20. Chapter 20

Previously...

Mr. Bingley secures consent from Mr. Bennet and announces his engagement to Jane Bennet during dinner at the Netherfield Ball. Miss Bingley accuses Elizabeth of driving away Darcy and coercing Bingley into his proposal to Jane. Mr. Collins misinterprets Elizabeth's defence of Bingley's public announcement and decides to publicly propose to Elizabeth at the Ball. Elizabeth, failing to see any other alternative, pretends to faint in order to avoid giving an answer.

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XX.

The carriage ride back to Longbourn was relatively uneventful as it was deemed best for Lizzy to be transported with minimal noise and jostling. She was therefore accompanied by Jane alone, while Mrs. Bennet gathered the other girls to return home in the carriage after it completed its first trip to Longbourn and back. Elizabeth was immensely grateful – for perhaps the first time ever – for the silliness of her younger sisters, who were not easily amenable to returning home early from the Ball. As such, they had necessitated her mother's attentions and allowed for Lizzy and Jane to be alone.

Once she was certain they were far enough down the road leading away from Netherfield, Lizzy tentatively opened her eyes. Of course Jane was watching her sister intently and immediately noticed Elizabeth's awareness.

"Lizzy! Are you well, dear? Please speak to me, sister! Oh Lizzy, I was so very worried! Please say something!"

Elizabeth, in spite of herself and the circumstances, laughed and chided, "Well, I might speak if I were able to get a word in!"

Seeing her sister laugh easily relaxed Jane and she released a heavy breath. "Oh thank heavens! Lizzy, I was so afraid. Please, dear, tell me you are well?"

Elizabeth felt terrible for worrying sweet Jane, and when she should be alight with her joy in her new fiancé nonetheless! "Jane, I am terribly sorry to have upset you! I simply did not know what else I ought to do! That odious, pompous fool!" she cursed Mr. Collins for putting herself and her family in this situation. "It was all I could think of to get away without shaming our family."

Jane could see the mix of emotions within Lizzy; one moment she appeared sad and remorseful, the next angry, and then near pleading for her sister's absolution. "Oh Lizzy," Jane sighed, "I am sorry that you were put in such a horrid position! I cannot imagine I would even have enjoyed if my Mr. Bingley had proposed in such a manner. I would think it quite mortifying to be so exposed!"

Elizabeth smiled weakly at Jane's empathy and understanding; she was so very kind-hearted. That thought led Lizzy to consider how poor Jane might have felt compelled to accept their cousin had their roles been reversed and suddenly she felt restored. She could handle the bumbling, improper wind-bag; he shall not trap me into a marriage I cannot reconcile! She smiled as she replied, "Indeed, Jane, you are quite right. But we need not dwell on such unpleasant thoughts. I am simply grateful that you were able to convince my mother to allow us to return home. At least in the privacy of Longbourn I may reject Mr. Collins' proposals without humiliating him in front of the entire neighbourhood." Then, considering her mother's reaction she sighed and added, "Of course, Mama will not be pleased, but I can see nothing for it. Perhaps your engagement to Mr. Bingley will be enough to soothe her nerves."

Jane squeezed her sister's hand and offered a small, encouraging smile, "Let us hope."

ooOoo

Had Mr. Bennet been immediately aware of his favourite daughter's situation, he likely would have ridden alongside his two eldest for their short journey home, but he was enjoying a fine port in the parlour with some of the other older gentlemen when Mr. Collins had chosen to make a public spectacle of himself and Miss Elizabeth. However, once Lizzy collapsed, Charles Bingley immediately went to retrieve her father, knowing that he and Miss Elizabeth were close and that the circumstances warranted her father's involvement.

During Elizabeth's brief recovery on a chaise in an adjoining room, before she and Jane set off for home, Mr. Collins had initially been quite perplexed to determine his course. Naturally, he concluded, she is overwhelmed by the joy of my having offered for her and her delicate sensibilities were over-wrought! I must see that the carriage is called to return her home. Once she is rested, we may receive our congratulations from the family and set a date before I return to Kent on the morrow! Lady Catherine will be quite pleased, I am sure! And with these pleasant thoughts in mind, he was off to set his plan in motion.

While Collins was seeking a servant to notify a groom to ready the horses, Mr. Bingley burst into the parlour where most of the older and married gentlemen were enjoying their spirits and talk considered inappropriate for mixed company. Bingley could not be bothered to search out Mr. Bennet, as he felt time was of great importance in this matter, so he simply summoned the man in the fairly crowded room.

The conversations ceased rather abruptly at Mr. Bingley's outburst, and Mr. Bennet, who was seated and immersed in a game of cards, asked with great amusement, "Yes, Mr. Bingley, how may I be of assistance to you? Do you, perhaps, have another daughter of mine you wish to claim? Or no, I know! Now that you have seen my wife's reaction to your announcement, you wish to rescind? Well, I am quite sorry, young man, but it is rather too late!" He and the other men at his table laughed.

Bingley was appalled at the ease with which Mr. Bennet insulted his wife and openly, no less, but he refrained from commenting. Instead, he replied, "No sir, it is Miss Elizabeth – "

At this, all humour left Mr. Bennet's face and he stood abruptly, "Elizabeth? My Lizzy? What is wrong?"

"Sir, I believe it would be best if – " he had intended to suggest they speak privately, but Mr. Bennet was already nearly to him, "Please come with me."

As they neared the exit of the room, Mr. Bennet was level to Bingley, so Charles explained in a low voice as they walked, "Sir, Miss Elizabeth collapsed and is now being tended to by her mother and sister."

Mr. Bennet's eyebrows shot up and then furrowed in concern and question; My Lizzy has never been a fainter, he wondered.

Bingley continued, "I believe she may have been... er, over-wrought by Mr. Collins' marriage proposal."

Quite without thought, Mr. Bennet halted suddenly, "Mr. Collins' what?"

Charles was uncomfortable and unsure whether or not this marriage offer was sanctioned by the Bennets; certainly, he suspected Miss Elizabeth was not seeking such an offer, but how to best be delicate in his description? He shifted side to side on his feet and replied, "Mr. Collins, er, called for the attention of the room, and... well, he asked Miss Elizabeth to be the, uh, 'companion of his future life,' I believe it was."

Mr. Bennet's eyebrows rose. He seemed incensed at this information and, with a huff and a stifled curse under his breath, resumed walking at a faster pace. Mr. Bingley followed, hoping that he had done the right thing.

Mr. Bennet arrived into the ballroom and easily ignored the stares and whispers around him. He scanned the spacious room for his daughter, but did not see her. Instead, he did find his wife and daughter's supposed suitor in animated conversation, and not of the unpleasant variety he might have wished. Of course Fanny would support his suit! Oh, why must she always try my patience! His gait as he charged toward them did not hide his displeasure from those astute enough to take note; however it seemed neither Mrs. Bennet nor Mr. Collins were especially astute.

"Oh, Mr. Bennet! There you are!" cried his wife, seeming pleased, "You have heard the wonderful news? Two daughters to be well-married! Oh heavens, it is all too much! I think I will find myself a glass of sherry and rest a bit before the carriage returns."

"Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Bennet stopped her departure with clipped words, "Where is Elizabeth?"

"Oh, she went back to Longbourn with Jane. Do you know, she actually fainted when Mr. Collins proposed! Rather shocking, I would say, but you know, she has not been feeling all that well recently, and I think that she might have been a tad over-heated, what with all the dancing and excitement – "

"Was the apothecary called for her?"

"What? Mr. Jones? Oh goodness me, no! She awoke a bit before they left and you know our Lizzy, very hearty. She just needs a good rest and she'll be good as new in the morning. Not to worry, Mr. Collins, she's always had a hearty constitution, almost never sick – "

Mr. Bennet interrupted, "Thank you, Mrs. Bennet. That will be quite enough."

Mrs. Bennet shrugged and walked off, ostensibly to find some sherry and gossip over her family's windfall of soon-to-be-well-married daughters. Mr. Bennet wondered if she may already be a bit in her cups, but did not concern himself with such matters. Instead, he turned to his cousin, who seemed rather pleased with himself and the circumstances.

"Mr. Collins, am I to understand that you have proposed to my daughter, Elizabeth, this evening?"

"Indeed, that is correct! As I had begun to say to her earlier, my reasons for choosing to marry at this time are – "

"Quite many, I am sure. It seems that you and I will need to have a conversation regarding this matter. What time do you intend to leave tomorrow, sir?"

"Ah, yes, of course, excellent! I had planned to take the post around ten o'clock, but I am confident my compassionate and noble patroness will excuse a later arrival if need be so that we may finalise whatever details remain."

Mr. Bennet stiffened at the arrogance and presumption – then again, perhaps Elizabeth gave her consent? No, it is not possible! "Nine o'clock in my book room and I will thank you not to be late."

"Certainly, certainly! I will anticipate it with great joy!"

Mr. Bennet simply nodded and walked away, leaving Collins standing there seeming rather pleased, despite his solitary position on a dance floor where others were dancing around him. Mr. Bennet decided he needed a moment away to think through matters before making any further decisions. He spotted Mr. Bingley hovering near the edge of the room, watching him anxiously. He met Bingley's eyes and cocked his head to the side to indicate a desire to speak with the man. Mr. Bingley was quick to nod and move toward the signalled location.

"Mr. Bingley, I must know more of the events this evening. Did my daughter accept Mr. Collins' offer?"

Bingley took a moment to think before replying, "No sir, I do not believe so. In fact, if you will excuse my saying, I do not think it likely she intended to either. She seemed rather displeased by the man's attentions – if I am not over-stepping by saying so. He called for the attention of the room, proceeded to, er, express his intentions for Miss Elizabeth, but before he was done, she seemed to take ill."

Mr. Bennet suppressed his eye rolls at Mr. Collins' ridiculousness, but found his attention caught by Mr. Bingley's description: "What do you mean 'take ill'?"

"She held her face, cried out, and then fell back. I was not near enough to catch her, though I did assist in moving her to the chaise, but another gentleman did manage to keep her from hitting the floor. It seemed that she might have lost consciousness briefly."

Mr. Bingley's face was quite serious as he offered his report to Mr. Bennet with the full gravity such information deserved, so he was rather surprised to see and hear the chuckle escape from Mr. Bennet. He looked quizzically at his father-in-law-to-be but Mr. Bennet only shook his head and continued to laugh quietly.

When he was done with his moment, he clapped Bingley's shoulder, thanked him for his report and walked away. Poor Bingley did not know what to think! But, he reasoned, at least he does not seem angry with me, so I suppose I must be content.

ooOoo

Not long after Jane and Elizabeth had arrived home and settled into their nightclothes in their bedroom, a knock sounded on their bedchamber door.

"Who is it?" Jane inquired.

"Jane, it is I," Mr. Bennet answered, "Are you and Lizzy inside?"

Jane opened their door and stepped aside to allow him entrance, "Yes, Papa."

Elizabeth looked up from her seat at her father; she seemed wary. "Papa – " she began, but he interrupted.

"No, Lizzy, I must know if you are well before anything else?"

She swallowed the lump in her throat, "I am well, Papa. I... I did not know what else to do!"

Mr. Bennet sat next to his daughter and sighed, "I know, my dear, it is of no consequence now."

Misunderstanding her father's meaning, Elizabeth began to protest, "Papa, please, I do not wish to marry Mr. Collins. I cannot possibly be happy with such a man and I am quite certain I would not please him either! Please – "

"Lizzy," Mr. Bennet laughed, "I have no intention of forcing you to marry him! Goodness, he is entirely absurd and absolutely unsuitable for your temperament! I had hoped he may come to that conclusion on his own, but I see that was a bit optimistic on my part."

Elizabeth was relieved: "Thank you, Papa!" She hugged him as they sat next to one another and he put one arm around her.

"Of course, my dear," he said with love, and then sighed, "There is nothing for it but for me to tell the man when I meet with him tomorrow morning that I refuse my consent. I am sure your mother will be rather displeased with my refusal, but I think some extra French lace for Jane's trousseau should do nicely to comfort her through this trying time. What do you say, Janie?"

Jane smiled and sat next to her father, hugging him as he put his other arm around her. "I am sure that will do well, Papa."

"Well, Lizzy?"

"Yes, Papa. Thank you."

ooOoo

Unfortunately, the following morning, Mr. Bennet's well-laid plans did not come to fruition entirely as he had intended. First, it seemed that Mr. Collins' excitement caused him to wake earlier than usual. As a result, he was heartily pleased to see his intended alone in the breakfast room when he arrived to break his fast!

"Why, Elizabeth, my darling! You look quite well this morning. Are you recovered from yesterday evening's excitement?"

Elizabeth was thoroughly surprised and displeased to see her cousin. She had expected to rise early and be out for a walk until near midday in order to avoid any commotion or unpleasantness that may result from the forthcoming refusal of Mr. Collins' pursuit. Now she was unsure what to do; she determined polite, disinterested civility was the best course for now.

"Good morning, Mr. Collins. I am adequately recovered, thank you for your concern, sir."

"Ah, Elizabeth, you needn't be so formal. It is only the two of us here." His voice held some undercurrent Elizabeth did not entirely understand, but she was quite certain she did not like it. This suspicion seemed confirmed when he seated himself rather closer than she felt was necessary.

She moved away slightly, but attempted to keep her voice even. "Sir, I am not comfortable with such increased familiarity."

Collins snorted his disagreement. "Elizabeth, we are to be married! Surely, as your fiancé, I may use your Christian name? Come, you may call me William."

Without thinking through the repercussions of her response – her temper always did manage to get in her way! – Elizabeth frostily answered, "Mr. Collins, sir, you are too hasty! I will not abide you to refer to me so intimately and I further must object to your calling yourself my 'fiancé' as I had not the opportunity to properly respond to your request."

Elizabeth had thought such a reply ought to chastise Mr. Collins for his presumptions and allude to her intended rejection of his suit, thus sparing them both the discomfort of a clear refusal. However, that gentleman still could not fathom that he may not be successful in his efforts and so replied, "Oh, of course, how dreadful of me! Believe me when I tell you that your modesty and delicate nature, so far from doing you any disservice, rather add to your other perfections. You would have been less amiable in my eyes had there not been this little hesitation, but allow me to assure you that I have your respected mother's blessing for my address and later today your father and I will meet to finalise the terms. But, my dear, I do apologise for robbing you of the pleasure of a response! Please, my sweet, I await your reply."

Now Elizabeth was trapped. She had, once again, spoken her thoughts without consideration and now she must offer a reply to her cousin's proposal. She had been so pleased to allow her father to handle any unpleasantness that may arise from such business, but alas, this was not to be. She took a deep breath and attempted as much civility as she could offer: "Mr. Collins, please accept my thanks for the compliment you have paid me. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than to decline them."

She was pleased with the tact she had employed in crafting a concise, clear, and yet proper rejection when all she could hear in her own mind was a recitation of reason after reason of the ways in which her cousin failed to meet her expectations for a husband. She was therefore further dismayed with his reply.

He seemed unperturbed: "I am not now to learn that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second, or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have said. In fact, I am rather pleased to have this private audience with you now to make my offer again and I shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long."

Elizabeth was alarmed by his wilful obtuseness and attempted to reinforce her position before he may repeat his request: "Upon my word, sir, your hope is a rather extraordinary one after my declaration! I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second or third time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so! I should hope we may now consider this matter as finally settled."

With that, Elizabeth made to stand and quit the room, but Mr. Collins took hold of her arm and forbade her removal. The expression on his face was cause for some alarm within Elizabeth and she considered how to unhand herself while he replied.

"When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on the subject, I shall hope to receive a more favourable answer than you have now given me."

"Really, Mr. Collins, you puzzle me exceedingly! If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as to convince you of its being one."

"You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My reasons for believing it are briefly these: It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy of your acceptance, or that the establishment I can offer would be any other than highly desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in my favour. And you should take into further consideration that in spite of your manifold attractions," here his eyes glanced down her form lasciviously, before he continued, " it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made to you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and... amiable qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall choose to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the practice of elegant females."

Now quite angry, Elizabeth forcefully pulled her arm from Mr. Collins' grasp. With some warmth she attempted to reign in, she responded tersely, "I do assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions whatsoever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man." She had some difficultly classifying her cousin as such, but the fib seemed appropriate in order to maintain the level of propriety she deemed necessary in such a circumstance. She continued, "I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you, again and again, for the honour you have done me, but to accept your proposals is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer?"

She was nearly to the door when Collins replied, with more than a small measure of anger in his own tone: "I am persuaded that when sanctioned by both of your excellent parents, my proposals will not fail of being acceptable."

To such perseverance of wilful self-deception and a complete disregard for her feelings, Elizabeth did not care dignify with a response. Instead, she merely offered a polite, "May you have a safe journey, sir," as she left the room and subsequently the house.

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A/N: So there we have it! I know we all want Darcy back (yes, WE because trust me, I want him back too!) and I promise starting with the next chapter, we'll be following him around for a while instead of Lizzy... ;)

This chapter was originally longer when I wrote it, but I've decided to hop over to Darcy in London for a bit instead. However, for those who leave a review (and have PMs enabled), I will send you a little preview of what is awaiting at home once Elizabeth returns from her walk. I figure it's a nice bonus for those who take the time to review :)

As always, HUGE thanks to ArtemisDesari for pre-reading, offering suggestions, and encouraging me – she's the best!

And can I just say, you guys blew me away last chapter with your reviews! It's the most reviews for any chapter so far (apparently Collins is just that annoying! ;)), so truly, THANK YOU! Your reviews are better than any holiday presents ever – please keep them coming (and remember: previews will be sent to reviewers)! Thank you also to all those who added this story or me to alerts and favorites!

And regardless of whichever holidays you all celebrate (or none), I wish each and every one of you a very happy holiday season and a safe, healthy, and joyful 2013!