“Jane, what are you and Lizzy doing in my room? Is anything wrong?”
Her eldest sisters looked at one another. With a nod from Jane, Elizabeth spoke. “Mary, were you listening to what Papa was saying at breakfast this morning?”
“I believe he said Mr. Collins planned to visit.”
“And you do realize who Mr. Collins is, do you not?”
“He is Papa’s heir.”
“Yes. Did you hear what else Papa said about him?”
“No, what else is there?”
“Mr. Collins is looking to marry one of us so that we will not be homeless upon Papa’s death,” Jane said. Mary looked at them without understanding. “Well, you know that I am courting Mr. Bingley.”
Mary nodded.
“And can you keep a secret?” questioned Elizabeth. Mary was surprised that her sister wished to share a confidence with her, but nodded her agreement. “I am courting Mr. Darcy. Papa has given his approval, but we will not announce it until he returns at the end of the week. From what Papa has shared, Mr. Collins is a very formal gentleman. He will wish to marry the oldest available daughter so as not to cause hurt feelings.”
Mary looked at her sisters as understanding dawned. “You think he will wish to marry me?” Her tone and expression were both filled with doubt.
“You are the most logical choice. If he is a man of sense, he will wish to marry you. Jane and I are both unavailable, and Lydia and Kitty are far too young and immature to be a parson’s wife. With your love of sermons and your talent with the tenants, I believe you would make an excellent parson’s wife.”
“But Mr. Collins will never look at me with the four of you around. I know that I am the least attractive of the Bennet sisters. I have heard it often enough from Mama.”
“If you will trust us, we will ensure that Mr. Collins will find you the loveliest of the available girls.”
“What do you mean ‘trust you?’ You know that Mr. Fordyce’s sermons say that vanity is a sin.”
Having prepared for this situation, Elizabeth replied, “Vanity is a sin only when carried to the extreme. It is not wrong to look one’s best. That is all we are suggesting. Allow us to help you look your best.”
Mary looked doubtful but eventually agreed. Lizzy rang the bell. When the maid responded, she requested a bathtub and hot water. Mary’s eyes widened, but she did not speak, as Jane was already pulling the pins from her hair while Elizabeth was assisting with the buttons down the back of Mary’s gown. The water, prepared in advance, was being delivered by the time the girls had Mary in her dressing gown.
Before she knew it, Mary was in the tub and Jane was washing her hair as Elizabeth rushed to the door to answer a knock. In bustled Kitty and Lydia with a gown and several colors of ribbons.
“I also brought some of my honeysuckle water to add to the bath and to use in rinsing Mary’s hair.”
“That was very thoughtful of you, Kitty, and an excellent idea.”
Elizabeth took the bottle from her sister. She added a few drops to the bath water and to the bucket on the hearth, which they would use to rinse Mary’s hair. When she was out of the tub, Lydia dragged Mary to sit before the fire and began rubbing her hair with a towel. Kitty had scrubbed her sister’s nails in the tub. She now smoothed Mary’s nails with a mixture of cinnabar and emery, then wiped them with a bit of oil to soften them and make them shine.
With Mary’s hair now dry, Elizabeth brushed it until it shone. Then Jane began to section the hair and braid it, twisting and pinning it into a soft, pretty style. Jane fashioned a couple of loose curls next to Mary’s face as Elizabeth removed her glasses.
“You need these only to read, so I think it would be best to keep them in your pocket unless you need them,” suggested Elizabeth as she tucked the glasses into the pocket of Mary’s dress.
Just then the crunch of wheels on gravel reached their ears. They rushed to the window and saw a small trap stopping before the house. A tall, skinny gentleman stepped down. They could not discern his features, as his parson’s hat blocked the view.
Not giving Mary an opportunity to see her changed look, Jane said, “Mary, would you please go down and join Mama to greet our guests? We must change before we join you.”
Mary looked doubtful, but her sisters smiled encouragingly. “Of course, Jane. I will see you all shortly.”
As the sound of Mary’s footsteps receded, Elizabeth looked at the younger girls and asked, “Do you remember what you are supposed to do?”
“Yes, Lizzy. We are to be complimentary to Mary and show no interest in Mr. Collins,” said Kitty.
“Who would be interested in a boring parson?” asked Lydia with a laugh.
Jane and Elizabeth rolled their eyes as they shooed their younger sisters downstairs to join the others. The older girls then looked at one another and shook their heads before hurrying to change and join the rest of their family.
As Elizabeth and Jane approached the sitting room, the rather monotone voice of a stranger reached them. “I have heard much of the loveliness of your daughters, Mrs. Bennet, particularly the eldest. Miss Bennet is said to be of unparalleled beauty. It is hard to imagine there could be more beauty than that arrayed before me.” The sisters could hear the twittering giggles of Lydia and Kitty.
“My Jane is beautiful, so it will not surprise you to learn that a gentleman from the neighborhood is courting her,” offered Mrs. Bennet.
Mr. Collins cast a sharp look at Mrs. Bennet. “I was not aware that any of your daughters was being courted.”
Her tone harsh, Mrs. Bennet huffed, “As you have never visited us, how could you be aware of anything concerning my daughters?”
“I stopped in the village to ask for directions to the estate. The owner of the general store was very forthcoming with information about your family.”
Mrs. Bennet merely sniffed in reply.
“Odious man,” muttered Lizzy before turning to her sister. “In spite of your beauty, you are safe, as the family is aware of your courtship. Let us hope that my appearance will keep him from developing an interest in me and turn his attention to Mary, who is the best choice he could make among his cousins.”
Jane and Elizabeth entered the room. Their appearance was met with a variety of reactions. Jane appeared as she always did, so it was Elizabeth who drew attention.
Lizzy in Disguise
Mrs. Bennet’s jaw dropped when she saw her second daughter enter the sitting room. Initially, her mouth flopped open and closed as she gaped at her daughter. “Lizzy,” she began, an expression of irritation on her face, as she had hoped to turn their cousin’s interest to her second daughter. As Mr. Collins stared at the new additions to the party, Jane and Elizabeth held their breaths, hoping their mother would not say anything to ruin their plans. Fortunately, Lydia, who was seated next to her mother, leaned in quickly and whispered to her. What Mrs. Bennet learned caused her to pause. Her mouth flapped again, but she said nothing, as she realized it did not matter which of her daughters became the next mistress of Longbourn. In fact, she might more easily dominate Mary than Elizabeth and would not need to give up her position as the estate’s mistress until her death.
Finally, Mrs. Bennet spoke. “Mr. Collins, allow me to introduce my eldest daughter, Miss Jane Bennet, and my second daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Mr. Collins practically salivated at the sight of Jane. He attempted to take Jane’s hand, intending to kiss the back of it, but Elizabeth linked her arm through her sister’s to prevent this as Jane hurriedly bent her other arm behind her waist. Not to be thwarted in showing his adoration to Jane, the gentleman bowed deeply, though his eyes went no lower than her bosom. “My dear cousin Jane, I am overwhelmed by your beauty. I knew that I should find the perfect companion for my future life here amongst my cousins. Now I know I need look no further.”
“Mr. Collins,” said Mrs. Bennet with asperity, “I explained to you already that our neighbor, Mr.
Bingley, is courting our Jane.”
“A courtship is not an engagement, madam. Surely, my lovely cousin must be swayed by the opportunity to become the mistress of her childhood home upon the unfortunate demise of her dear father. What sensible woman would not desire such good fortune as I can offer?”
Elizabeth scowled at the way the clergyman stared at Jane’s chest. At his ridiculous words, she looked at Jane and rolled her eyes, then squeezed Jane’s hand encouragingly.
“I am sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Collins, but I willingly entered this courtship with my affections engaged. I could never break my word. I am afraid you will need to find your future companion from among my sisters.” In spite of her gentle nature, Jane was not unintelligent. Obviously, Mr. Collins expected to ask for and receive whichever of his cousins he desired. It was also clear that he believed he deserved the most attractive of them all. To test her theory, Jane turned his attention to Elizabeth. “Perhaps you might prefer my next younger sister, Elizabeth. She is intelligent and witty and quite popular in the neighborhood. If not she, Mary is the next in order of age.”
Reluctantly, Mr. Collins cast his eyes around the room, passing right over Elizabeth. “And which is Miss Elizabeth?”
“I am,” Elizabeth answered in a whiny, high voice while trying to suppress her grin.
Mr. Collins turned toward the sound. What he saw was a short young woman in a drab brown dress. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun; her expression was severe. A pair of Mary’s old glasses was perched on the end of her nose.
Mr. Collins’ brows rose in horror at the sight of the second Bennet daughter. With barely a nod in Lizzy’s directions, Mr. Collins looked at the three remaining girls. “Which of my lov–cousins is Miss Mary?”
Mrs. Bennet recognized her opportunity, so she stepped in and began to brag about her middle child. “The one seated there is Mary. She is lovely, is she not?” Mrs. Bennet gave Mr. Collins the chance to examine her daughter before continuing to speak. “Mary is demure and spends a great deal of time reading the scriptures and studying Mr. Fordyce’s sermons for young women. She also excels at the pianoforte. Mary helps with caring for our tenants and would be an asset to any clergyman and his parish.” Mary blushed at her mother’s unexpected praise and at the way Mr. Collins studied her.
Looking between the three girls, he had to make a choice. Lady Catherine had commanded him to come home with a wife from among his cousins. Mr. Collins would not fail his patroness. He desired Jane with fervency. In his mind, his pride of place as the clergyman to the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh entitled him to the most beautiful of women. However, Jane seemed committed to her courtship and Mr. Collins did not think he would be able to change her mind. The thought of Cousin Elizabeth was not to be borne. When she had first entered, Mr. Collins had thought her a maid and ignored her for the beauty at her side. Lady Catherine would not wish so unattractive a lady’s presence in her drawing room. That left Cousin Mary. Though not the loveliest of the sisters, she was quite attractive and did indeed seem demure and like someone of whom Lady Catherine might approve.
Making his decision, Mr. Collins said, “Cousin Mary, perhaps you would tell me about your favorite section of Mr. Fordyce’s book.” He moved to sit in the chair next to that of the middle Bennet daughter. Kitty and Lydia moved to the table where they often sat and worked on redecorating their bonnets. Jane and Elizabeth soon joined them. The sisters shared a conspiratorial smile as they took up their needlework.
Mr. Collins and Mary spent a good portion of the afternoon in conversation. After dinner, Mrs. Bennet encouraged Mary to play the piano. At the urging of her elder sisters, she chose to play hymns, which they said would show Mr. Collins another way she could be of assistance in his parish. All in all, as the day ended, everyone was pleased with the way things had gone.
The next day, Mr. Collins, accompanied all of the Bennet sisters, except Elizabeth, who needed to maintain her disguise, into Meryton. Kitty and Lydia led the way, walking well in front of their sisters in the hopes that they might meet some of the officers before completing their errands. Mr. Collins offered an arm to both Mary and Jane. The eldest Bennet sister paused before accepting but could think of no reason to refuse. However, she looked down or away from the others as they walked along. Mr. Collins attempted to include her in the conversation, but after receiving nothing more than monosyllables, he devoted his attention to Mary.
By the time Mr. Collins and his companions had made their way onto the high street of Meryton, they discovered Lydia and Kitty in conversation with Lieutenant Denney and another gentleman whom they did not recognize. Jane dropped Mr. Collins’ arm and rapidly approached her younger sisters. Placing a calming hand on each of their shoulders, Jane acknowledged Lieutenant Denney and waited for the gentleman to introduce his companion.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, Miss Lydia, allow me to introduce Lieutenant George Wickham, who just enlisted in our militia unit and will be an excellent addition to our company.”
“Indeed, he will,” offered Lydia before she and Kitty dissolved into giggles.
The introductions were acknowledged. Then Jane introduced their cousin to the two officers. When he heard the name “Wickham,” Mr. Collins looked askance at the gentleman. That name was familiar to him, but he could not recall why. In spite of the distraction, Mr. Collins bowed low to the gentlemen.
“Tell me, do you like to dance, Lieutenant Wickham?”
“What gentleman does not like to dance with partners as lovely as those before me? I hope there will be a dance soon so that I might enjoy a set with each of you.” As all the young ladies smiled at the charming gentleman, Mr. Collins stepped closer to Mary in a show of possession. Shock showed on her face at the parson’s actions.
It was at this moment that Mr. Bingley entered Meryton on his horse. Seeing the Bennet sisters, he trotted in the direction of the group. Upon dismounting at their side, Bingley took Jane’s hand in his and bowed over it before acknowledging the rest of the group. After introducing Bingley to the unknown members of the party, the group remained in conversation for some few minutes.
Sitting in her usual spot before the window, where she could observe the comings and goings of the village, Mrs. Philips saw her nieces talking to a group of gentlemen. With her love of company, Mrs. Bennet’s elder sister rushed from her home and invited the group to join her for tea.
As no one had anywhere particular to be, each accepted her invitation. Wickham listened to the conversations around him to learn what he could of those in the neighborhood. He noted the attention paid to two of the sisters by two of the gentlemen in the company. Wickham learned that Mr. Bingley had a well-dowered sister and that the second Bennet sister had not walked into the village with the group. He also discovered that Darcy had been in the area, but departed a few days earlier. That news brought a smile to Wickham’s face. He only wondered which of the Bennet sisters would be most likely to believe his tale of woe and offer him sympathy and perhaps a few liberties.
As Wickham contemplated his choice, Mrs. Philips made a sudden decision that she immediately announced. “I believe I will hold a card party tomorrow evening and you all must come.”
The youngest of her nieces were quick to accept, looking at Jane with pleading eyes. “I am sure we would be happy to join you, aunt, if Mama has no other plans,” her eldest niece informed her.
“I am sorry,” said Bingley, “but we have accepted an invitation to dine with the Gouldings.” He looked at Jane as he spoke, a sad expression on his face.
“I am not on duty tomorrow evening,” said Denney.
“As it will be my first full day with the militia, I am uncertain what my situation will be. However, I will make every effort to attend, as I would not wish to disappoint such delightful company,” said Wickham.
“An evening of cards,” said Mr. Collins. “I shall be pleased to attend. My esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
often invites me to make a fourth for an evening of cards at her estate, Rosings Park.”
A short time later, the party broke up, with everyone expressing their delight at being together again the next evening.
When the time for Mrs. Philips’ card party arrived, everyone from the tea party with the exception of Mr. Bingley was in attendance. Again, Elizabeth remained at home to prevent Mr. Collins from discovering her actual appearance.
As the card party progressed, Mr. Wickham found the opportunity he sought and took a seat next to Miss Kitty Bennet. He thought of targeting the youngest sister but realized that Miss Kitty followed her younger sister into all her chosen activities. As a result, the second youngest would be more likely to follow his lead as well.
When Miss Lydia was involved in a game of cards, Wickham took a seat next to Miss Kitty. “How lovely you look this evening, Miss Catherine.”
Kitty looked at the gentleman in surprise. It was rare that a gentleman singled her out. Usually, the only gentlemen who paid attention to Kitty were the ones whom Lydia ignored, and Kitty knew the only reason they paid attention to her was to stay near her younger sister.
“Good evening, Mr. Wickham. How did you enjoy your first day with the militia?”
“The duties were not difficult and my companions seem to be pleasant fellows.”
“What brought you to the militia, sir?”
Could things be any more perfect? wondered Wickham. “Actually, it was not my first choice for a profession, but it became a necessity.”
“What do you mean?”
“I grew up on a large estate in Derbyshire. The owner, Mr. Darcy, was my godfather.”
“But Mr. Darcy is too young to be your godfather,” said Kitty in confusion.
“Unfortunately, my godfather passed away some years ago, but he does have a son.”
“Then it must be the son we met. He seems to be a very nice man and he is friends with Mr. Bingley, who is also very pleasant,” was Kitty’s artless reply.
A Turn in Their Dance Page 10