Decisions and Consequences: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Zoe Burton & a Lady

Author:Zoe Burton & a Lady [Burton, Zoe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zoe Burton
Published: 2016-01-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The day Elizabeth turned him down, William Collins was at a loss to know what to do with himself. Alternately offended that his suit was summarily dismissed by his cousin, in awe of Mr. Darcy, and worried about returning to Hunsford without the engagement his patroness pressed him to enter, he took himself off for a walk around the park as he dithered about what course to take now.

In the end, it occurred to him that the best approach might be to write Lady Catherine de Bourgh for advice. This he did with alacrity. He sent it to the post and thought some more, mentally reviewing first his remaining cousins and then the other single ladies of the neighborhood.

His youngest cousin he immediately dismissed as the companion of his future life. She was young and flighty, with high animal spirits. She did not fit his requirements. A minister’s wife must be gentle and circumspect, and Miss Lydia was neither. Miss Kitty soon followed her sister in being struck from the list. While he could see the makings of a wife of excellent character in her, she was a lady who followed others, and his spouse needed to be a good example to the wives of his parish. He thought longingly of the eldest Miss Bennet, but he had been warned against her. It was plain to see even for him that Mr. Bingley was besotted with her. Everyone expected him to propose sooner or later, and the young lady’s mother insisted he not consider her. That left his middle cousin.

Miss Mary had much to recommend her. She was well-versed in the most popular sermons, as well as Holy Scriptures. She was accomplished on the pianoforte and with a needle. She was, however, a terrible singer. Worse, she had a tendency to preach sermons on every evil she saw. While that was not a bad thing, it would not do for his spouse to be in charge of his parish, and he feared that very thing should he take her to wife. No, Miss Mary would not do, either.

With all of his cousins crossed off his list, Mr. Collins began to contemplate the other ladies in the neighborhood. He made a mental list of arguments for and against each one. In the end, his analysis pointed to Charlotte Lucas being the most likely candidate. She was on the shelf with no immediate prospects and would probably greet his suit with open arms. His mind made up, Mr. Collins made his way to Lucas Lodge, where he was indeed welcomed eagerly.

Three days later, Miss Lucas made him the happiest of men by accepting his proposal. He promptly moved his belongings to her father’s home for the last few days of his visit to Meryton. When he left the following Saturday, he had no idea of the maelstrom that awaited him at home.

Mr. Collins arrived back at Hunsford Parish at exactly four of the clock. He had no more than entered the house when he received a summons from Lady Catherine.

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