Page 94 of Colour My World
Elizabeth made a face. “He has not written in years. What could have prompted such generosity of spirit?”
“I suspect Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s command is more binding than generosity. Either way, I shall read his offer and see if it warrants a response.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Enjoy your entertainment, Papa.”
“I most certainly shall.”
* * *
Later that evening, they gathered in the drawing room. Mr Bennet sat comfortably, the letter spread across his lap. His tanairepulsed. He seemed to be suppressing a smile.
Mrs Bennet eyed him warily. “Well? What does he want?”
“To make our acquaintance, naturally.”
Mrs Bennet scoffed. “The man has never sought to know us, yet now he arrives with all due haste? Unfathomable.” She turned to Elizabeth. “How many syllables was that, Lizzy?”
“Five.”
Everyone laughed.
“I do not believe Mr Collins is acting of his own volition. He is likely following the guidance of another.”
“You mean to say he is being directed?” Elizabeth asked.
“Encouraged, at the very least.” Her father leant back and tapped the letter. “His patroness seems disinclined to leave matters to chance.”
“You do not sound concerned,” Mrs Bennet replied.
“I am not.” He folded the letter neatly. “But I shall have my amusements, for he has extended an olive branch.”
He unfolded the letter, cleared his throat, and read aloud:
“I am most sensible of the hardship the entail must cause to my fair cousins and their esteemed mother, and I should be pleased to heal any breach between our branches of the family.”
Mrs Bennet rose. “You will not consent to give one of our girls to that odious man, Mr Bennet. Promise me.”
Elizabeth blinked. Her mother’s fieryairehad returned, if only for a moment.
Her father caught her mother’s hand and pressed a kiss to it. “I am yours to command, my dear.”
Elizabeth bit back a smile. Mr Collins had yet to cross the threshold, and already he had unsettled the house.
* * *
On a temperate afternoon in November, the Bennet family gathered at Longbourn’s entrance, awaiting their guest. Kitty twisted the hem of her pelisse; Lydia tugged at her glove.
“Decorum, Sisters,” Jane murmured.
“Never fear, Mrs Ecclestone shall return before the holiday season,” said Mrs Bennet.
“I do not mind, Mama,” Jane replied.
Mrs Bennet touched her cheek. “You are a treasure.”
Elizabeth turned to her father. “A pity. Mrs Ecclestone would have had much to say about this visit.”
Mr Bennet smiled. “Indeed. It would have been quite the diversion.”
