Page 43 of Attempted Compromises
Mrs. Bennet, who had been hovering near the window, let out a delighted squeal. “He is here! Hill, see to the door!”
The family gathered outside of the house to receive him, equal parts curiosity and apprehension.I can only hope he will be more intelligent than he seems to be in his letter,Elizabeth thought.
Mr. Collins descended from his gig, his appearance exactly as one might expect from his rambling words. He was a tall, heavyset man with a florid complexion and an air of self-importance that could fill a room as thoroughly as his physical presence. His manners, though scrupulously polite, carried a faint air of condescension that quickly set the tone for his visit.
“Mrs. Bennet!” he exclaimed as he bowed low, his gaze lingering just a bit too long on her bosom before darting back to her face. “How delightful it is to make your acquaintance at last. I must say, you have an air of grace that reflects most favorably upon your household.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, but Mrs. Bennet flushed with excitement and exertion. “Mr. Collins! Welcome to Longbourn. We are most pleased to have you here.”
Inclining his head in what he clearly thought was a stately manner, he replied, “The honor is mine, madam. To be invited into the home of my esteemed cousin and his delightful family is a privilege indeed.”
Mrs. Bennet preened under his flattery, while Mr. Collins’s gaze flitted to Jane and Elizabeth. His eyes widened slightly as they settled on Jane, his expression shifting to one of barely contained admiration.
“Please allow me to introduce my daughters: Jane here is my eldest, then Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, and Lydia.”
“Miss Bennet,” he said, bowing deeply. “Your reputation for beauty does not do you justice.”
Jane blushed and murmured a polite response, but Mr. Collins’s attention had already shifted to Elizabeth. His gaze lingered for a moment longer than was strictly proper, and Elizabeth felt a flicker of discomfort as his eyes darted downward briefly before snapping back to her face.
“And Miss Elizabeth,” he said, his tone attempting to be gallant but coming off as overeager. “Your presence adds a certain radiance to this gathering. I am most fortunate to be in such company.”
Elizabeth’s smile was tight, though she replied with practiced politeness. “You are too kind, Mr. Collins.”
As Mr. Collins turned his attention towards the other three girls, Elizabeth exchanged a quick look with Jane, who gave her an almost imperceptible shrug.
The newcomer greeted the remainder of the Bennet girls with an eager smile that did little to disguise the way his eyes flickered over each of them in turn. “Ah, such beauty!” he declared, clasping his hands before him. “Truly, Mrs. Bennet, you are blessed beyond measure to have such charming daughters.”
Mr. Bennet, who had observed the entire exchange with an expression of wry amusement, stepped forward. “Mr. Collins, I trust your journey was uneventful?”
“Indeed, sir,” Mr. Collins replied, clasping his hands behind his back. “The roads were agreeable, and the carriage most comfortable. I must say, I was quite impressed by the efficiency with which my luggage was handled upon arrival. Your staff is to be commended, Mr. Bennet.”
“Your praise will no doubt be appreciated,” Mr. Bennet said with a faint smile. “And now, if you will excuse me, I must see to a few matters before dinner. But please, come into the house and allow my wife and daughters to entertain you.”
As Mr. Bennet made his escape, Mrs. Bennet, clearly enamored with their guest’s effusive praise, began to lead him into the drawing room, all the while exclaiming over his “gracious manners” and “elegant speech.”
Once seated, Mr. Collins turned his attention back to the ladies, his demeanor eager and expectant. “Mrs. Bennet,” he began, “I must say how grateful I am for your hospitality. It is my hope that during my stay, I may come to better understand the many virtues of your household and, perhaps, strengthen the ties between our families.”
Mrs. Bennet, sensing a potential opportunity, beamed at him. “Of course, Mr. Collins! We are delighted to have you with us.”
As the conversation continued, Elizabeth could not help but notice Mr. Collins’s gaze wandering once again, this time toward Mary, whose modest dress and studious demeanor seemed to pique his curiosity. When she looked up from her book and caught him staring, she adjusted her spectacles and promptly returned to her reading, her cheeks pink.
Elizabeth suppressed a sigh. It was going to be an interesting visit.
∞∞∞
The following morning dawned bright and brisk, perfect for a walk to Meryton. Elizabeth, Jane, and their younger sisters decided to take advantage of the fine weather. Mrs. Bennet, ever eager to showcase her daughters, was delighted by the plan and insisted they take Mr. Collins along.
“Lizzy,” she said with a meaningful glance, “do make sure Mr. Collins has every opportunity to enjoy your company. It is only proper to show him the best of Longbourn’s hospitality.”
Elizabeth suppressed the sigh rising within her and replied, “Of course, Mama. I am sure Mr. Collins will find the walk most agreeable.”
Jane, who had fully recovered, gave Elizabeth a sympathetic smile as the party gathered to set out. Lydia and Kitty skipped ahead, giggling and chattering, while Mary strolled at a slower pace with her ever-present book. Elizabeth and Jane fell in step together, but Mr. Collins wasted no time inserting himself between them.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he began with an eager smile, “it is a delight to have this opportunity to converse with you. Walking is such a healthful activity, and the company of such amiable young ladies makes it doubly so.”
Elizabeth nodded politely, though her thoughts wandered as Mr. Collins prattled on about the virtues of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, her “gracious” habits, and his good fortune in securing the living at Hunsford.
By the time they reached Meryton, Elizabeth’s patience was wearing thin, but her spirits were lifted by the familiar sight of the bustling market street. Mr. Denny, a young officer of the militia and a favorite of Lydia and Kitty, approached the group with a warm smile.
