‘Very well, I will promise to consult my aunt . . . if indeed Mr Collins proposes. But my mind is made up, Lizzy. To protect my sisters, I will accept him in the end. Now, I have kept my end of the bargain and you must keep yours. You must answer my question. Do you think the Delawares were sorry to be leaving?’
Elizabeth thought for a moment and then said, ‘I believe not. I think they are used to the idea. In fact, I think Mrs Delaware is looking forward to going to Bath. The girls are certainly looking forward to it. I heard them telling Lydia and Kitty they mean to find husbands before the year is out.’
‘I am glad. I hope their fortunes improve so that we may see them back at Netherfield Park in a few years’ time. Now tell me about our prospective new neighbours. I know that Mr Bingley was not there, but what is Miss Bingley like? I hear she is very elegant.’
‘She is certainly elegant. In fact, Miss Bingley is a very superior young woman who possesses the most wonderful clothes. But she is proud and condescending, and she wants to win Mr Darcy’s favour. I am sure she is determined to become Mrs Darcy!’
Elizabeth told Jane all about it.
‘You have a way of bringing everything to life when you talk about it,’ said Jane with a smile. ‘I can see it all just as if I were there. It is a pity you did not meet Mr Bingley. We will be seeing much more of him than Mr Darcy, if he takes the house. I dare say Mr Darcy will only visit once in a while, but Mr Bingley will be there all the time.’
‘If Mr Bingley accepts the invitation to dinner, we will meet him soon enough,’ said Elizabeth.
‘Do you think he will?’ asked Jane. ‘If he is still indisposed I think he will decline.’
‘That is true. But if it is only a headache or some such thing then he might be well enough to attend.’
‘I hope so. I do not like to think of him being indisposed. But even if he recovers, he might refuse. I do not think my aunt should have recommended Mr Collins to invite Mr Bingley this evening. It looks odd, for it is very short notice.’
‘I agree. It looks odd, because it is odd. But the circumstances are unusual and I hope Mr Bingley will forgive us. One thing is certain. Mr Bingley cannot have any other engagements, for he is a stranger here.’
‘I only hope Cook can manage a dinner with so little time to plan,’ said Jane.
Her tender heart felt sorry for the Cook, on whom the responsibility would fall.
‘Depend upon it, my Aunt Philips will make sure the meal does not disgrace us,’ said Elizabeth. ‘She is a good manager and she will see to it that the meal does us credit.’
‘Perhaps Mr Bingley might decline the invitation anyway, even if he is well and has nothing else to do. From what you say, his friends seem like people of fashion. They might not wish to dine with us.’
‘That is a question I cannot answer,’ said Elizabeth. ‘We will just have to wait and see.’
Chapter Five
After their conversation, Elizabeth returned to her room whilst Jane went outside for a walk around the garden. Jane said she had a slight headache and the fresh air would do her good. Elizabeth was not surprised that Jane had a headache, and once she had reached her room she went over to her writing desk so that she could write to her Aunt Gardiner. It stood beneath the window in her bedchamber and she settled herself comfortably before picking up her quill. As she did so, she thought of Mr Collins’s fatuous remark about all the writing paper in the house belonging to him, and instead of crossing her letter as usual, so as to save on paper, she took a mischievous delight in using up three pages. She explained matters fully and then asked for help. She told her aunt about Mr Collins’s visit, his ridiculous nature and his stupid remarks. She also told her aunt that Jane was determined to sacrifice herself for the sake of her family, and would accept an offer of marriage if he made one.
I have managed to persuade her to do nothing definite until she has spoken to you, dear Aunt. If he proposes to Jane, which seems likely, please will you invite him to London? Once my uncle meets Mr Collins, then I am sure he will decide to withhold his consent to the union. He cannot wish such a fate on my poor dear Jane. And if he withholds his consent the marriage cannot go ahead and in that way my own, dear Jane will be saved from herself.
She paused and thought, holding the quill in readiness just above the paper, then began to write again.
I know you and my uncle have kindly offered us a home, but I cannot trespass on your kindness for ever. You have your own family to think of, and although I will be glad of shelter when needed, I must try to help myself. And so I have decided to seek employment. There is an office in town and I mean to go there tomorrow, to find out if they have any suitable openings. I believe I would give satisfaction as a companion or governess, if the family are not too exacting in their requirements. I am not a proficient on the pianoforte, or any other instrument, and I regret to say that my languages are not very advanced, but I have a great deal of experience in looking after boisterous children, as I have been looking after Lydia for fifteen years! I also have experience of older ladies who suffer from their nerves and I believe my cheerful nature would be an asset in such a case.
She added some concluding remarks and then signed her letter. She sanded it, folded it and addressed it. Then she took it downstairs, where she left it with the other mail to be posted.
She saw Jane walking in the garden and went to join her.
‘I have written to my Aunt Gardiner,’ she said.
She told Jane about the letter, and her own decision to look for employment.
‘No, Lizzy,’ said Jane, putting a hand on her arm. ‘I cannot let you do this. It is not suitable for a gentlewoman to work.’
‘It is more suitable than your marrying Mr Collins,’ retorted Elizabeth firmly. ‘Besides, it is only what other young ladies in our position do all the time. When they are left without means, they take up this kind of genteel employment. Governesses and companions all come from our walk of life. I mean to go into Meryton tomorrow and visit the employment office, but I rather think I might ask Miss Bingley for her help the next time I see her, as well.’
‘Miss Bingley?’ asked Jane, her brow furrowing in perplexity. ‘From your description of the lady, I do not think she will be willing to help you.’
‘If I needed help of another sort, I would agree. But she moves in society circles and she may know of someone who needs a governess or companion. She would in that case be helping her friends as well as helping me, and I believe she would be willing to do that.’
‘I did not know you had your heart set on a position in society,’ said Jane in surprise.
‘Not in the ordinary way,’ said Elizabeth, ‘but I must be practical. The families in our neighbourhood are unlikely to pay me the sort of wages I need if I am to help support my sisters. I can send my earnings to Aunt Philips, and then she and Uncle Philips will not find their resources overstretched. One of Miss Bingley’s friends could no doubt pay me three or four times the salary I would receive if I stayed here.’
‘I do not want to be parted from you, Lizzy’ said Jane anxiously. ‘You must not think of going away.’
‘Perhaps Miss Bingley might decide to employ me, then I can stay here,’ said Elizabeth.
‘I do not think you would like that,’ said Jane.
‘I would like it a great deal more than calling you Mrs Collins, I can assure you,’ said Elizabeth.
She took her sister’s arm as they continued their walk around the garden.
‘I wish . . .’ said Jane in an impassioned voice.
She went no further, for they both knew what she wished. She wished their parents had not been killed and that they were still secure; that everything was the way it had always been before the accident.
‘So do I,’ said Elizabeth in a low voice. She often grieved for her parents, and for the way of life she was about to lose. But she was of a brave and resilient disposition and she knew she must help her sister over this crisis of spirits.
‘We must look upon this as an adventure,’ she said bracingly. ‘I might turn out to be an exceedingly good governess! I might think that governessing is the most marvellous occupation, and wonder why I did not do it sooner!’
‘Oh, Lizzy, you always make me laugh!’ said Jane, smiling. ‘I am sure any children will be lucky to have you as their governess.’
There came a halloo from the direction of the house and Jane’s voice fell.
‘Oh dear,’ she said.
Mr Collins had just emerged from the front door and was walking towards them. He was looking very pleased with himself, as usual, and bobbing his head as he approached.
‘Remember, you do not need to be pleasant to him. I will tell him you have a headache if you wish,’ said Elizabeth.
Jane shook her head.
‘No. That will not be necessary. I know you think it will be easy to find employment, Lizzy, but it might be harder than you imagine. I cannot overlook this solution to our problems just because you think there is another, better option. I must do my duty.’
Mr Collins joined them, with his clumsy compliments and his embarrassing remarks. He offered both ladies his arms and Elizabeth took one, for she was determined not to leave Jane alone with him for longer than necessary. She did not relish his company, but she knew she could make things easier for her sister by remaining, and so she bore his company with fortitude. But as she listened with half an ear to his conversation, she was planning what she would say to Miss Bingley.
Miss Bingley was at that moment in the private parlour at the inn. She and Mr Darcy were telling Mr Bingley all about Netherfield Park. His toothache was a little better and he listened with interest to their account of the property.
‘You must see it as soon as you are well, Charles,’ said Miss Bingley.
‘I mean to,’ he said. ‘Upon my word, it sounds the very thing. If you and Darcy think it suitable then I am sure there can be nothing wrong with it, and if I am satisfied then I will close with the agent directly. As soon as this tooth ceases to plague me I will go and see it. I am hopeful I will be out of pain by tomorrow and then I can see for myself.’
‘I had better arrange with the innkeeper for us to stay another day,’ said Mr Darcy.
‘I say, Darcy, I do not mean to inconvenience you. If you wish to return to town, I will understand. You have done me a good turn by inspecting the property and I can ask no more of you.’
‘I am in no hurry to return to town,’ said Mr Darcy. ‘This seems a pleasant neighbourhood. I will stay with you until tomorrow.’
Mr Bingley’s eyebrows raised.
‘I am surprised you like it so well. I thought you would find it too quiet. But as long as you are content to remain then I am grateful to have your company. Tell me, what is it that is encouraging you to remain?’
Miss Caroline Bingley fluttered her eyelashes at this, and gave Mr Darcy a brilliant smile. Mr Darcy did not return the smile, for he knew what she was thinking. She was thinking that he stayed for the pleasure of her company, and she was hoping she would be Mrs Darcy at last!
If she could have seen inside his mind, she would have been far less satisfied. Indeed, she would have been alarmed, for the image that had risen before his eyes was not that of Caroline Bingley. It was of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. There was something about her that was out of the ordinary; something intriguing and appealing. He was not really sure what it was. She had remarkably fine eyes, but surely it was not just the pleasure of looking at those eyes that was keeping him in Meryton? Surely there must be some aspect of her personality that also appealed? He could not put his finger on what it was exactly that drew him, but something drew him to her. It was a mystery, and he wanted a further day to solve it. Once he had decided why he found her so appealing, then he was confident he would be able to forget her.
He was about to go in search of the innkeeper when the innkeeper’s boy entered the parlour, bearing a note for Miss Bingley.
Miss Bingley stood up and held out her hand for the note. Every movement was studied, as it always was when Mr Darcy’s eyes were upon her, for she wanted to impress him with her elegant figure.
‘I do not recognise the hand,’ she said, as she looked at the direction.
‘Why should you? We know no one here, unless you count the agent,’ said Mr Bingley. ‘Upon my word, Caroline, there is no need for delay. Open it and you will see who it is from.’
He spoke more brusquely than usual, for although his tooth was a little better it was still giving him pain.
Miss Bingley opened the note and read it.
‘It is from a Mr Collins. He is the new owner of the Longbourn estate.’ She turned to her brother. ‘We heard something of this at Netherfield Park. Mr and Mrs Bennet died, leaving their estate to a distant cousin of Mr Bennet. There are five Miss Bennets and it seems that Mr Collins means to marry one or other of them.’
Mr Darcy flinched at this. His own understanding of the conversation at Netherfield Park had been that Mr Collins was about to propose to Miss Jane Bennet. It had never occurred to him that the gentleman might be reviewing his options, and might propose to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It would be a good match for her. It would be a good match for any of the young ladies, since it would secure their home. But Miss Elizabeth Bennet had no liking for the gentleman, and he hoped she would not be subjected to his attentions.
As for Miss Jane Bennet, he was sorry for her, but such things happened all the time and it was really none of his concern. It would not have bothered him at all, except he had seen a look of dislike – almost despair – crossing Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s face whenever Mr Collins and her sister had been spoken of.
‘And what does he say?’ asked Mr Bingley.
‘He invites us all to dine at Longbourn this evening. Has he no idea of fashionable behaviour? Who ever heard of sending an invitation at such short notice!’ she said in a condescending manner.
Mr Bingley shook his head.
‘I cannot go out to dinner with such a tooth,’ he said.
‘Then I will decline the invitation,’ said Miss Bingley.
She walked across the room to the writing desk, taking care to move in a stylish and dignified fashion, so that the train on her dress moved at just the right speed across the floor.
‘No, you must accept it,’ said Mr Bingley.
‘But my dear Charles —’
‘I cannot go, of course, but I want to know more about my neighbours. You must go and meet them, then you can tell me all about them. What do you say, Darcy, am I right?’
‘You are,’ said Mr Darcy. ‘It is important to know something of the people you will be mixing with. Miss Bingley and I will go, and then we will be in a better position to advise you about renting a house here.’
Miss Bingley’s expression showed her delight. She was to spend a whole evening with Mr Darcy, with him as her escort!
‘Then I will write and accept,’ said Miss Bingley.
She swept her gown under her as she seated herself most gracefully at the writing desk. She knew she presented an attractive picture and she felt Mr Darcy’s eyes on her with a growing excitement. But she would have been less excited if she had known that his eyes were fixed on her absently, for he was looking inwards, not outwards. He was not seeing Miss Caroline Bingley, he was seeing quite a different young lady in his mind’s eye.
An evening spent in her company would be the ideal way to get to know more about her, and work out why it was she attracted him. He was looking forward to it.
There was great excitement at Longbourn when the reply arrived.
‘I knew how it would be,’ said Mr Collins in a ponderous fashion. ‘With people of fashion, such as Mr Darcy and the Bingleys, there could be no doubt about it. Such people are always fastidious in their politeness. Believe me, dear lady’ – here he smirked at Mrs Philips – ‘I have known a great many charming people and they are all most condescending in their greatness.’
Elizabeth turned a
way to hide a chuckle. She had seen plenty of condescension in Miss Bingley, but she would not describe it as a virtue. Rather she would describe it as concealed arrogance. Mr Darcy, too, had been arrogant. He had looked about him as if everything and everyone was beneath him. However, Mr Bingley might turn out to be a pleasant gentleman. At the very least, the company would provide some relief from the oppressive presence of Mr Collins.
‘Oh! Mr Bingley sends his regrets. He will not be joining us as he has the toothache.’
‘Oh, dear, poor gentleman. I must send him my remedy. It is the best thing for toothache,’ said Mrs Philips. ‘Elizabeth, you must take it to the inn as soon as I have made it. Come with me.’
Elizabeth dutifully followed her Aunt Philips out of the room.
‘Now, Lizzy, you have a chance to make a match of your own,’ said Mrs Philips. ‘Mr Bingley is a wealthy gentleman and if he takes Netherfield Park then you will be close to your sisters.’
‘You go too fast!’ said Elizabeth with a merry smile. ‘I have not even met Mr Bingley, and already you have me married to him and the mistress of Netherfield Park!’
‘There is no reason why it should not happen. You must put on your best gown.’ Aunt Philips studied her closely. ‘You are in good looks today. That is well. Now remember, you must insist on giving the remedy to Mr Bingley personally. Once in his presence, you must find an excuse to remain. You could offer to write a letter for him, or to mend his pen, or some little service that will place him in your debt. You must tell him how sorry we are that he cannot attend our gathering and you must hint at his need to invite us to dinner in return.’
‘Aunt! I cannot do that! It would be most unseemly.’
‘It is your duty. Your sister is willing to do her duty, and I must confess, Lizzy, I am relieved. Your uncle and I love you dearly, and you will always have a home with us – all five of you, if necessary’ – Elizabeth was concerned to see her aunt shiver slightly as she said it – ‘but I do not deny that your uncle and I would be relieved to see you all well settled. Kitty and Lydia are too young at present, but I think you and Jane will make excellent wives. Now, go and change into your best gown. By the time you are downstairs again, the remedy will be ready and you can be on your way.’
A Companion For Miss Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 5
