An Intolerable Situation: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Sophie Lynbrook

Author:Sophie Lynbrook [Lynbrook, Sophie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Not in Amazon Library, Humour
Amazon: B07RZMTMXN
Goodreads: 45897550
Published: 2019-05-19T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 25

Mr. Darcy had been astonished by the coincidence of encountering his aunt’s former parson, and also dismayed by the forwardness of a man with whom he had only the slightest acquaintance.

“My dear Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Collins had said as though they were old friends. Indeed, it seemed that the man thought they were. “It has been too long since we last met. But tell me, have you any news of her ladyship? I had a letter from her just last week, but perhaps you have more recent information to impart.”

“I do not,” Mr. Darcy said, in a voice which was meant to be discouraging, but his coldness and brevity did not deter Mr. Collins.

“I have no doubt that she is in excellent health as always,” he said, launching into a commendation of Lady Catherine’s excellent constitution.

After that, his efforts were directed toward flattering Mr. Darcy, who disliked it excessively. He had no time for sycophants and was longing for the man to move on, but Mr. Collins was clearly determined to stay. He stood in the way as Mr. Bingley tried to make some other introductions. Eventually some awareness struck him, but instead of moving, he impertinently took over the task, performing it with great self-importance. Mr. Darcy cringed at hearing himself described as “my good friend.” It was an appalling assumption, and one which did not bode well for his future comfort in this neighbourhood. He wondered how soon it would be possible to leave without offending Bingley.

“I expect you will be wanting to meet my cousins,” Mr. Collins said once the crowd around them had thinned

Mr. Darcy had no such desire. One member of the family was already too much for his liking. He was quite happy that Mr. Collins was unable to produce them. “They do not seem to be at hand,” he said after looking all about, “but you will have the pleasure of meeting them shortly, and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed. They are two of the prettiest ladies in the room. Indeed, in the entire neighbourhood, if not the whole county.”

Mr. Darcy did not have any confidence in the veracity of this extravagant pronouncement, but he caught a great deal of meaning in Mr. Collins’s next words, which were addressed to Mr. Bingley and seemed to constitute a particular recommendation of one of the cousins. It was apparent that Mr. Collins had formed the idea of a union between his relative and Mr. Bingley.

That must certainly be prevented. If necessary, he would take steps to prevent that sort of presumption from having any success, but he did not anticipate any real danger to his friend. It was unlikely that Mr. Bingley would take an interest in the unsuitable cousin of such a boorish man.

Despite his enthusiasm, Mr. Collins took no steps to find the lady, and instead continued to pester them with his company and his excessive familiarity. More was said of Lady Catherine and Rosings, and he actually prefaced one of his remarks by saying, “In Lady Catherine’s opinion.

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