Page 7 of A Forced Marriage
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As the Longbourn household settled into the quiet of the night, Jane came to Elizabeth’s bedchamber to spend the night, the events of the day still fresh in their minds. As they prepared for bed, Elizabeth, more thoughtful than usual, turned to her sister with a contemplative expression.
"Jane, what do you make of the day's occurrences?" she inquired.
Jane, misunderstanding her sister’s intent, responded, "Are you referring to Mr. Collins?"
"No," Elizabeth replied, shaking her head slightly. "I mean everything. Mr. Darcy's unexpected arrival, which led to Papa meeting Mr. Bingley, and, of course, our cousin Mr. Collins, who hinted at marriage. Did you notice the way he looked at us when he mentioned it?"
Jane nodded, her face reflecting her usual serenity. "Yes, I did. It is clear that Mr. Collins has serious intentions. His thoughts were quite evident."
"I do not think I like Mr. Collins, particularly how he seems not to have his own thoughts save those his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has imparted to him. He always seems to speak as if her validation makes his actions relevant. Such a man is not what I would want in a husband." Elizabeth sighed.
Jane offered a gentle smile. "Mr. Collins is a respectable man, Lizzy, though perhaps not suited to everyone's taste. He means well and has his merits."
Elizabeth considered her sister’s words before changing the subject. "And Mr. Darcy—there is something quite distant about him. He seems so reserved and perhaps, even unapproachable."
"Mr. Darcy may appear reserved, but it is possible he is merely shy or uncomfortable in new surroundings. We should not judge him too harshly based on a single encounter." Jane replied,
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps you are right, Jane. We shall see in time."
Jane added with a hopeful tone, "As for Mr. Bingley, I believe we shall meet him soon enough and be formally acquainted to determine his character ourselves."
With that, they exchanged goodnights and soon the sisters succumbed to sleep.
Chapter 4
The next morning dawned bright and clear, a perfect day for an excursion to the market. The Bennet sisters, eager to enjoy the fine weather, made their plans over breakfast. Kitty and Lydia were particularly enthusiastic, chattering excitedly about the various wares and trinkets they might find.
Elizabeth, with her usual practical sensibility, suggested they could also purchase a few necessities for the household. Mary, and her dutiful self, agreed to accompany them, even though she expressed that she would have preferred to spend the day with her books.
As the girls prepared to leave, Mr. Collins, who was hovering nearby, suddenly announced his intention to join them. "A walk to the market would be most beneficial for my constitution," he declared, "and it would provide me with an opportunity to observe the local society."
Kitty and Lydia exchanged glances of dismay, but their protests were stifled by Mrs. Bennet, who saw nothing wrong in Mr. Collins accompanying them.
"Very well, Mr. Collins," Elizabeth said, concealing her reluctance with a polite smile. "We would be pleased to have your company."
Thus, the party set off, Mr. Collins walking alongside Mary, who appeared resigned to her fate, while Kitty and Lydia bounded ahead, their youthful exuberance unrestrained.Elizabeth followed at a more measured pace, reflecting on the events of the previous day while listening occasionally to Mr. Collins conversation.
Upon arriving at the market, they entered a quaint shop that caught their interest. The interior was filled with a delightful array of goods—colorful ribbons, fine fabrics, and various household items. Elizabeth selected some lace for Jane, while Kitty and Lydia admired a selection of new bonnets.
After they left the shop, their arms laden with purchases, the girls' attention was soon caught by a group of militia officers, their red coats bright against the greenery. Mary, with a concerned look, whispered to Elizabeth, "Remember what Papa said about the militia, Lizzy."
Elizabeth nodded, but Kitty and Lydia dismissed their sister's caution with a wave. "Oh, Mary, you worry too much," Lydia said with a laugh. "We are only having a bit of fun."
When the officers waved in their direction, Kitty and Lydia's excitement grew, and they hurried forward to greet the officers, their earlier dismay at Mr. Collins's presence forgotten.
Two figures appeared in the distance, tall and imposing, the sun obscuring their faces. As they moved closer, the first man flashed a knowing smile. It was Mr. George Wickham. The second, a man with ginger hair, nodded politely at the ladies.
"Good morning, ladies," Wickham greeted them, his smile warm and engaging. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here."
"Mr. Wickham!" Lydia exclaimed, clearly delighted. "We thought you had left Meryton."
"I had an urgent matter to attend to in Derbyshire," Wickham explained, his gaze shifting to Elizabeth. "But I am glad to be back." He gestured to his companion. "Allow me to introduce my friend, Lieutenant Denny."
Elizabeth took the opportunity to introduce their cousin. "Mr. Wickham, this is our cousin, Mr. Collins."
Mr. Collins, bowing with great formality, remarked, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Wickham. Though I do not often have the pleasure of meeting gentlemen of the militia, I hold them in high regard. Lady Catherine de Bourgh speaks highly of their importance in protecting society's physical properties. However, she considers the clergy to have a higher calling, since it falls to us to safeguard the soul of the community."
