Page 7 of The Governess of My Heart
Elizabeth was shocked to see Mr. Collins enter the room with a broad smile on his face.
Good, God! Why is he here?
“Mr. Collins! I thought you had gone to the village with my sisters,” she said and stood.
“Fair cousin. How could I do so? I knew you were alone and would want company,” he said, walking close to her.
“I have a headache. Please excuse me,” she said and tried to leave.
But to her alarm, he blocked her way.
“I cannot allow you to leave, my dearest cousin. You have captured my eye in a way no woman has. When I first saw you, I knew you would be an excellent choice for a wife. You have strongly assured my intuition in the past few days with your grace and beauty. As a clergyman, I must set an example to the people of Kent in my marriage. Even though my wife diedrecently, I assure you I am not depressed, and I can keep you happy in all ways a man needs to,” he said, licking his lips.
You are wrong, Papa! This man is a rake.
Elizabeth was disgusted by his words. She was shocked beyond measure that he intended to propose all this time. He was in his mid-forties and almost twice her age.
“Mr. Collins, please understand that I cannot...”
Before she could finish, he interrupted her.
“Oh! Do not worry about your dowry. Your father acknowledged how meager the sum was. But I assure you, I will not need it. All I need is you, my beautiful bride.”
“Stop it!” she cried. “I cannot accept this proposal of yours, and I cannot marry you. Will you please allow me to leave?” she asked with anger.
“Now I understand. You want to tease me as most young women would. I do admire your spirited approach to life. Maybe you want me to express my admiration for you openly. Would you like to hear my thoughts about your fine figure? I have failed to express myself on that subject. The other day, when we walked to the village, I couldn’t but admire the way you…”
“That is enough! I warn you not to utter another word. I cannot believe you have the nerve to speak to me this way. Your character is hideous, and I cannot believe you are a clergyman,” she cried and quickly ran out of the room. Mr. Collins stared at her in shock and confusion.
She did not stop until she reached her room and locked the door.
Mamma set this up; she knew his intentions, and now I understand why she has been kind to me.
She realized the truth and sobbed, feeling ashamed of her tears.
Mamma may have such a horrendous plan, but Papa will never agree.
She was determined to drive the man out of the house once her father returned, and little did she know that her refusal would create repercussions that would alter her lifeforever.
Chapter 4
Within half an hour, she heard her mother and sisters arrive. She could not mistake the reason for the commotion downstairs. Her mother was shocked to understand from Mr. Collins that Elizabeth had refused his proposal.
“Oh! That girl. She has lost her mind. I will not have it. Mr. Collins, she must have been in shock when you proposed. She will be most grateful to accept your proposal, and I assure you of that. I will talk some sense into her.”
Elizabeth could hear her mother cry from below and her father had not yet returned.
Lydia and Kitty giggled when they heard the matter, and Mary immediately ran up to her sister.
“Lizzy, I cannot believe it. Are you all right?” she asked with concern.
“Do not worry, I am well. I am still in shock, Mary. Is Papa here yet?”
“No, not yet. I suggest you avoid Mamma at the moment. She is furious, although I don’t understand why it is directed towards you. I cannot believe that man wants to marry so soon after his wife’s demise.”
Elizabeth quickly explained how disgusting his proposal was.
“He should not be in our house, not amidst any of our sisters. I am sure Papa will send him away.”
