Page 6 of The Governess of My Heart
Elizabeth looked at him with disgust and wanted to leave the table.
“Our daughters will always obey us, sir. Especially our dearest Elizabeth,” Mrs. Bennet said.
“I am certain she does. I must appreciate you for raising such obedient daughters. I can see that Miss Elizabeth shines with her applaudable qualities, which every young woman should possess to find a suitable partner in this world,” Mr. Collins said with a smile.
Elizabeth felt extremely uncomfortable with the attention he gave her, and Lydia and Kitty giggled whenever he spoke. Soon after supper, she retired to her room, not wanting to endure any more of his company.
How could someone talk about his wife’s demise in such a cruel way? Why is he here all of a sudden?she wondered.
Her mother forced her to accompany him to the village the next day, and Mary joined them.
He spoke a great deal about his patroness, and if at all he mentioned his wife, it was only to blame her for her own death, and even Mary, who had more patience, found him appalling.
When he was at a store, the sisters discussed the matter.
“I do not know why he is here, Lizzy. Does he want to drive us out of the house?” Mary asked with worry.
“No, that is not how the entailment works. Only in the unlikely event of Papa’s death can he claim the estate’s ownership.”
“I wish he leaves soon; I cannot stand his talks.”
Elizabeth nodded in agreement. That evening, Elizabeth entered the library to find her father, who sat immersed in his books.
She wanted to be certain that there was nothing to worry about regarding the sudden visit from Mr. Collins.
“Papa, could you spare a few minutes.”
“What is it?” he asked, not even looking up at her.
“Why is Mr. Collins here?” she asked bluntly.
“What sort of a question is that? He is here to visit us.”
“But his wife had died just a few weeks ago. Is it not odd to be out of mourning so soon? I hope you would agree that his talks are neither sensible nor decent. I had a tough time this morning with him in the village, and I was uncomfortable being around him. Papa, he does not seem honorable,” she said.
“Enough! What did he do to be termed a rake?”
“I did not say that he was a rake. But he makes me uncomfortable with his behavior.”
“I will not have a word more. He is to be respected, and you will do as your mother says. Now leave me,” he said in anger.
“Why are you angry with me? Who else can I take my concerns to? I have to bring them to you,” Elizabeth pleaded.
“You have wild imaginations. Do you think you are the only one perfect in this world? Leave now; there is no peace for me in this house.”
“Is there something wrong with the estate or entailment? Why is he here?”
“He is here as our relation. I warn you to treat him respectfully and not show your impertinence. I will not have it,” he said in anger, and Elizabeth marched out of the library in distress.
She remembered that he had not always been this way. In recent years, he had changed a lot, and Elizabeth often thought it was because of their financial situation, but his treatment often confused her. She felt something stopped him from being affectionate towards her.
The next day, her mother and sisters left for the village to shop. Elizabeth consciously stayed back, knowing Mr. Collins would accompany them, and her father was away from the house on some business.
She knew Mr. Collins would leave the following week.
Just a week more, Lizzy. You can endure him.
She said to herself and walked into the library. As she sat down to read, she heard the door open.
