Ready For Capture: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lorell C. Hornbrook

Author:Lorell C. Hornbrook
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Lorell Hornbrook
Published: 2021-07-30T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Mr. Collins awoke early and made his way to the breakfast table in the hopes of finding his cousin Bennet alone. As luck was on his side, he entered to see Mr. Bennet reading a letter.

“Cousin Bennet, I wish to have a word with you this morning.”

“And a good morning to you.” Mr. Bennet chided himself that he should stop being amazed with his cousin’s lack of civility, but each time the tedious man opened his mouth to speak, amazement ensued.

“First, as you well know it is the most sincere wish of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, for me to marry. Second, I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances, like myself, to set the example of matrimony in his parish. And thirdly, I am convinced that doing so would add greatly to my happiness.” He barely paused for a breath before continuing. “After the most unexpected event of the ball last evening, I find myself terribly bereft of my first choice. I had so hoped to claim the hand of my fair cousin, Jane, as the companion of my future life, but it seems that another man has beaten me to the mark, so to speak. And so, cousin, I have decided to offer for your daughter Elizabeth, second in age and beauty. The fact remains that I shall inherit this estate upon the demise of yourself, may it be many years from now, and I am positive that she will accept me, as it would be most beneficial to all parties concerned for your family to keep a connection to a place so dear to all. And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection—”

“Mr. Collins!” Mr. Bennet cut the man off mid-stream as he sprang from the table. He had heard enough. “These past weeks I have watched as you trailed along after my daughters like a cur sniffing after a bone. Furthermore, it has become clear to me that not one of them wish for your attentions.” Mr. Bennet came around the table and took Mr. Collins by the elbow to lead him out of the room. “Perhaps you will have better luck elsewhere in the neighborhood in finding a bride. It so happens an invitation to dine at Lucas Lodge just arrived for you not a quarter hour ago. I took the liberty to call for the carriage so that you may travel in comfort.” Mr. Bennet forced a smile upon his face as he nodded his head to Mr. Collins, much as one does when admonishing a stubborn child.

Mr. Collins did not know how to respond to this unexpected turn of events. He was stunned beyond belief and wore a confused expression as he silently opened and closed his ever-wet lips, much as a fish will do when ensnarled in a net. Mr. Bennet escorted the parson toward the front hall. Mrs. Hill was waiting with Mr.

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