Page 20 of To Love And To Cherish (Pride And Prejudice Variation #3)

Mrs. Bennet had just settled herself in the drawing room with her embroidery when Hill appeared. “Ma’am, there are callers at the front door.”

Mrs. Bennet looked up sharply. “At this hour? It is only half past ten.”

She set down her needle. “Well, who could be calling this early?” Her first thought was of Mr. Collins. Perhaps he had arrived ahead of schedule, eager to settle himself and choose a wife without delay. She stood, straightened her skirts, and made her way to the parlor.

But it was not the rector. It was Elizabeth, and behind her stood a tall gentleman Mrs. Bennet did not immediately recognize, followed by a pale, composed young lady.

Elizabeth spoke at once. “Mother, you remember Mr. Darcy from the Meryton assembly. And this is his sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

Mrs. Bennet inclined her head. “Yes, of course. How do you do, Mr. Darcy? Welcome, Miss Darcy.” She turned to Hill. “Tea.”

She gestured for them to be seated. “This is a most unexpected pleasure,” she said, her tone polite but cautious. “We do not often receive visitors so early in the day.”

Elizabeth responded easily. “I came upon Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy during my walk. We fell into conversation about Mr. Collins, and I happened to mention that his living is at Hunsford, under the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. As it turns out, Lady Catherine is Mr. Darcy’s aunt.

He very kindly offered to speak with you about his aunt and about Hunsford Parsonage. ”

Mrs. Bennet’s interest was piqued. “Indeed? That is most useful.”

Mr. Darcy inclined his head. “It seemed appropriate to offer what information I could, madam, given the connection. Lady Catherine is a woman of strong opinions and considerable authority. She expects those in her circle to be deferential and orderly. Wives of her clergymen are no exception.”

Mrs. Bennet nodded slowly. “I can understand that. A household must run according to clear expectations.”

“Quite,” he agreed. “She has particular notions about conduct, modesty, and decorum. It is no secret that she dislikes assertiveness in women, especially if it appears to overshadow her daughter, my cousin Anne, who is of a very gentle, quiet disposition.”

Mrs. Bennet folded her hands. “That is helpful to know. I would not wish Mr. Collins to find himself in Lady Catherine’s disfavor.” She cast an uneasy glance at Elizabeth.

“Indeed.” Darcy’s voice remained even. “Mr. Collins enjoys her good opinion now, but that could change quickly if he were to marry a woman she found unsuitable, too forthright, for example, or too striking in appearance. It is for his sake that I offer this warning. I am confident, madam, that you are best placed to guide him in his choice.”

Mrs. Bennet gave a small nod of acknowledgment. “I thank you for taking the time to come. It is considerate of you to speak so openly.”

“One more matter, if I may,” Darcy added.

“I will ask Mr. Bingley if he will consider inviting Mr. Collins to dine. It seems only right and proper that the heir to Longbourn be formally welcomed into the community. We would be pleased to host your family along with him. If you prefer, we might keep the party small, limited to just your household, so that Mr. Collins is not distracted by other eligible young ladies in the area before he has had a chance to know your daughters.”

Mrs. Bennet hesitated only a moment. “Yes, I believe that would be best. A more private dinner may allow him time to become properly acquainted. I shall be sending Lizzy to London on Monday; it is best if she is not at home at present, so she will not be in attendance at your dinner, sir.”

Mr. Darcy offered a brief bow. “You know what is best to be done, madam. We shall now take our leave.”

When they were gone, Mrs. Bennet stood in thought. Then she rang for Hill. “Please send Mary to me.”

When her daughter entered, Mrs. Bennet gestured to a chair but did not sit herself. “We have only a few days before Mr. Collins arrives. We have very little time to prepare.”

Mary looked puzzled. “Do you mean for Lizzy?”

Mrs. Bennet shook her head. “No. That has changed. Mr. Collins will need a wife who is modest and calm. I think you are better suited, Mary.”

Mary blinked in surprise. “Oh.”

“We shall look through your gowns, and also your sister's gowns. Bessie must begin alterations at once. You must look well when he arrives.”

Mary nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Bennet examined her closely. “Take off your spectacles a moment.”

Mary obeyed.

Mrs. Bennet studied her. “You are quite a fine-looking girl. Those spectacles hide your face too much. Your hair also has a nice wave to it. We shall have Alice style it properly.”

“Yes, Mamma.”

“And that puce gown must go. It does nothing for your complexion. We’ll find something better upstairs.”

That afternoon, the back parlor was full of thread and fabric.

Jane offered one of her own dresses, a pale rose color that would flatter Mary.

But Mrs. Bennet declined it. “No, Jane. You must keep that one. If you smile more at Mr. Bingley, I believe he will propose. We must do all we can to secure such a connection.”

She turned to her second daughter. “Lizzy, you’ll go to London on Monday. I would rather you not be here when Mr. Collins calls. We must not hinder Mary’s chances.”

Elizabeth, stitching quietly, did not look up. “Yes, Mother.”

Mrs. Bennet watched her for a moment. Then she turned to oversee the fabric selections with quiet satisfaction. Everything, at last, seemed to be proceeding sensibly.

That night, Mary slipped quietly into Elizabeth’s room, her steps soft and hesitant. Elizabeth looked up from her book, unsurprised to see her.

“I wondered when you might come,” she said gently, closing the volume and setting it aside.

Mary lingered near the edge of the bed for a moment, then sat down beside her sister. “You were walking with Mr. Darcy and his sister this morning,” she said softly. “And later, Mamma called me down with her head full of plans.”

Elizabeth smiled faintly. “Yes. I thought it might unfold that way.”

Mary folded her hands again, her gaze dropping to her lap. “You spoke to him about Mr. Collins, didn’t you? About me.”

“I did. I gave him the letter and explained your wishes and mamma’s intrigues.”

There was a pause before Mary said, in a quiet but steady voice, “Thank you.”

Elizabeth reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I know it’s what you’ve wanted. And you’ll do very well in the role.”

Mary gave a small nod, her expression calm but thoughtful. “I think so too. I’ve always imagined a life of purpose, visiting tenants, reading with children, keeping house for a good man.”

Elizabeth studied her sister’s face. “You seem happy. I’m glad. But I want you to promise me something.”

Mary looked up.

“If, after meeting him, you feel the sacrifice is too great, if you come to believe that he is not the man for you, then you must be brave enough to walk away. Do not let Mother pressure you. Jane refused that awful suitor when she was only fifteen. You can be just as strong.”

Mary sat quietly, absorbing the words. Then she gave a small, grateful smile.

“I will keep an open mind, I promise. But I’m not romantic, Lizzy.

You know that. I’m practical. If Mr. Collins is respectable and kind, if he treats me with decency and gives me the freedom to be useful, I believe we could do well enough.

I already respect him. He has studied, worked hard, and secured a good living. That speaks well of his character.”

“And if he’s hideous?” Elizabeth asked, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.

Mary gave a soft laugh. “I don’t care how he looks, Lizzy, not if he is kind.

Of course, I’ll do what I can to improve my appearance.

I know men prefer beauty, and I would like to think he might find me pleasing to look at.

And I shall not wear my spectacles around him until we are well and truly married, for they might frighten him off. ”

Elizabeth chuckled. “A wise strategy.”

Mary chuckled. “I thought so.”