Page 50 of A Rational Man (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

O n the twenty-third of March, Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet climbed into the Bennet carriage.

Elizabeth’s big trunk was strapped to the back; she planned to stay in Kent for a full month, and Mary had advised her to bring at least two good dresses for their visits to Rosings Park.

Mr. Bennet, on the other hand, would only stay overnight, so he had packed just a small valise.

The two travelers waved as the rest of the Bennet family crowded on the front step to see them off.

Lydia’s expression still looked mutinous; she had complained for days about never being invited anywhere.

Kitty, uncertain if she too should complain or if she should simply remain silent, had succeeded only in looking confused.

As the carriage pulled away from Longbourn, Mr. Bennet eyed his daughter. “Happy to get away, Lizzy?”

“A change of scenery is generally welcome, I believe,” she replied, cautiously.

“Especially when one’s elder sister is so very happy, yes?”

“I am delighted for Jane!” Elizabeth cried out, stung.

“Of course you are, and I never meant to imply otherwise. But I believe you understand me.”

“Oh, Papa,” Elizabeth sighed.

“I know it is hard, my girl. I warned you and I warned him as well, but I may as well have saved my breath.”

“You warned him? Of what?”

“I told him that we all understood that he was intended for a very different sort of young lady, and I asked him not to toy with you.”

“He would never toy with anyone, I think. Not deliberately.”

“I agree, Lizzy, but I was worried for you. He seemed exactly the sort of young man who would appeal to you. Sober, calm, intelligent, well-read…” He trailed off.

“And rich and handsome!” Elizabeth added, hoping to add a lighter note to the conversation.

“Bah! Such things would not matter to you, I know.”

“There is no point in discussing it, Papa. I will heal and life will go on.” With that, she pulled a book from her small travel bag and opened it. She felt, rather than heard, her father’s sigh.

Mr. Bennet was torn. He was angry at Mr. Darcy for hurting his Lizzy, while at the same time knowing that he had no right to feel so.

The man had been clear from the beginning that he must marry elsewhere.

Perhaps he should be angry with himself, for allowing Darcy to even meet Lizzy!

No, he must stop such thinking, for as King Lear said, ‘O, that way madness lies; let me shun that; no more of that.’

***

They arrived in Kent mid-afternoon. Mary must have been staring out of a window, for the moment the carriage pulled up, she dashed out to greet them. “Papa! Lizzy! I am so happy to see you!”

Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth had just enough time to trade one astonished glance before being ushered into the parsonage.

Their Mary had never been exuberant, but this Mary, Mrs. Collins, was smiling widely, hugging them, begging them to sit and take refreshment.

Mary had been too thin, much to Mrs. Bennet’s despair, but she had clearly gained at least half a stone since her wedding.

Everyone was soon settled near the fireplace, as the weather was still cool, even at the end of March. “You look very well, Mary,” Mr. Bennet began.

“I feel very well,” she replied. “Having my own house, ordered as I prefer it, has been a wonderful experience!”

“Will you not give us a tour of your home, Mary?” Elizabeth said.

“I promised Mr. Collins that I would not do so until he was here. Nothing gives him greater pleasure, and I could not deprive him of it.”

Elizabeth asked where Mr. Collins might be, and Mary replied, “Oh, he is with Lady Catherine! He attends her every day without fail. But he knows you are to arrive today, and he will come as soon as may be.”

“I see you have a pianoforte; I am surprised that you did not mention it in your letters.”

“Oh! It is quite a new acquisition, you see. Lady Catherine was horrified to learn that I could play but had no instrument, and she had this one sent over just last week. She has a good many more pianos at Rosings – at least three others – so she shall not miss it, and I am very grateful for her consideration.”

Conversation ceased when they heard the front door flung open; a breathless Mr. Collins entered the parlour moments later. “Cousin Bennet! Cousin Elizabeth! I am overwhelmed with happiness to have you both here in my humble cottage!”

Everyone rose; Mr. Bennet bowed to his host and Elizabeth curtsied.

Once everyone was seated again, Mr. Bennet answered Mr. Collins’ questions as to their journey and the state of everyone’s health at Longbourn.

Once reassured on those points, he was eager to give them a lengthy and detailed tour of the parsonage.

A good deal of complimenting and enthusiasm was required from his guests.

Elizabeth finally begged to be excused, citing her weariness, and was allowed to escape to her room.

She was accompanied by Mary. The room was small, but well-appointed, with new bedding, a pretty rug, and even a small writing desk.

“There, Lizzy!” Mary said, beaming. “I knew you would want to write to Jane every day, and so Mr. Collins found this writing desk in the attic and had it refinished for you.”

“I am very appreciative, Mary. I am certain that I shall be very comfortable here.” Elizabeth had to smile at Mary’s enthusiasm. “It is delightful to see you so content, Mary.”

“Oh, I am, Lizzy. I am vastly content! I had not realised how much Mama’s constant disapproval had dampened my spirits, but I feel now that I can – finally! – breathe freely. I know my husband is not the sort of man who would appeal to any of my sisters, but I am very happy with my choice.”

“And someday you will be mistress of Longbourn. I hope you will be very kind and let me live with you, Mary.”

“You will always be welcome at Longbourn, of course, Lizzy, though I suspect you will be married with a home of your own by then. But we will have a good deal of time to talk; for now, I shall let you rest.”

***

Cook’s headaches had evidently been cured, either by the apothecary’s draughts or a lecture delivered to her by Lady Catherine herself as to the evils of idleness; in either case, she produced a good dinner that night.

Mr. Bennet enjoyed the meal, but Elizabeth could see that her father was already weary of Mr. Collins’ constant conversation and so was becoming taciturn.

As a result, she did her best to speak for both of them and complimented both Mary and Mr. Collins effusively on their hospitality.

After dinner, Mary played the pianoforte, and Elizabeth was surprised to hear that her playing had improved a good deal.

Perhaps now, out from under her mother’s screeching at Mary’s playing, she was able to practice with greater concentration.

Mary had been very, very right to accept Mr. Collins and leave an environment that was not suited to her.

Wise Mary, to have seen her chance and taken it!

Mr. Collins seemed equally happy with his choice, as he beamed at his wife as she played. “Is she not supremely accomplished?” he asked Elizabeth.

“She is, indeed,” Elizabeth said. “You are a very fortunate man, I think.”

“Oh, I am, I am, Cousin Elizabeth! I believe I chose most wisely. She often entertains at Rosings Park, when we are fortunate enough to be invited.”

“I am certain that Lady Catherine is equally happy with your choice of bride.”

“She has complimented me many times,” he replied, nodding vigorously. “All in all, I am the most fortunate of men.”

***

Mr. Bennet left the next day. He thanked Mr. Collins, hugged Mary, and took Elizabeth to the side for a brief moment.

“Your sister appears most content,” he said, quietly.

“I am certain that you will enjoy spending time with her. If, however, Mr. Collins becomes intolerable, you need only send a message and I will be here the next day.”

“Thank you, Papa. I will remember.”

Mr. Bennet kissed Elizabeth, climbed into his coach, and departed.