Page 3 of Compromise & Consequence
After dinner, Mr. Collins solicited a request to sit next to Elizabeth in the parlor. About to excuse herself from the room, her aunt stopped her by saying, “Of course, you may sit with Lizzy, Mr. Collins. I am sure she will not object to your company.”
Although Mrs. Bennet could not technically decide whom she would marry, it was better not to tip the cart at this juncture. Therefore, Elizabeth determined to use this time for a better, more far-reaching purpose.
“How did you like my friend Miss Lucas, Mr. Collins?”
“She is a delightful lady. Well refined, and soft-spoken. I know Lady Catherine would find her an acceptable friend.”
“I am glad you think Lady Catherine would like my friend, Charlotte. I do worry about what she would think of me.”
“Why?”
“Aunt Frances tells me I am too opinionated and laments that my skirts are always six inches deep in mud. I do like to walk in any kind of weather.”
“She says you are opinionated?”
“Most definitely. Ask any of my family. I think that is why I walk so much. Aunt Frances and I tend to have small arguments over my perceived behavior. She thinks I am too headstrong for my own good and blames it on the books Uncle Thomas allows me to read.”
“Your uncle allows you to read his books?”
“Oh, yes. He has not curtailed what I have read at all. Why the other week, I started reading Mrs. Wollstonecraft’s book. Miss Lucas warned me I should not. She would never dare, but to my delight, I agree with most of what Mrs. Wollstonecraft had to say.”
Mr. Collins partially leaned away from her and his mouth dropped open.
“Oh, this will never do. Lady Catherine would never approve.”
“Mr. Collins, I tell you these things because you are such an honorable gentleman and have paid me marked attention. In good conscience, I cannot allow you to engage your heart when you deserve a lady who will match you in equal temperament and manners. Someone like my friend, Miss Lucas.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Cousin Elizabeth. Ihadbeen looking upon you as my future companion, but Lady Catherine would never approve of a woman who read such radical books. I think I will speak with my cousin about this. It is quite distressing.”
“Please do, Mr. Collins. Uncle will tell you I returned the book and told him to hide it, as I do not think my younger cousins areready for such far-reaching ideas. The only thing I would ask is, please do not speak to Aunt Frances about this. It distresses her that we sometimes rub the wrong way, and I do not want to add to her burden. We may have our moments, but I love her dearly and would like to think she would be happy if you and I had an amicable relationship as cousins and friends.”
“Consider it done, Cousin Elizabeth, and I look forward to a long friendship.”
“Will you be calling on Miss Lucas? As you know, we had a few moments of sharing confidences when you stopped to fix your shoe during our walk from Meryton, and she expressed an interest in your situation and mentioned how lucky you were to have such an attentive patroness. I would be remiss in not directing your attention toward her.”
“I will think about this very carefully.”
“Fortunately, we are all going to Mrs. Phillips for cards tomorrow evening, and I know Miss Lucas has been invited. This would be an excellent time to see how well she behaves in a social situation. You will not be disappointed. Sir William and Lady Lucas have raised a very well-mannered lady.”
“Her father was knighted?”
“Yes, Mr. Collins.” Elizabeth peeked through her lashes to see if her aunt still watched them. Given that Mr. Collins appeared engaged in their conversation and Elizabeth was smiling, the scene was set for what Mrs. Bennet would perceive as a courtship. Never had Elizabeth acted so foolish in her entire life.Pray that Mr. Collins does not ask my uncle about Mrs. Wollstonecraft.He had no such book in his library. “Sir William delights in telling new acquaintances how he was presented at St. James’s court. No other person in Meryton can claim such an honor.”
“I will indeed make myself known to the gentleman.”
Satisfied her prodding had planted the seed, she said no more on the subject, confident that on the morrow, the watering would fall to Charlotte.
***
The next evening was the card party at their Aunt Phillips. Lydia and Kitty were pleased to hear, upon entering the drawingroom, that Mr. Wickham had accepted their uncle’s invitation and was also in attendance. Elizabeth had not been introduced to the gentleman, but she could see why her cousins were in such a tither. Indeed, he was a handsome man, and from what she could tell, his manners were quite engaging. During the evening, he sought her introduction, however, Charlotte and her brother Jonathan had just entered the room, and Elizabeth was anxious to affix Mr. Collins to her side.
“Pray, excuse me, Mr. Wickham. My friend has arrived and I have important news to impart. Please do not think me rude; I have enjoyed our conversation.”
“I could never think you rude, Miss Elizabeth, but I will request, if there is dancing when next we meet, you would grant me a set.”
“I would be pleased to dance with you, Mr. Wickham.” She caught Charlotte’s eye and acknowledged her. “It has been a pleasure, sir.”
She then took her leave, and crossed the room to where her friend stood.
