Page 38 of The Wager
“Before we go further, there is something I should confess.”
“You are already promised to another woman?”
She laughed at his quick frown.
“I have never promised myself to any woman, other than you.”
He kept his gaze firmly fixed on her and she knew her cheeks had warmed to a blushing pink.
“Then, tell me.”
It is something quite juvenile and you will likely laugh. It is about a wager and my horse.”
“Would that be the high horse I alluded to earlier?”
“You are such a tease,” he said with a grin, fully displaying his dimples.
He began to speak further when a heavy hand grabbed hold of her free arm and tugged her backward.
“Miss Elizabeth, remove your hands from Miss de Bourgh’s betrothed this instance!”
“CousinBennet,Iknownot what to do!”
Bennet looked up from his ledgers, startled by the abrupt and uninvited entrance of his cousin who came to a quivering halt in front of his desk. At first, he was concerned that something might have happened to one of his daughters, but when not a sound escaped Mr. Collins, other than rapid breathing, he relaxed somewhat. Although the gentleman had only been with them a few days, Bennet had already learned his cousin became easily excitable and easily distracted. He reminded him of an improperly trained puppy.
“Calm, Mr. Collins. Sit down and tell me what has you so upset.”
“It is your daughter. She is throwing herself at Mr. Darcy!”
“Which daughter? I have five, as you know.”
“Miss Elizabeth.” Collins lowered himself onto the chair directly opposite the desk, brought out a large handkerchief, and wiped his glistening face. “She has shamelessly thrown herself in the path of Mr. Darcy, using her arts and allurements to make him forget his yet unspoken promise.”
Bennet’s brow furrowed upon hearing the mangled accusation.
“Let me understand you correctly. You say my daughter is flirting with Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Collins’s head bobbed up and down in agreement. “And making him forget anunspokenpromise.”
“Exactly!”
“How can one make a promise without speaking?” Bennet asked. Mr. Collins’ mouth opened and closed a few times as he sought an answer.
“I even heard Mr. Darcy say she was a tease! Lady Catherine will be seriously displeased.” Mr. Collins sucked in a large breath of air, releasing it with one whoosh with his next sentence. “She must be stopped.”
“Who? Lady Catherine?”
Bennet knew it was wrong to mock the poor man, yet it did not stop him. His cousin had no horse in this race and was getting upset over something that was, quite frankly, none of his business.
“No, your second eldest daughter!”
“Kitty has been hanging off Mr. Darcy’s arm? She has just turned seventeen and has no thoughts toward matrimony. Plus, she is not yet out in society.”
“Not Miss Catherine, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Collins nearly shouted. “She must be made to leave Mr. Darcy alone. She is not of his sphere.”
“For once, you are correct.”
“Thank you, Cousin Bennet. I knew you could be reasoned with.” Collins huffed out a heavy breath of satisfaction. “I had thought to offer for one of your stepdaughters. Either lady would look upon my suit as being quite advantageous. Their portions are likely too small to entice a gentleman of means, despite their manifold attractions.”
“I hoped to avoid this kind of discussion, but you have left me no choice.” Bennet leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers over a trim stomach. “You will findnobride at Longbourn. I will not discuss the situation of my step-daughters other than to say their late grandfather left them an adequate portion and they will always have a home with their brother on his estate. Have I made myself clear? Please nod if you understand.”
