9. Chapter 9

Quick note: First, this chapter is not the dinner with Mr. Bingley et al, but that is coming soon and I apologize for not delivering on that just yet (I had some other setup that needed to happen first). Second, Mr. Collins' letter from the original book is duplicated in its entirety and not modified. I know some people dislike that, so please feel free to skim or skip it if you wish.

IX.

The remainder of Sunday passed without much liveliness. Although Mrs. Bennet had been a bit put out by Jane and Elizabeth's early return home, she was nevertheless pleased at finally securing a dinner at Longbourn with Mr. Bingley and therefore refrained from excessive irritation at the changed plans. The youngest sisters seemed less interested in the return to health and home of their eldest sisters and were instead more eager to share recent gossip with fresh recipients, which provided an excellent excuse for the middle sister to begin sermonizing to them all. Neither Elizabeth nor Jane found this after-dinner entertainment a match for their recent conversational partners, but wisely did not comment.

The next morning found Elizabeth awake before the rest of her family. While it was not an unusual occurrence, Lizzy was uncomfortable to acknowledge its cause: her own mind's whirling thoughts. She was quite discomposed upon waking to realize that she had been in the midst of a rather vivid dream. She was almost confused about where she had awoken, forgetting momentarily that she had returned home and was no longer a guest at Netherfield. This thought brought back memories of her dream and Lizzy shuddered from a combination of the overload to her senses and the chill in the morning air that her fireplace coals could not keep entirely away. While Lizzy had always had an active imagination, she was not accustomed to feeling so engrossed in a dream nor so warm in her person upon waking.

She glanced to the bed across from hers and observed that Jane was still peacefully sleeping. Elizabeth said a prayer of thanks that she had not interrupted Jane's rest; while Jane was definitely well enough to return home, she would still be susceptible to illness if denied her basic needs, like proper rest. Lizzy slipped quietly out of bed, allowing her mind to focus on the task of dressing quietly and not disturbing Jane, rather than contemplating her dream.

Once out of their bedroom, Lizzy glanced at the doors along their hall to see no light coming from underneath any door. Deciding that she was unlikely to have company any time soon, and honestly preferring to keep her own company regardless, Elizabeth slipped quietly down the stairs and out through the garden door.

The cold and fresh morning air hit Elizabeth hard in the face, but rather than sending her running back into the comparable warmth of her home and family, she felt invigorated. She breathed deeply and set off at a brisk pace toward her favourite path. Being once again surrounded by nature and the freedom to be herself without judgement, Elizabeth allowed her mind to wander at its own accord.

Nearly instantly, her thoughts focused on her recently interrupted dream. While only bits and pieces seemed to still be available to her conscious mind, she was overwhelmed by the force of the images in her mind. There were brief flashes of colours and she felt almost a tingling through her body. She halted abruptly in her path when the realization struck her that the sensation was nearly identical to the experience of sitting next to Mr. Darcy in church yesterday! Her cheeks, already pink from the air, were immediately burning with new heat that stung against the cold wind.

She had no proper time to contemplate this sensation, though, because once she recognized the connection, her mind unleashed an assault of images and sensations, nearly on top of one another: Netherfield's drawing room and Mr. Darcy entering, his elegant and distinctive gait drawing her notice; Caroline Bingley's laugh, almost a cackle, whenever she thought he was interested; deep brown – his eyes; the little yellow flowers that were persevering despite the frost alongside the south-western path in Netherfield's garden; a slight twitch upward in the corner of his lips at a challenge from her or their distinct downward movement when Caroline would touch him; his voice pronouncing herself as "barely tolerable" – his voice! Once she recalled his voice, she was lost; it was almost as though it did not matter what he spoke because it seemed now that even only his voice could make her stomach clench!

What has that man done to me?

Lizzy shook her head as though the uncomfortable thoughts would fly out. In truth, she did not know which were worse, the harsh or the sentimental. With renewed determination and vigour, she resumed her walk, albeit perhaps a tad more aggressively than before. She found that if she pushed her physical limits, she would not be forced to relive the images from her memories and dream. Therefore, she exhausted herself and pushed her body's limits with every step. As a result, she found herself much further along than she had intended to go and did not return to Longbourn until well after the sun was grazing the tops of the hills.

ooOoo

Elizabeth knew she had missed breakfast and therefore contented herself with a roll from the sideboard and wondered if Cook would have any coffee left? She would stop by the kitchen later...

Lizzy had barely stepped a foot into the parlour when her mother nearly pounced upon her.

"Lizzy! There you are, child! Where have you been?" She did not give Elizabeth even a moment to answer as she continued along hurriedly, "Oh nevermind, nevermind! How you tax my poor nerves! How do you expect me to ensure that tonight's dinner is adequate while you traipse all over the countryside? Goodness, my poor nerves cannot handle such things! First there is no fish to be got and then you were not returned home and Mr. Bennet gives me no time to prepare for such an important guest!" With a dramatic sigh, Mrs. Bennet fell back to the nearest sofa to recover herself.

"Mama, please, I beg you to explain why you should be so worried that I simply took a walk? What is so important about dinner tonight? After all, Mr. Bingley is coming tomorrow night."

Lydia – never one to concern herself with whether or not she had personally been asked to join a conversation – answered in her mother's place: "La! Lizzy, Papa read us the most dull letter at breakfast this morning." She rolled her eyes to emphasize the lack of excitement in the event, "His cousin is coming to dinner tonight and Mama is all a-flutter getting everything ready. If only he were in the militia..." She sighed dreamily at her mental images of handsome soldiers in red coats.

This only partially answered Elizabeth's confusion and the remainder showed on her face. As Mrs. Bennet was apparently still recovering on the sofa, Jane attempted to provide the missing details: "Lizzy, the gentleman coming this evening is Mr. Collins, who is to inherit Longbourn upon –"

Here, Mrs. Bennet sighed again and moaned, "Oh yes, Mr. Collins will most certainly cast us all out to live in the hedgerows once your father dies... unless he may be persuaded to take a liking to one of you girls!"

At this, she suddenly sat up and with predatory glances scrutinized each daughter:

She had bigger plans than a mere parson and Longbourn for Jane, so she moved to Kitty who sat next to her. She decided that Kitty was an option, but perhaps too dim for a man that used such big words in his letter. As a parson he must be somewhat educated... perhaps Mary? She turned to Mary, who was, as usual, sitting at the pianoforte. Yes, although Mary is quite plain, she does love to read and she spouts such religious nonsense... She seemed pleased with this possibility and turned to her youngest. She quickly decided against her Lydia; after all, she is too young and lively to be settled to only a parson. Lastly, she remembered her second eldest and she frowned. Whatever to do with that child? Perhaps if she gave Elizabeth a strong enough speaking to she might be able to catch Mr. Collins' interest? It would be a relief to have that one married and out of her home... hm, perhaps Lizzy would do nicely for Mr. Collins... She decided she would see where Mr. Collins' preferences lay and then simply redirect him if needed. Yes, that is quite right. It will do nicely!

Elizabeth was distinctly uncomfortable by her mother's smile in her direction. She suppressed a small shudder and tried to put her discomfort out of mind. "So Papa shared our cousin's letter?"

Jane confirmed this and Lizzy excused herself to find their father.

ooOoo

"Papa?" Lizzy called as she knocked at the library door.

"Come in, my dear, I have been expecting you." His voice held a hint of amusement and anticipation.

Elizabeth entered to see her father in his favourite chair by the window. She observed a somewhat lengthy letter (due to the overlarge script) on his desk. Mr. Bennet observed her interest and nodded. Not needing any further encouragement, Lizzy crossed the room with three quick strides and immediately read the letter:

Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent, 15th October.

Dear Sir,

The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honoured father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the misfortune to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach; but for some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fearing lest it might seem disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with anyone with whom it had always pleased him to be at variance. My mind, however, is now made up on the subject, for having received ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards her ladyship, and be ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies which are instituted by the Church of England. As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within in the reach of my influence; and 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 Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject the offered olive-branch.

I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologise for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends – but of this hereafter. 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, November 18th, by four o'clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday se'ennight following, which I can do without any inconvenience, as Lady Catherine is far from objecting to my occasional absence on a Sunday, provided that some other clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day. I remain, dear sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your well-wisher and friend,

WILLIAM COLLINS

Elizabeth was terribly confused by the letter. Although there seemed some education in his language choices and kind intention in his duty to his parishioners, he also seemed strangely deferential to his patroness, beyond the amount one would normally expect. And what of his apology for the entail?

"He must be an oddity, I think," said she, voicing her thoughts freely with her father. "I cannot make him out. There is something very pompous in his style. And what can he mean by apologising for being next in the entail? We cannot suppose he would help it if he could. Could he be a sensible man, sir?"

"No, my dear, I think not." Mr. Bennet sounded positively delighted. "I have great hopes of finding him quite the reverse. There is a mixture of servility and self-importance in his letter, which promises well. I am impatient to see him."

Elizabeth could not help herself but to laugh. "Papa, do you mean to tell me that you have accepted his invitation and are allowing his oblique references to 'making amends' to my sisters and myself to stand, all for your own entertainment?"

Mr. Bennet's lips twitched as though he was holding back a laugh as he answered, "Why, of course!"

"Papa!" Elizabeth's voice was intended to be scolding, but her tolerance for his making sport of others – even herself – prevented her censure from touching him and he smiled at her, unrepentant. Elizabeth tried again: "You do not understand. My mother believes that he must marry one of your daughters in order to save us all from the hedgerows."

She had not intended this information to be humorous and was therefore a bit put out when her father began to laugh. His laughter was quiet, but his eyes were closed tightly and his entire body shook with his mirth.

Elizabeth had to repress her urge to yell at him and stomp her foot like a child. "Papa, this is not funny! What if he takes an interest in Jane? What of Mr. Bingley?"

Mr. Bennet's laughter ceased immediately, but the light in his eyes was still quite bright and he responded in a pleased tone, "Oh, my dear Lizzy, I could only wish to be so fortunate as to watch Mr. Collins attempt to court Jane in front of Mr. Bingley! That alone would make tolerating the man's stay worthwhile." He chuckled lightly from the image, as well as the sour expression now on his favourite daughter's face.

"But Papa –"

He cut her off, "Oh Lizzy, my dear, do not worry yourself! There is no real cause for concern here. Although Mr. Collins is undoubtedly the worst kind of fool, he is nonetheless a respectable gentleman, I am sure. He is a member of the clergy, after all. He poses no threat to you or Jane and perhaps we will even make some impressive acquaintances out of the meeting. That Lady Catherine sounds positively delightful! You would not wish to deny your old father some amusement, would you?"

Elizabeth sighed. In her head she thought that she might very much like to deny her father just such a thing, but as her head was beginning to ache and she knew that this was not a fight she could win – particularly when the gentleman in question was due in less than three hours' time – so she retreated. "Of course not, Papa."

He did not seem to notice the dullness in her response and returned to his book with a "Very good, my dear."

Elizabeth departed and intended to go to her room but was prevented by her mother who suddenly had a long list of tasks for Lizzy to complete before their "honoured guest" arrived. Elizabeth tried to protest that her head was aching and she was still in her morning dress, which was no longer fresh due to her rather strenuous walk, but to no avail with her mother. With a sigh, Lizzy set off to complete her list of chores with the hope that if she were able to finish early she might be able to take a brief rest before dinner.

Elizabeth's plan did not go as she had anticipated. Her headache became more pronounced the longer she was made to listen to her mother's shrill orders to herself, her sisters, and the household staff. Soon, Lizzy was snapping irritably at her younger sisters whenever they so much as laughed aloud. Jane observed this and encouraged Lizzy to rest. Jane practically shoved Elizabeth out of the room stating that she knew Lizzy had not slept well – how did she know? – and was confident that this was the cause of her poor humour and aching head. When Mrs. Bennet objected, Jane offered that she would take her sister's tasks. Although Jane possessed the sweetest soul, she was not one to withdraw when she felt herself to be in the right and so Lizzy and Mrs. Bennet both were forced to acquiesce.

ooOoo

Elizabeth woke to a small noise later that evening. She was initially a bit confused, but then Jane apologised for waking her. Lizzy questioned, "What time is it?"

Jane apologised again: "I am sorry for waking you, Lizzy. It is late and you should go back to sleep. I was intending to put on my dressing gown without the light so as to not wake you, but I hit my toe on the chair leg. But do go back to sleep, sister."

It suddenly came back to Lizzy. "Wait, Jane! What about the dinner and Mr. Collins?"

Jane sighed lightly, "Lizzy, the dinner is over. You were not feeling well and so I convinced Mama that she should let you rest. You can meet Mr. Collins tomorrow." She did not wish to tell her sister what she had had to actually say to their mother to secure her consent.

Elizabeth was unsure if she wanted to laugh or cry. "You did what? I – what? Jane, I am not so unwell that you needed to allow me to sleep through the dinner. I am quite fine."

It was dark in the room so Lizzy did not see the slight blush on her sister's face. "It is late, Lizzy, and I am tired. Can we please talk about this in the morning?"

Lizzy furrowed her brow in confusion, but did still feel the pull of sleep on her eyelids. "Very well. But you will tell me all about what happened and our cousin in the morning?"

"Of course."

"Thank you, Jane. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Lizzy dearest."

Although Elizabeth fell back to sleep almost the instant her eyes closed again, her sister remained awake contemplating the events of the evening past and the one yet to come. Though Jane had a gentle temperament, she was by no means intellectually lacking and she was often even more perceptive than Lizzy, especially about Lizzy. She had observed her sister's apparently growing acquaintance with Mr. Darcy while they were at Netherfield and while she knew not how that had begun – since, before their stay at Netherfield, she was quite certain that her sister hated that gentleman – Jane noted the flush to Lizzy's cheeks, the sparkle in her eyes, and the smile upon her lips as she and Mr. Darcy battled and Jane could not be anything besides pleased and hopeful for her sister at witnessing such a sight.

Likewise, she had seen the look upon her mother's face only this morning when contemplating which daughter may appeal to Mr. Collins and Jane could not say that she had liked it. Jane could not bring herself to think ill of their mother – after all, she is only seeking happiness and security for her daughters! – but she was unable to deny that Lizzy and Mrs. Bennet seemed cut from different cloths; neither was ever easily able to understand the thoughts and motivations of the other. Sometimes Jane had wondered if Lizzy even came from Mrs. Bennet!

When it became apparent that Lizzy was not feeling well, Jane took the opportunity to remove Lizzy from the dinner. While she had initially thought that Elizabeth seemed only tired, Jane had noticed quickly that her sister was rubbing her temples and raising her voice with their younger sisters. This was not typical for Lizzy, so Jane knew that something was wrong. Elizabeth had spent nearly a week caring for Jane at Netherfield and Jane was very concerned that perhaps she had exhausted herself in the effort. So when Mrs. Bennet sent Jane to summon Lizzy to come downstairs in anticipation of Mr. Collins' arrival, she walked up the stairs but never entered their bedroom. Instead, she returned to her mother and informed her that Lizzy seemed warm and that she would do well to rest. She also allowed her mother to consider what kind of impression their family would make upon Mr. Collins if Elizabeth joined their family party in as ill a humour as earlier. Mrs. Bennet had quickly agreed that Lizzy's health was, of course, the most important issue and insisted Jane leave her be. Jane contemplated now if this was deceitful but she could not find it within herself to be bothered by her actions; they had been for her sister and she could not regret them.

From here, Jane's thoughts began to race forward toward the eagerly anticipated dinner with Mr. Bingley tomorrow night. Jane had a romantic heart and while she was cautious to show her feelings, they ran quite deeply. She was not fickle in her preferences and, although she would not wish to admit it to anyone else, she was already quite taken with Mr. Bingley. She smiled into the darkness remembering their conversations and walk through the garden only a day ago.

He truly is just as a gentleman ought to be!

She had said as much to Lizzy shortly after the Meryton assembly when they had met Mr. Bingley and Jane wished that Lizzy, too, might find a gentleman whose company she enjoyed as much. She wondered, not for the first time, if perhaps they had all been too quick to judge Mr. Darcy that evening? He was the first man since their father who seemed to recognise and value Elizabeth's intelligence and who was not afraid to match wits with her. Jane was determined that they should have the chance to further their acquaintance and vowed to do her part to assist.

She spent a few minutes fretting over what she could do without Lizzy, their mother, or Mr. Darcy knowing she was involved but quickly found herself at a loss. Knowing that the answers she sought were going to elude her for tonight because sleep was closing in, Jane allowed herself to return her thoughts to her favourite person before meeting him again in her dreams for the night.

A/N: This was another difficult chapter for me to get out, so thank you all for your patience on the wait! As I mentioned above, this chapter did not have the much-anticipated dinner at the Bennet household, but I hope for it to be in the next chapter! For those who guessed Mr. Collins would be coming, you were correct, but the next chapter will also introduce our favorite creep, Mr. Wickham. So... something to look forward to (or dread – your choice)!

As always, reviews – constructive and supportive alike – are SO appreciated! They really give me the motivation to keep going, especially when the chapters or characters are not cooperating, so please keep them coming – they mean the world to me! Also, thank you to all those who added this story or me to alerts and favorites!