“You must be a brilliant tactician, Colonel, for your plan is excellent. Are you as good with a game of chess?”
“I enjoy the game and often play with Darcy.”
“Perhaps you might join me for a game sometime during your visit?”
“I would enjoy that, sir. Now, I should join the others so that I might distract Mr. Collins and allow the others to discuss our plan.”
“Would you like me to join you briefly in the distraction effort?”
“You are welcome to do so, sir, if you wish, but I am sure I can handle the gentleman.”
“I am sure you can, and I believe I will accompany you because it will be enjoyable to witness you in action, Colonel.”
In a spirit of fellowship, the gentlemen departed from Mr. Bennet’s study and joined the others in the sitting room. Mr. Collins’ back was to the doorway, so he missed the exchange between the colonel and his cousin. Mr. Darcy was also impressed that Mr. Bennet joined the group; it meant he took Richard’s warning seriously.
Knowing just the approach to take with a man of Mr. Collins’ temperament, Richard said, “Good morning, Mr. Collins. How are you today?”
The parson turned at the sound of the new voice, pleased at receiving the attention of the Earl of Matlock’s son. Standing, he bowed to the officer. “I am well, thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I hope you are well.”
“Indeed, I am enjoying my sojourn in the country.”
“Did you just arrive?”
“No, I happened upon the colonel as the gentleman arrived,” said Mr. Bennet. “With my love of military history and strategy, I induced him to join me in conversation.”
“We also discovered a mutual enjoyment of the game of chess. I hope to join Mr. Bennet in a game or two during my visit.”
The gentlemen settled in chairs near Mr. Collins, engaging him in conversation and flattering his rather large ego. About ten minutes later, Mr. Bennet excused himself from the room with a reminder to the colonel to join him in a game of chess on his next visit. With Mr. Bennet’s departure, the colonel moved to sit closer to the ladies and direct some of his attention to them.
At the defection of the gentlemen, Mr. Collins returned his attention to his observations of Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth. He was shocked, however, to discover that they were no longer present in the room. Mr. Collins looked all around, even moving into the small alcove where the piano stood. At that point, he realized that the tall windows in the room opened onto the terrace. Mr. Collins looked out those same windows but could see no one.
Turning to the room, he said, “Where has Miss Elizabeth gone?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam stared at the man, but it was Mrs. Bennet who answered. “I assume they went for a walk, as they often do. Lizzy loves to walk, and Mr. Darcy seems to enjoy it as well.” She then turned back to her conversation with her younger daughters.
Mr. Collins maintained his post at the window, waiting for the others to return. However, as he stood there, a new idea came into his mind. If I can rise early enough to depart before Cousin Elizabeth, I might be able to follow her and manage my compromise of the little tart. One thing is certain: I will enjoy breaking her of these ridiculous behaviors once she is my wife.
The colonel continued his covert observation of the parson and did not like what he saw. He would have to suggest to Mr. Bennet that Miss Elizabeth walk with a companion in the future. Richard knew when the couples were returning, for Mr. Collins gave up his post at the window and moved to greet them when they entered the room.
They had barely stepped inside before Mr. Collins said, “I wish you had invited me to join you. It is such a lovely day.” No one said anything in response, so Mr. Collins continued. “I was immediately aware of your departure, as the room seemed dim without your brilliance, Cousin Elizabeth.” Elizabeth looked uncomfortable with his words. Behind the parson, Richard rolled his eyes.
“Should I be offended, Mr. Collins?” asked Richard. “I thought you were enjoying our conversation.”
“I am offended, Mr. Collins,” Darcy said. “It is extremely inappropriate for you to be making such comments to the lady I am courting. If you continue to make such remarks, I shall be forced to call you out.”
Though nervous at having offended his patroness’ nephew, Mr. Collins was determined to not back down. “No offense was intended, Mr. Darcy, and I do not see how it could be inappropriate for me to compliment any of my fair cousins.”
Mrs. Bennet invited the gentlemen to remain and dine with the family. Throughout the afternoon, Mr. Collins sat separate from most of the family, but near to Elizabeth and Darcy without being too close. However, it was apparent that he was eavesdropping on their conversation, for he attempted to interject himself into their discussion on occasion. Often, he tried to draw Elizabeth into conversation with him.
Richard recognized when William was on the verge of losing his temper at the parson. At that point, Richard called to the gentleman, “Mr. Collins, I would like to ask you some questions about Rosings. Would you please join me?”
A brief look of frustration crossed the gentleman’s face, but he acquiesced with as much grace as he could. Collins seated himself where he could observe the couple, biding his time until he could attempt to separate Cousin Elizabeth from the others. He was to be frustrated in his desires, however, for as soon as the gentlemen left, the Bennet sisters excused themselves from the company and disappeared into one of their bedrooms.
When Collins attempted to follow them up the stairs, Mr. Bennet requested his presence in his study. “I believe we should discuss what you know of estate management since you will one day inherit Longbourn.” Mr. Bennet asked his cousin endless questions and offered him several books to read so that he could be a success when he owned the estate.
Meanwhile, the Bennet sisters gathered in Jane’s room. “What is so important that we must be huddled here in this room where there are not enough comfortable seats?” whined Lydia.
“Lizzy needs our help,” said Jane, her voice much more severe than any of her sisters had heard it before.
Kitty and Lydia looked at Jane in surprise. Mary asked, “What is it, Jane, Lizzy? What is the matter?”
Thwarting Mr. Collins
Jane, as eldest, acted as the spokesperson. She explained what Colonel Fitzwilliam had witnessed and his suspicions. “We must work out a plan to keep Lizzy safe. We cannot allow Mr. Collins any chance to be alone with her or compromise her. Papa refused his permission for him to marry any of us. If he maintains that opinion, even if a compromise occurs, we would all be considered unmarriageable if word were to get out.”
“Why do you say that?” questioned Lydia.
“One of the reasons Lizzy and I are always trying to rein in your exuberance a little is that if one of us has her reputation ruined, we would all share in her ruin. There is nothing wrong with your joy for life, but you must temper that and always be on your best behavior. The way you flirt with all the officers might give them the impression that you are not a proper young lady. Not only do you put yourself at risk, but you also put the reputations of your four sisters at risk.”
Lydia and Kitty looked at Jane, their eyes large and their expressions confused.
However, it was Mary who spoke. “What must we do to keep Elizabeth protected from Mr. Collins?”
“Remain alert. If Lizzy wishes to walk in the morning, one of us will need to accompany her. If she and Mr. Collins are both in the same room, one of us should remain with them at all times. Whenever she goes upstairs, or anywhere, one of us should walk with her.”
“It is surprising that a clergyman would consider such an action. However, based on the inappropriate behavior Mr. Collins exhibited to date, I guess it is to be expected,” Mary said.
“Is he not afraid of what Mr. Darcy or the colonel might do to him?” asked Kitty.
“The colonel’s supposition is that our cousin believes that once the dam
age is done, it will be too late and the gentleman will not bother him.”
“Is he really that big of an idiot?” wondered a surprised Lydia.
“Lydia,” said Jane in a disapproving tone, though her youngest sister did not look at all abashed.
“I believe we have witnessed plenty of evidence of that since his arrival,” muttered Elizabeth. All of her sisters laughed.
They continued their discussion, trying to think of every situation in which Lizzy might need protecting.
When Mr. Collins finally escaped Mr. Bennet, he went upstairs, hoping to run into Miss Elizabeth. Not trying to muffle the sound of his footsteps, he paused before a door, behind which he heard the sound of the young women’s laughter. Leaning in, he placed his ear to the door.
Lydia heard his footsteps outside the door and wondered if he would attempt to eavesdrop, as she might do. Giving no thought to his reaction, she jumped up and rushed to the door, then opened it abruptly. Mr. Collins tumbled into the room at her feet.
“Did no one teach you that listening at doors was bad manners, Mr. Collins?” laughed Lydia as she stared down at the black lump on the floor.
Mr. Collins struggled to regain his feet, looking very undignified in the process. The chuckles behind him increased his anger. Perhaps if Mr. Bennet were to die soon, I would get the opportunity to teach all of them some manners. The thought brought a smug smile to his face. The smile remained in place as he turned to face the ladies.
“You are so droll, Cousin Lydia. I had paused to fix my shoe buckle. I thought my hand was on the wall. It was rather unladylike of you to rush from the room in such a fashion. Perhaps you should be returned to the nursery until you learn some manners.”
“Only my parents may correct my manners, sir. They saw fit to release me from the nursery, so your opinion is of little import. Now, if you would please leave, my sisters and I were enjoying some time together.” So saying, Lydia shut the door in the face of the stunned parson. Before the door closed all the way, the angry voice of Mr. Collins reached the sisters.
“They may control you now, and you best pray you are married before I take control, for I guarantee you will not like living under my rule.” The menace in his tone was unmistakable.
Lydia turned to look at her sisters. She was not surprised to see the stunned looks on their faces, for this matched how she felt. “What do you think he meant by that?”
Jane and Elizabeth exchange a glance. This time, Elizabeth spoke. “He is angry and speaking nonsense. I am sure he wishes he had the chance to repay us for the indignities he feels we inflicted on him. In other words, his ego is bruised and he would like a chance to make us suffer, too.”
“You do not think he would do anything to Papa so that he would get the chance, do you?” Kitty asked the question each of them was thinking.
“Mr. Collins seems silly and ineffectual. I hardly picture him causing physical harm to Papa,” said Jane. Mary nodded her agreement.
Elizabeth spoke as Jane did to reassure her younger sisters’ worries. Could he be a threat to Papa? Is it possible, Mr. Collins would harm Papa to inherit early and control us? Their mother would never be able to stand against him. If he controlled the girls after her father’s death, Mr. Collins would prevent her relationship with Mr. Darcy and force her to marry him. Perhaps she should speak to William or her father to determine what to do.
“Since Papa already informed Mr. Collins that he might not marry any of us, why do we not just ask the gentleman to leave?” This time Mary voiced the question.
“I do not know if Papa would be willing to give up the amusement that Mr. Collins gives him,” said a doubtful Elizabeth.
“Not even when your safety and the reputation of all his daughters might be in question?” Again, it was Mary who spoke.
The sisters looked at one another. “I believe we should approach Papa as a group and present our request,” announced Lydia. “If he sees that we are all serious in our request, it might make him more inclined to act.”
“Mr. Collins will be even angrier with all of us. Should anything happen to Father, things would be even more difficult.”
“Just because he inherits Longbourn does not mean he will exert any control over us. Let us hope he is not intelligent enough to realize that.”
Their decision made, the girls went en masse to visit their father in his sanctuary. Needless to say, he was startled when he called out to enter and all five of his daughters stepped into the room.
“This is an unexpected surprise. What may I do for my dear daughters?”
Jane, again, served as the voice of all. “Papa, we wish to discuss a few serious matters with you.” She paused to wait for her father’s permission to continue. At his nod, Jane and Elizabeth seated themselves in the chairs before his desk. The younger girls seated themselves on the sofa along the wall. When everyone was settled, Jane continued. “We learned of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s concerns for Lizzy’s safety. We would like to request that you ask Mr. Collins to leave. You denied him permission to marry any of us. We see no reason why he should remain where he is not wanted.”
“You realize his anger would increase if I were to do so.”
“We do realize that, Papa, and that leads me to our other concern. Will Mr. Collins have any control over us upon your death?”
“Why would you ask that?”
Lydia spoke up, telling her father of what had occurred when they caught him listening at the door, as well as about the muttered comment as he walked away.
“We are concerned for you, Papa,” said Mary. Kitty nodded her agreement.
“Concerned for me?” Mr. Bennet’s face expressed a contrast of emotions. He was surprised at the concern they showed and the intelligence of the conversation.
It was Elizabeth who answered his question. “My younger sisters are concerned that Mr. Collins might attempt to hurt you so that he would inherit. They simply want to be sure that he will not be our guardian.”
“Though discussing my death is not something I care to do, if it will ease your minds, I will tell you about some of the arrangements.”
“I do not think you need to tell us more than about our guardianship, Papa, if it makes you uncomfortable,” said Jane.
“There is money set aside for the improvement of the dowager’s cottage. You younger girls will live there with your mother. Mr. Philips will be your official guardian. Jane and Elizabeth, you will reside in London with the Gardiners, and he will be your guardian. If any of you marry before I die, the arrangements may be adjusted as needed. Mr. Collins will inherit Longbourn, but he shall have no say in your futures, nor shall he be able to turn your mother out of the dower house.” He looked at each of the girls in turn to ensure they understood. “Does that ease your concerns?”
Five voices answered, “Yes, Papa.”
“Now, Lizzy, are you truly concerned about Mr. Collins’ presence? I will ask him to leave if you are.”
Elizabeth looked at her sisters and received an unspoken answer from each. “I am not concerned for myself, but I am concerned for you. Though he will not have a say in our future, we would not wish to lose you before the Lord decides it is your time.” Her sisters nodded their agreement.
“Perhaps I do not say it often enough, but I love you, Papa,” said Kitty shyly.
“Me too, Papa, and I will try to behave with more propriety in the future,” Lydia said. “Jane and Lizzy helped me understand how my behavior might affect my sisters.”
“What do you wish me to do about Mr. Collins? Shall he be allowed to stay, or shall I send him home?”
“He can stay for the time being,” said Elizabeth. “However, I would ask you to keep a close eye on him. Should you see behavior that concerns you, please ask him to leave. If we provide a reason for asking, he can have no grounds on which to complain, can he?”
“I believe that is a wise decision. However, I doubt it will prevent the man fro
m complaining.” Mr. Bennet grinned. “I must tell you how much I enjoyed this discussion. I am proud of the seriousness with which you addressed your concerns. I hope that perhaps we can all grow closer in the future.”
“Papa, would you be willing to teach us the way you did Jane and Lizzy?” asked Lydia. Kitty nodded in agreement.
Mr. Bennet could not hide his surprise at the request. It would appear that his youngest daughters’ exposure to the unusual situations they encountered recently had brought about a mighty change in them. It delighted him and he hoped that the change would last.
“Kitty, Lydia, and you too, Mary, if you wish, why do we not meet tomorrow? I can learn a little more about what things might interest you. You might also ask Mrs. Hill to begin instructing you about the household matters so you will be prepared to run a home of your own.”
The girls stood up to depart, and Mr. Bennet rose as well. He walked to the door and opened it for the girls, kissing each on her forehead as she exited.
Closing the door after the last one departed, Mr. Bennet leaned against it with a smile on his face. How many changes the arrival of the Netherfield party and their guests had brought to Longbourn. The gentlemen worked miracles.
When the young ladies left their father, they moved to the parlor for tea. Mr. Collins sat in their father’s chair, glaring at the young women seated around the tea table. After delivering him his cup of tea, they ignored him, enjoying the new camaraderie which sprang up among them. Mr. Bennet, remembering his promise to his daughters, joined them for tea and to keep an eye on Mr. Collins. On quiet feet, he arrived in the doorway. He noted the glare Mr. Collins cast upon his daughters. He heard muttering, but the words were too indistinct to understand. A look came into his cousin’s eyes that Mr. Bennet did not like at all.
Mr. Collins stood, walked towards the tea table, and pretended to trip, dumping his still-full cup down the front of Elizabeth’s gown. Uttering abject apologies, he retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and leaned down, extending it towards Elizabeth’s bosom. Elizabeth turned away so that his hand landed on her shoulder, just as her father’s voice rang out, “Mr. Collins, what do you think you are doing?”
A Turn in Their Dance Page 13