lady Catherine would think that scandalous. But then… I could have access to a huge dowry in addition to acquiring Longbourn. Oh, what am I to do?