Page 37 of To Love And To Cherish
She set down her needle. “Well, who could be calling this early?” Her first thought was of Mr. Collins. Perhaps he had arrived ahead of schedule, eager to settle himself and choose a wife without delay. She stood, straightened her skirts, and made her way to the parlor.
But it was not the rector. It was Elizabeth, and behind her stood a tall gentleman Mrs. Bennet did not immediately recognize, followed by a pale, composed young lady.
Elizabeth spoke at once. “Mother, you remember Mr. Darcy from the Meryton assembly. And this is his sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”
Mrs. Bennet inclined her head. “Yes, of course. How do you do, Mr. Darcy? Welcome, Miss Darcy.” She turned to Hill. “Tea.”
She gestured for them to be seated. “This is a most unexpected pleasure,” she said, her tone polite but cautious. “We do not often receive visitors so early in the day.”
Elizabeth responded easily. “I came upon Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy during my walk. We fell into conversation about Mr. Collins, and I happened to mention that his living is at Hunsford, under the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. As it turns out, Lady Catherine is Mr. Darcy’s aunt. He very kindlyoffered to speak with you about his aunt and about Hunsford Parsonage.”
Mrs. Bennet’s interest was piqued. “Indeed? That is most useful.”
Mr. Darcy inclined his head. “It seemed appropriate to offer what information I could, madam, given the connection. Lady Catherine is a woman of strong opinions and considerable authority. She expects those in her circle to be deferential and orderly. Wives of her clergymen are no exception.”
Mrs. Bennet nodded slowly. “I can understand that. A household must run according to clear expectations.”
“Quite,” he agreed. “She has particular notions about conduct, modesty, and decorum. It is no secret that she dislikes assertiveness in women, especially if it appears to overshadow her daughter, my cousin Anne, who is of a very gentle, quiet disposition.”
Mrs. Bennet folded her hands. “That is helpful to know. I would not wish Mr. Collins to find himself in Lady Catherine’s disfavor.” She cast an uneasy glance at Elizabeth.
“Indeed.” Darcy’s voice remained even. “Mr. Collins enjoys her good opinion now, but that could change quickly if he were to marry a woman she found unsuitable, too forthright, for example, or too striking in appearance. It is for his sake that I offer this warning. I am confident, madam, that you are best placed to guide him in his choice.”
Mrs. Bennet gave a small nod of acknowledgment. “I thank you for taking the time to come. It is considerate of you to speak so openly.”
“One more matter, if I may,” Darcy added. “I will ask Mr. Bingley if he will consider inviting Mr. Collins to dine. It seems only right and proper that the heir to Longbourn be formally welcomed into the community. We would be pleased to host your family along with him. If you prefer, we might keep the party small, limited to just your household, so that Mr. Collins is not distracted by other eligible young ladies in the area before he has had a chance to know your daughters.”
Mrs. Bennet hesitated only a moment. “Yes, I believe that would be best. A more private dinner may allow him time to become properly acquainted. I shall be sending Lizzy to London on Monday; it is best if she is not at home at present, so she will not be in attendance at your dinner, sir.”
Mr. Darcy offered a brief bow. “You know what is best to be done, madam. We shall now take our leave.”
When they were gone, Mrs. Bennet stood in thought. Then she rang for Hill. “Please send Mary to me.”
When her daughter entered, Mrs. Bennet gestured to a chair but did not sit herself. “We have only a few days before Mr. Collins arrives. We have very little time to prepare.”
Mary looked puzzled. “Do you mean for Lizzy?”
Mrs. Bennet shook her head. “No. That has changed. Mr. Collins will need a wife who is modest and calm. I think you are better suited, Mary.”
Mary blinked in surprise. “Oh.”
“We shall look through your gowns, and also your sister's gowns. Bessie must begin alterations at once. You must look well when he arrives.”
Mary nodded in agreement.
Mrs. Bennet examined her closely. “Take off your spectacles a moment.”
Mary obeyed.
Mrs. Bennet studied her. “You are quite a fine-looking girl. Those spectacles hide your face too much. Your hair also has a nice wave to it. We shall have Alice style it properly.”
“Yes, Mamma.”
“And that puce gown must go. It does nothing for your complexion. We’ll find something better upstairs.”
That afternoon, the back parlor was full of thread and fabric. Jane offered one of her own dresses, a pale rose color that would flatter Mary. But Mrs. Bennet declined it. “No, Jane. You must keep that one. If you smile more at Mr. Bingley, I believe he will propose. We must do all we can to secure such a connection.”
She turned to her second daughter. “Lizzy, you’ll go to London on Monday. I would rather you not be here when Mr. Collins calls. We must not hinder Mary’s chances.”
