Mr. Bennet listened as the man who would inherit his home droned on about Lady Catherine de Bourgh. How a gentleman might find nothing more to speak of than a wealthy lady in Kent was beyond him but Mr. Collins seemed a man most ardently in love with the de Bourgh name and family.
For a moment, Mr. Bennet could almost understand such infatuation. After all, the man seated before his desk had nothing much to recommend him. Not a title nor wealth, not the handsome features a lady might seek, and certainly his conversation was lacking wit and intelligence.
When the topic of marriage to one of his daughters finally flitted through his cousin’s mind, Mr. Bennet was on his feet in moments searching for another glass so he might share his port in a moment of celebration. Never had Mr. Bennet dreamed he would be rid of Mary, his middle child, quite so easily as it now appeared he might.
There was certainly no doubt on his part that his Lizzy would remain at Longbourn until her suitable match had been made. His favorite child was far too spirited and strong-willed for a man such as William Collins! There would be nothing but strife and unhappiness were the two of them yoked.
With Jane to wed Mr. Bingley in a matter of weeks, Mr. Bennet had no need to accept the parson’s offer but the idea of marrying off two of his five daughters held an appeal he could not deny. A man with five daughters must seize any opportunity that presented itself, especially when the one most likely to become a spinster might be married soon after her eldest sister.
“Mr. Collins, I must say I had not expected such generosity after reading your letter. I believe Mary shall be the perfect match. She is sober, dedicated to the Good Book, and fairly proficient at the pianoforte. Yes, she shall be a wonderful parson’s wife.”
Mr. Collins had been about to sip from the port Mr. Bennet had provided but found himself perturbed that his cousin had decided which daughter he ought to marry. “Mr. Bennet, I am quite happy to offer for one of my cousins as I believe it shall ease the sting of the entailment. However, I would choose which young lady I prefer.”
Watching the man as he sipped slowly from his own glass, Mr. Bennet considered whether he ought to argue his point. He did not wish to give offense and risk that his cousin might return to Kent without wedding his middle child and so he simply nodded. “But of course, as it should be. You mentioned you might stay a fortnight, surely that will be time enough to make your choice?”
Having made himself comfortable in his chair after winning his point regarding the selection of which cousin he ought to marry, Mr. Collins merely nodded. “I believe a fortnight shall be ample time to become better acquainted with my lovely cousins. I must be careful in my choosing, you see. Lady Catherine insisted I consider not only the young lady’s temperament but also her accomplishments. Have my cousins had the benefit of a governess?”
Mr. Bennet chuckled as he refreshed his drink. “Mrs. Bennet once demanded such and I refused. I determined that all they might need to know could be taught in our home.”
Mr. Collins could not hide his surprise at such a foolish admission given so proudly. “Have they had masters, then? To teach them music and painting at the very least?”
Mr. Bennet shook his head. “They have not, but each of my daughters is as accomplished as any lady their age and I would boast, better read. Especially my Lizzy.”
The parson had no use for ladies who were well read. In his experience, such women were most unhappy when faced with the rigors of running a home. “Such a pity it is, Mr. Bennet, to give young ladies such learning. They have not a natural inclination to curiosity. I shall have to take into account whether the sister I choose has been corrupted by such learning.”
At this, Mr. Bennet was assured that Lizzy would not be chosen by his cousin. Certainly Mary would suit the man perfectly. Her preferred reading material was the Good Book as she often gave reproof to each of her sisters accordingly by quoting its passages without error. Never had she combed his book shelves for secular material as Lizzy often did through the years nor offered much in the way of spirited conversation.
Happy now that the matter was settled in his mind, and eager to have his study to himself after entertaining the man for too long, Mr. Bennet stood hastily and walked to the door. Mr. Collins found his feet with some surprise and not a little reluctance. The parson was unsettled by his host’s spry movements when they had just been enjoying the port.
Holding his study door wide, Mr. Bennet motioned to the hallway before them. “Mrs. Bennet has surely had a room made ready. Perhaps you would care to rest before dinner?”
Mr. Collins glanced over his shoulder as though he wished to linger in the study. Stepping into the hallway in the hope his cousin would follow, Mr. Bennet called for his wife. “Mrs. Bennet, come quickly. Our guest must be allowed to refresh himself before we dine.”