Page 44 of To Love And To Cherish
“Then perhaps she assumed you already knew. She once told me that any parson’s wife must be modest, humble, and quiet. She cannot be so beautiful that the male parishioners are distracted or tempted by her visits. A parson’s wife who causes scandal is a danger to her husband’s post and the spiritual well-being of his parishioners.”
Collins paled. “I see, sir.”
“What think you of Miss Mary Bennet?” Darcy asked.
The rector hesitated. “I had thought to pursue Miss Jane Bennet.”
Darcy shook his head. “There are two problems with that. First, Miss Jane Bennet is very nearly betrothed to my friend Bingley. Second, if you brought a woman like Jane to the parsonage, Lady Catherine would have you removed before the week was out.”
Mr. Collins sat dumbfounded.
“Miss Mary,” continued Darcy, “is a fine-looking woman, but she does not command the kind of attention that would concern Lady Catherine. She has a graceful figure, refined features, and beautiful hair, but she does not draw men’s eyes the way Jane does.”
Mr. Collins nodded slowly. “Yes, I see. Miss Mary is attractive, but I had not thought.”
“Have you not?” Darcy was incredulous. “Miss Mary is precisely the sort of wife to preserve your standing. She is intelligent, decorous, and determined to help you succeed. Lady Catherine would approve.”
“I believe I begin to understand, Mr. Darcy.”
"I am glad to hear it, Mr. Collins. I merely wish to safeguard your position, as the Bennets have become dear friends to both me and my sister."
Mr. Collins straightened his coat. “Mr. Darcy, I will be making an offer of marriage to Miss Mary Bennet. Tomorrow morning.”
Darcy extended his hand. “Very good, sir. Let us drink to your felicity.”
He poured two glasses of cognac, raising his in quiet satisfaction. If all went well, Mary would soon write to her sister with news of her engagement. He wished he could write to Elizabeth himself and tell her how it had all come about.
Chapter 23: Lessons in Gentility
Mary knocked gently upon the study door.
“Come in,” called her father.
She entered quietly, closing the door behind her. Her brow was furrowed.
Mr. Bennet set down his pen. “What has happened? Why so grave, my dear?”
“Papa, please do not misunderstand me. I am delighted that Mr. Collins has made me an offer of marriage. I believe him to be a worthy man with many virtues. However, there are two concerns that I wish might be addressed. If they could be managed, I would be exceedingly happy.”
Mr. Bennet folded his hands atop the desk. “And what are these two concerns?”
Mary sighed. “First, he talks too much. I’ve noticed that when he grows anxious, instead of becoming silent as I do, his speech runs on in a torrent, and much of it scarcely makes sense. It is surprising, for he is intelligent and sensible. Might you speak to him about it?”
Mr. Bennet gave a slow nod. “And the second?”
Mary’s cheeks flamed. “His hygiene. Bessie says he has not bathed since arriving four days ago. Papa, I can smell him in the hallway.”
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat. “Indeed. When a man must heat his own water and set his own bath, he may adopt the habit of weekly ablutions, or worse. Some men bathe but once a month.It is not unusual, but not ideal either. Leave it with me, daughter. I shall speak with him at once. Off with you now.”
He rang for Hill and, when she arrived, requested tea and that Mr. Collins be sent to the study. He drew a fresh sheet of paper and began a list. At the top, he wrote one word:Gentleman. The list that followed was not long.
When Mr. Collins entered, Mr. Bennet set the paper aside. His nose wrinkled, purposefully.
Mr. Collins paused. “Sir, are you unwell?”
Mr. Bennet fixed him with a steady gaze. “Mr. Collins, when did you last bathe?”
The rector blinked.
