Darcy's Uneasy Betrothal by Zoe Burton

Author:Zoe Burton
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Tags: JAFF
Publisher: Zoe Burton
Published: 2020-04-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Collins’ chin rose and he looked down his nose at his cousin, his posture rigid and unyielding. He glared into Bennet’s eyes. When all the other gentleman did was stare implacably back, he lifted his nose another notch and cleared his throat. “Very well. We will remain in the rooms you have so graciously given us. For now.”

The housekeeper chose that moment to announce the meal, and with a sniff, Collins turned toward his hostess. Seeing that Bennet had already claimed that lady’s arm and proffered his other to his daughter, Collins held his out to his wife. The group proceeded into the dining room, hosts first and guests second.

Bennet seated his spouse at the foot of the table and Jane to her right. He strode to the head of the table and stood behind his chair. “You may seat yourself to my right, Mr. Collins, and your wife to my left.

Collins hesitated but did as directed. “This arrangement is fine for this evening, but I would rather have sat beside my lovely young cousin. It is my greatest desire to get to know her and all her sisters. After all, since I am to inherit the estate, it is my duty to guide them upon your demise, Cousin.”

“I have assured you already that all of my girls are well provided for. There is no need for you to become any better acquainted with them than you already are.” Bennet gestured for Mr. Hill to begin to serve the meal, assisted by the grooms who had been pressed into service within the house for meal times.

“You have, and your preparedness does you credit. However, there is no substitute for proper spiritual guidance, such as only I can give.” Collins leered at Jane from his end of the table.

Mrs. Bennet, who had been paying close attention to the conversation between her husband and his cousin, reached a hand under the table and grasped her eldest daughter’s. Jane turned her pale face and wide eyes toward her mother and returned the squeeze. She then turned her face to her plate.

“The spiritual welfare of my daughters, sir, is the purview of their father and the rector of the church they attend. Mr. Dearman is an able pastor to his flock and came to me highly recommended by his predecessor. All my girls faithfully attend services. Their souls are in no danger.” Bennet had turned redder the longer he spoke. He had not missed the looks on the faces of his family at the other end of the table and knew Collins had made them uncomfortable somehow. When the other man opened his mouth once more to defend himself, Bennet stood, dropping his silverware on the table with a clatter as his chair scraped the floor. His left hand gripped his napkin while his right pointed at his cousin. “I will hear nothing from you, Mr. Collins. This is still my house and my table and they operate under my rules. You are expressly forbidden from speaking to any of my daughters.

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