Page 4 of A Forced Marriage
"Indeed, I am famished, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Collins replied, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "It would be my honour to dine with you."
As they made their way to the dining room, Mr. Collins glanced around. "I had hoped to meet my esteemed cousin, Mr. Bennet. Is he not at home?"
Mrs. Bennet replied, "Mr. Bennet has escorted one Mr. Darcy to Netherfield. Mr. Darcy lost his way and ended up at Longbourn."
"Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy?" Mr. Collins asked, his eyes widening slightly.
Mrs. Bennet shrugged lightly. "I do not know him beyond the name of Mr. Darcy, but he seems a gentleman of importance. However, I am certain there is not only one Mr. Darcy in the whole of England."
His face still lit up with recognition, Mr. Collins's said, "If he is the same Mr. Darcy I am thinking of, he is the nephew of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I look forward to meeting him if indeed he is the same gentleman."
Mrs. Bennet smiled, sensing a topic of mutual interest. "Well, Mr. Collins, you may soon find out. But come, let us sit down to supper."
The table was set with an array of simple but satisfying dishes, the usual fare for the Bennet family’s dinner. Thoughnothing had been specially prepared for Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet had ensured the meal appeared welcoming and plentiful. Mr. Collins took his seat at the head of the table, a position typically reserved for Mr. Bennet. The Bennet family, having already had their supper, sat with tea to keep Mr. Collins company. He did not question why they were not eating, and they offered no explanation.
Throughout his meal, Mr. Collins talked incessantly about his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, extolling her virtues and the many benefits of her favour. The girls listened politely, though their eyes occasionally met in silent amusement.
"I must say, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Collins declared between bites, "I am most impressed with the hospitality here. It is every bit as gracious as Lady Catherine herself would approve."
Mrs. Bennet beamed with pride. "Thank you, Mr. Collins. We are delighted to have you with us."
The conversation continued pleasantly, with Mr. Collins sharing anecdotes about Rosings Park and Lady Catherine, while the Bennet girls listened with varying degrees of interest and amusement. As the evening wore on, the family began to feel more at ease with their peculiar guest, though a couple of the Bennet sisters and Mrs. Bennet found him a tad talkative. Nonetheless, her hopes for advantageous connections grew ever brighter.
Mrs. Bennet's thoughts were consumed with the promising prospects that the evening had unveiled. The notion of three eligible gentlemen crossing their path in one night was indeed captivating. The recent introduction to Mr. Darcy, who could potentially bring them into the acquaintance of Mr. Bingley, coupled with the arrival of Mr. Collins, the future heir to Longbourn, filled her with boundless optimism. She could scarcely contain her anticipation, imagining the advantageousmatches that might soon secure her daughters' futures and elevate their family's standing.
****
As the carriage carrying Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet approached Netherfield, the grand estate came into full view. The elegant façade was illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, with sweeping lawns and well-kept gardens enhancing its charm. The carriage slowed and finally came to a stop at the entrance. A servant, seeing their arrival, quickly went inside to inform Mr. Bingley.
Mr. Bennet alighted first, turning to address Darcy as he stepped down from the carriage. "Here we are, Mr. Darcy. Netherfield, as promised."
Darcy nodded, stepping down from the carriage and taking in the sight of the impressive manor. "Thank you, Mr. Bennet, for your kind assistance. It has been most appreciated."
A moment later, Mr. Bingley appeared at the door, followed closely by his sisters, Miss Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Louisa Hurst, and Mr. Hurst. Mr. Bingley's face lit up with relief and joy. "Darcy! Thank goodness you have arrived. I was beginning to worry. You sent word that you would be joining us today, but as the hours passed, I grew concerned. Did you not ask anyone for directions to Netherfield, as I suggested in my letter?"
Darcy replied, his tone cordial but reserved, "Good evening, Bingley. I lost my way and was fortunate to encounter Mr. Bennet, who kindly offered to guide me here." He turned to Mr. Bennet. "Mr. Bingley, allow me to introduce Mr. Bennet of Longbourn."
Mr. Bennet bowed politely. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bingley. I should have come to check on you sooner,being that you are our new neighbour. But, alas, time has not permitted it."
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Bennet. Think nothing of it. I look forward to making the acquaintance of the whole neighbourhood and meeting everyone at the upcoming balls and gatherings." Bingley smiled warmly.
Miss Bingley, with a carefully composed expression that hinted at both charm and subtle possessiveness, could not entirely hide her slight frown at her brother's enthusiasm for the local society. "Mr. Darcy, it is always a pleasure to see you. I trust your journey was not too tiresome?"
Darcy offered a polite bow. "Good evening, Miss Bingley. The journey was uneventful, save for the minor detour, but I am grateful to be here."
"You must be quite weary, Mr. Darcy. Please, come inside and rest." Mrs. Hurst added.
Mr. Hurst, less engaged but nonetheless welcoming, gave a brief nod. "Yes, do come in, Darcy."
"Stopping at Longbourn, Mr. Darcy, you must have found it rather... rustic. I hope it was not too stressful." Miss Bingley, seeking to probe further, remarked,
"Longbourn is a charming estate. The Bennets were most gracious." Darcy replied. His courteous demeanour masked a flicker of irritation, which did not go unnoticed.
Miss Bingley's face grew taut, her eyes searching Darcy’s face for a warmer response. Darcy, however, turned his gaze to Mr. Bingley, effectively ending the exchange. Mr. Bingley, catching the subtle tension between them, quickly stepped in.
"Come inside, Darcy. You must be in need of refreshment after your travels."
Seeing that the party was ready to enter, Mr. Bennet announced, "I must take my leave now, as I am expectinganother guest at Longbourn. I shall make an official visit to you, Mr. Bingley, at a more convenient time."
