Page 17 of Look on the Heart (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #10)
Providence has favored me in securing a patroness whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of her parish.
Here it shall be my earnest endeavor to demean myself with grateful respect towards her ladyship and to be ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies instituted by the Church of England.
She is everything that is good, and I shall fulfill her bidding in whatever manner lies within my power.
The duties of a clergyman are vast, and the ordination I received demands a certain standard of conduct.
Moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence.
This includes my own house and relations.
As I have none other living than the Bennets of Hertfordshire, I seek to rectify this matter immediately .
On these grounds, I flatter myself that my present overtures are highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my being next in the entail of the Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side and not lead you to reject the offered olive-branch.
I must do my duty to repair that which is broken, and to atone for my position, which will usurp your daughters upon your demise.
I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters and beg leave to apologize for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends.
If you should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, the eighteenth of November, by four o’clock, and shall trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday se’nnight following, which I hope will be no inconvenience.
I am, sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters,
Your well-wisher and friend, William Collins
Elizabeth looked up at her father, whose amusement remained unchecked.
“What manner of man is he?” she asked. “This is the most nonsensical letter I have ever had the misfortune of reading. What olive branch? What can he mean?”
“Is it not obvious, Lizzy? Mr. Collins means to offer for one of my daughters.”
She chuckled. “Are you certain? His praise of Lady Catherine is excessive. One might safely assume he is in love with his patroness. Any lady he marries will certainly come second in his affections.”
“Indeed, I suspect it will be so. No matter. He will provide much amusement, I think, for the duration of his stay. It will please Mrs. Bennet to throw her daughters in his path. Jane will be excluded, of course. And you? Will you allow your mother to steer him toward you?” Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow at his daughter, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Mama will be disappointed if she does. I will not be forced into a marriage not of my choosing, no matter how she wails and complains.” She speared the eggs with her fork, then took a bite.
“Yes, I thought you would profess as much. I cannot say that I blame you, particularly when a superior specimen is available.”
Elizabeth choked on her egg. Eyes watering, she took her teacup and sipped carefully, trying to soothe the cough that overtook her. “I do not know what you mean,” she said hoarsely.
Mr. Bennet laughed. “I am not blind to the man’s interest in you, my dear. Why do you think I have welcomed him into my study? I wished to understand what manner of man Mr. Darcy is. I am impressed. He is intelligent, thoughtful, and dutiful—a rare treasure among his set.”
“We are only friends, Papa,” she cautioned. Mr. Darcy had made no declaration, and she did not wish to raise false hopes.
“Friends, is it? That is good. A solid relationship ought to begin with friendship.” His expression turned serious. “I do hope you will not form your final opinion based on anything but his character.”
She understood his meaning and bristled. “I am not so shallow. He is a good man. I only meant for you to understand that there is nothing more between us…”
“Not yet.” Her father finished the thought, and she scowled. “Have a care, Lizzy. You are a fair way along the path to losing your heart. I could not give you up to anyone less worthy.” He stood, bent to kiss the top of her head, and hurried to his study.
She had not believed Mr. Darcy’s attentions obvious to anyone but herself.
Yet she still doubted them. His intense looks puzzled her, and while she hoped they signified genuine regard, she could take no step until he made his intentions known.
Her father was right, however. Her heart hovered at the precipice of falling in love, and if she did not guard it carefully, she would tumble headlong into the abyss before she fully understood what had happened.
Elizabeth remained at the table for some time, idly moving food about her plate, lost in thought.
When her tea had grown cold, she finally rose.
There would be time enough for reflection.
For now, she would seek Jane, who still coughed, and Elizabeth wished to assure herself of her sister’s well-being.