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During dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely spoke at all. When the servants withdrew, he initiated a conversation with his guest, observing that he seemed very fortunate in his patroness.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh's attention to his wishes, and consideration for his comfort appeared very remarkable.
Mr. Collins was eloquent in her praise. The subject elevated him to more than usual solemn manner. He protested that he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank. Such affability and condescension he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine.
She had been graciously pleased to approve of both of the discourses which he had already had the honour of preaching before her. She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to join a dance in the evening.
Many people he knew reckoned Lady Catherine was proud, but he had only seen her as gracious and kind. She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman. She made not the smallest objection to his joining in the society of the neighbourhood. Nor to his leaving the parish occasionally for a week or two, to visit his relations. She had advised him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with discretion. She had once paid him a visit in his humble Parsonage, where she had approved all the alterations he had been making.
"That is all very proper and civil, I am sure, and I dare say she is a very agreeable woman," said Mrs. Bennet. "It is a pity that great ladies, in general, are not more like her. Does she live near you, sir?"
"The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her Ladyship’s residence."
"I think you said she was a widow, sir? Has she any family?"
"She has only one daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property."
"Ah!" said Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, "then she is better off than many girls. And what sort of young lady is she? Is she handsome?"
"She is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that, in point of true beauty, Miss de Bourgh is far superior to the most handsome of her sex. She says it is because her features mark the young lady of distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution. I am informed by the lady who superintended her education that ill health has prevented her from making progress in many accomplishments. She could not have otherwise failed. But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies."
"Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the ladies at court."
"Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town. And by that means, as I told Lady Catherine one day, has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. Her Ladyship seemed pleased with the idea. On every occasion, I am happy to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine, that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess. The most elevated rank would be adorned by her. These are the kind of little things which please her Ladyship, and it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay."
"You judge very properly, and it is happy for you that you have a talent of flattering with delicacy," said Mr. Bennet. "May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are the result of previous study?"
"They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time. Though I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions. I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible."
Mr. Bennet's expectations were fully answered.
His cousin was absurd and he listened to him with the keenest enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the most resolute composure. Except in an occasional glance at Elizabeth, his partner in this pleasure.
By tea-time, however, the dose had been enough, and Mr. Bennet was glad to take his guest into the drawing-room again. When tea was over, they invited him to read aloud.
Mr. Collins readily assented, and a book was produced. On beholding it, he begged pardon and protested that he never read novels. Kitty stared at him, and Lydia exclaimed.
Other books were produced, and after some deliberation, he chose Fordyce's Sermons. With very monotonous solemnity, he began to read.
Lydia gaped. Before he had read three pages, she interrupted him. "Do you know, Mamma, that my uncle Phillips talks of turning away Richard. If he does, Colonel Forster will hire him. My aunt told me so herself on Saturday. I shall walk to Meryton to-morrow to hear more about it, and to ask when Mr. Denny comes back from town."
Her two eldest sisters bid Lydia hold her tongue.
Appearing much offended, Mr. Collins laid aside his book. "I have often observed how little young ladies are interested in books of a serious stamp, though written solely for their benefit. It amazes me, I confess; for there can be nothing so advantageous to them as instruction. But I will no longer importune my young cousin."
Then turning to Mr. Bennet, he offered himself as his antagonist at backgammon.
Accepting the challenge, Mr. Bennet observed that Mr. Collins acted very wisely in leaving the girls to their own trifling amusements.
Mrs. Bennet and her daughters apologised most civilly for Lydia's interruption. If he would resume his book, they promised that it should not occur again.
After assuring them that he bore his young cousin no ill-will, and would never resent her behaviour as any affront, Mr. Collins seated himself at another table with Mr. Bennet and prepared for backgammon.