Forms and Fashions by Ney Mitch

Author:Ney Mitch [Mitch, Ney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798886531985
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC

We remained a while longer. Every time another man walked down the street and passed the parlor window, Lydia and I turned to see if it was Mr. Wickham. I may not have any particular regard for him, but he was pleasant to look at. Much pleasanter than Mr. Collins, of course.

Unfortunately, Mr. Wickham was never among the passersby. Every now and again, a few officers passed along the glass, but now they lost a bit of their charm.

“In comparison with Mr. Wickham,” Lydia declared, “these other officers appear as stupid, disagreeable fellows to me. My eyes have been fully opened.”

“Cousin Lydia,” Mr. Collins administered, “if I may offer you some advice.”

“Mr. Collins,” Lydia responded, “never offer me advice. I will make poor work of it!”

“Lydia was not being serious, of course,” Jane smoothed over, “she jokes and jests, is all. It is her habit.”

“A joking nature, in a lady, is not a very fine quality,” Mr. Collins remarked.

“Cousin,” Lydia proclaimed, “by the end of your visit, I will make you laugh at something.”

“Oh,” he stuttered, not knowing whether to be offended or flattered by her attentions, and was left in an emotional limbo, “well, of course I…well, what I mean to say is…well, well, well…”

We all laughed at this, and Mr. Collins was left to smile briefly, bashfully.

Soon, our visit came to an end, and we began to depart.

“Tomorrow, some of the officers are going to dine here,” Aunt Philips said, “but never fear, I promise to make Mr. Philips call on Mr. Wickham and give him an invitation to attend. If you all would come in the evening, then you shall let Mr. Wickham explain his own history.”

“Well, we can very much agree to that,” Lydia declared, “can’t we?”

“While Mother and Father are not here,” Jane said, “I believe that I can speak for their confirmation on the scheme. We shall be happy to come.”

“And you won’t be disappointed,” she continued, walking us to the door, “for there will be a nice comfortable noisy game of lottery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper afterwards.”

“We cannot wait,” Elizabeth professed, “till tomorrow, Aunt.”

“Mr. Collins, come prepared to sit down to a game or two.”

“I shall, madam. And once more, I apologize again and again for my sudden appearance and improper time of introduction.”

“Again, Mr. Collins, I can assure you, no offense was taken, and your company was most refreshing.”

We said our farewells and departed.

“A charming woman,” Mr. Collins labeled our aunt as we all walked home, “such ease and manners. I feel as if I have parted from her in a mutual set of good spirits.”

As we walked home, Elizabeth drew near Jane, and they were whispering something together. I never discovered what it was.

When we reached home, Mr. Collins addressed Mama, in good spirits. He spoke highly of Aunt Philips and looked forward to seeing her the next evening.

“Except for Lady Catherine and her daughter,” he protested, “I have never seen a more elegant woman. She had

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