Refusing Mr Collins by Carrie Mollenkopf

Author:Carrie Mollenkopf [Mollenkopf, Carrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-12T04:00:00+00:00

~21~

Despite Mr. Collins humble apology to not only Elizabeth, but the entire Bennet family, it did not solve their problems entirely. The inquest, having been officially begun, required a formal end. As a result, all concerned parties were still required to meet before the military panel. Of this, Darcy understood the necessity, but still felt the nervous hand of Elizabeth upon his arm. She had been pleased to see him yesterday, even before he told her that Mr. Collins was now willing to retract his accusations.

“I cannot fathom as to why he believed my sisters and I were trying to harm him. Logic dictates otherwise, especially given the entailment.”

Darcy had never mentioned money to Elizabeth, he was aware of the substantial difference in their situations.

“I can only believe that it was a blow to his ego that none of you found him acceptable. It was his way of retaliation.”

“Well, I must say that it was extreme. But despite this, I am apprehensive about the hearing. Such an accusation is never truly forgotten, only whispered about when one is absent. I do not want to be the subject of gossip for the rest of my life.”

“Nor should you. No one should, unless it is truly warranted. Have you told your father what I said about Wickham?”

“No, with all of this, I had forgotten. Lydia does seem to favor him.”

“And he, her. Perhaps he has learned from his mistakes.”

As soon as they were said, Darcy regretted his words for their falseness. But, Elizabeth, in her usual astute manner, saw through the polite suggestion.

“A leopard does not change its spots, but Lydia is no example of perfection either. Although she is my sister, and for that I must love her, but were we not related, I should not have chosen her as a friend. Whether it be Wickham or someone else, Lydia will never be more than she is. If he wants her, no one would stand in their way.”

“Even your father?”

“Sadly no, he would be relieved that she is now someone else’s responsibility. It is ironic, Father had always worried that Lydia would be the one to cause a scandal, yet instead it has been me.”

“No scandal has occurred, and by the end of the week, all will be in the past. It will be an excellent tale to tell your grandchildren.”

“Grandchildren? I believe that is quite a long way off, if ever. I don’t even have any prospects for a husband.”

“Don’t you?”

Darcy’s words were barely above a whisper, but they caused Elizabeth to freeze in her steps. Turning, she stared at him with a new recognition. When had a simple friendship turned into something more? Her surprise was only magnified by the realization that she reciprocated, but it was far too early in their acquaintance to contemplate anything as serious as marriage. Her mother may advocate quick marriages, but Elizabeth wanted to be sure she truly knew the affections were constant. A marriage based on temporary infatuation would only result in misery.

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