Page 5 of A Forced Marriage
Mr. Bingley and Darcy both expressed their gratitude. "Thank you again, Mr. Bennet," Bingley said warmly. "I shall have one of my men escort you back to Longbourn."
Mr. Bennet nodded graciously. "It was my pleasure. Good evening to you all."
A servant was summoned to take Mr. Bennet back to Longbourn. The party watched as the carriage carrying him departed, disappearing into the night. Bingley then turned to Darcy and said, "Come inside, Darcy. Let's have some tea and get you settled."
Chapter 3
Once the carriage carrying Mr. Bennet came to a halt in front of Longbourn, he stepped down and turned to thank Bingley's coachman.
"Thank you for the safe journey," he said with a nod. "Please convey my gratitude to Mr. Bingley."
The coachman tipped his hat respectfully. "Good evening, sir."
Mr. Bennet waved the carriage off before making his way inside, where he found his family eagerly awaiting his return in the drawing room. Mrs Bennet stood and spoke the moment he entered. “Mr. Bennet, welcome back. Your cousin, Mr. Collins, has arrived."
Mr. Bennet smiled and approached Mr. Collins. "Cousin Collins, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. How was your journey? I trust you did not find it difficult to locate Longbourn?"
Mr. Collins stood and bowed deeply. "Mr. Bennet, it is an honour to be here. The journey was quite agreeable, though I must confess, Longbourn is somewhat smaller than I had anticipated, especially when compared to the grandeur of Rosings Park, the home of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh."
Mr. Bennet’s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, yes, Rosings Park. I have heard of its magnificence and I dare sayonly a few homes here could rival such. But here at Longbourn, we pride ourselves on our warmth and hospitality, rather than our size."
"Of course, Mr. Bennet. I am already quite impressed by the kindness of your family." Mr. Collins, slightly deflated, replied.
Mrs. Bennet, oblivious to the banter and eager to hear her husband’s impressions of Netherfield’s new tenant, said, "Now that we have exchanged pleasantries, tell us, Mr. Bennet, what do you think of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy?"
Mr. Bennet settled into his favorite chair, a cushioned seat with a padded back. "Mr. Bingley is a charming young man, very amiable and eager to make the acquaintance of the neighborhood. As for Mr. Darcy, he is more reserved, but one can sense a depth to his character."
Elizabeth, who had taken a seat near her father, leaned forward and observed, "Mr. Darcy does seem rather reserved, but perhaps it was due to his long journey.” A twinkle appeared in her eye as she asked the question she was certain everyone had on their mind. “And what of Mr. Bingley's appearance, Papa? Is he as handsome as they say?"
Mr. Bennet chuckled. "Mr. Bingley is indeed a fine-looking gentleman. Mr. Darcy, though more sombre in countenance, has more air of nobility about him."
"I am glad to hear they are both well-mannered. It will be pleasant to have such company at the upcoming balls." Jane added softly.
Lydia's eyes sparkled, and she bounced on her toes, unable to stay still. "Oh, I cannot wait to see them! Do you think they will attend the next assembly?"
"Yes, I do hope they are as delightful as everyone says." Kitty said, echoing her sister's enthusiasm.
"Oh, how wonderful!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, clasping her hands together. "A fine-looking gentleman and a noble one! They would make excellent matches for our girls!"
Mr. Collins's face momentarily registered a flicker of disappointment, though he quickly masked it with a polite smile. Sensing the awkward silence that followed, as everyone in the room had noticed his expression, he seized the opportunity to speak. "Mr. Bennet, might I inquire if this Mr. Darcy you escorted is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy?"
Mr. Bennet nodded. "Indeed, Mr. Collins, it is the very same. He is the owner of Pemberley."
Mr. Collins's eyes widened with reverence. "Oh, yes. He is the nephew of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She often speaks of him with the highest regard."
"How fortunate that he is acquainted with such distinguished company!" Mrs. Bennet was quick to interject. She had surmised Darcy to be a person of considerable importance, and given Mr. Collins's incessant prattle about his patroness's wealth, she felt assured that Darcy's connection to Lady Catherine de Bourgh only affirmed her estimations.
Mr. Collins, puffing up with importance, continued, "Lady Catherine has always emphasized the importance of connections and good breeding. She also believes that a clergyman should not be without a wife, which is partly why I have come to this area."
As he said this, his eyes briefly rested on Jane and then Elizabeth, causing a slight stir of discomfort in the sisters. Elizabeth, catching his glance, exchanged a knowing look with Jane, both slightly bemused by his implication. Jane, however smiled politely, while Elizabeth maintained a disagreeing frown.
Mr. Bennet, sensing the need to steer the conversation, remarked, "Mr. Bingley seemed quite taken with the idea ofattending local gatherings. I have no doubt you will all have the chance to meet him soon."
Mary, who had been quietly observing, offered her thoughts. "It will be interesting to see how they compare to our expectations. Appearances can be deceiving."
"Quite right, Mary. It is best to keep an open mind and reserve judgment until we know them better." Mr. Bennet nodded in agreement.
Mrs. Bennet, eager to shift the focus back to her own ambitions, said. "Well, I for one am hopeful. With such eligible gentlemen in our midst, it is only a matter of time before our daughters make advantageous matches."
