Page 44 of Saving Jane
At just that moment, Mr Bennet walked into the parlour and demanded his wife’s attention.
“Mrs Bennet! I insist you come and read this letter from Mr Collins. He has made demands of your dowry!”
“My dowry, Mr Bennet?”
“Attend me in my library–we have much to discuss.”
Elizabeth ignored her mother and father that the afternoon, thinking of Mr Darcy–William–as Georgiana called her brother. He was very handsome and very kind with his family and good friends. She had seen his temper, and his scowl aimed at others and wondered how she would feel if his temper were turned against herself someday.
But most of all, she remembered his kiss on her hand and how it made her feel.‘I wonder what his kisses are like... what it would feel like if he kissed my mouth?’
~~}{~~
As the last days before Christmas slipped by, Elizabeth found that Jane was often to be found staring out the windows of Longbourn. She said little and seldom smiled unless it was with their young cousins and their games. Worried for her sister, Elizabeth ventured into her father’s study one morning after the family rose from breaking their fast.
“Yes, Lizzy?” Mr Bennet asked. “Do you need a new book today?”
“No sir,” she answered. “I came to speak of Jane and her engagement to Mr Collins.”
“There is nothing to speak of–the arrangements are complete.”
“But can we not improve Mr Collins, Father? He must be made to listen to sense.”
Mr Bennet paused to consider his daughter’s words before shaking his head. “Men in their majority answer to no one but the law. He isdeaf to all my words. And it is a suitable arrangement for your mother’s future.”
“But perhaps...”
“Perhaps what Lizzy? Will Mr Darcy ask for your hand and save your sister from becoming Mrs Collins? He is very intelligent, but he is dour and according to your uncle, he has a hot temper. Will that make you a good husband?”
Elizabeth was silent considering the implications. “I like Mr Darcy very much, Father, but it is not fair to rush our attachment for financial security.”
The door to Mr Bennet’s study opened and Mrs Bennet swept into the room. From the frown on her face, it was obvious she had been listening at the door and decided to voice her opinion. Mr Bennet grinned at the coming confrontation.
“You are arguing with your father again–I tell you what Elizabeth Rose Bennet–I will not have it. You will not cause problems for Jane and Mr Collins–they will marry next summer and secure the future for your sisters and widowed mother.”
“But Papa is not dead yet Mamma. I would say that he looks perfectly healthy.”
“I believe that your mother looks forward to my demise Lizzy.”
“Mamma have you considered that Mr Collins may move you and your unmarried daughters into the dower cottage when he inherits?” Elizabeth asked. “If he and Jane have several children in the first years of marriage, Longbourn will not have enough room for everyone.”
Under the close scrutiny of her husband, Mrs Bennet sat in a chair as her mind considered this possibility. Elizabeth continued, “You had five children in just seven years–what if Jane is as fruitful?”
“You make my head spin! Be quiet!” Mrs Bennet glanced at her husband who returned to his books and then at her second daughter.
“You shall remain here after Christmas–the Gardiners have had your expense for two months this fall.”
“I agree,” Mr Bennet said inserting his opinion into the conversation. “And I believe that Jane should be in charge of the house from now until her wedding next summer. She must learn how to manage the household and the estate. Mrs Bennet, you are relieved of all your duties and the household purse. You shall have your allowance and nothing else!”
“But Mr Bennet!”
“Out, both of you. I shall have my peaceand quiet until supper.”
Outside in hall, Mrs Bennet sighed and took her daughter’s hand, “Elizabeth, you must hear me and understand my meaning. Women have nothing without their husband’s permission–my own dowry is not mine, but your father can do with it as he wants. He grants me the allowance he deems deserving but buys books, port and horses as he pleases. There is yet another horse in the stable since you were home last, and he rides less and less.”
“Is Papa ill?”
“No but he is growing older,” Mrs Bennet replied. “He is ten years older, and I expect to be a widow for a long time.”
