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Elizabeth’s appetite — as meagre as it was — vanished. Mr Collins alone with Sir William was a most unfortunate combination when there was gossip that should be kept secret. Was her father ignorant of the possible consequences, or did he know something that he was not yet ready to share with her?
Eight
As much as she struggled to respect her father’s wish not to discuss the situation that had arisen, Elizabeth failed. Before withdrawing to her chamber, she went in search of him. Contrary to his usual habit in the evenings, he was not in the library but in his bed chamber. She knocked twice before finally receiving a response and being invited in. He was sitting at the small desk, with his spectacles and a book in front of him, holding a drink.
“I am so sorry for this predicament, Papa…how many have you had today?”
“Predicaments?”
“Drinks.”
“Probably too many — at first because I was truly enjoying the company of our callers, then because I was concerned about these rumours.”
“Jane says I am being unreasonable, and perhaps I am. I am not quite sure why I care so much about this silliness. I believe it is because it involves Mr Darcy, and he is connected to Mr Bingley — who, by the way, was not aware of the incident. He might be upset if the rumours affect his home and his reputation.”
Mr Bennet shrugged. “A man’s reputation is not as fragile as a woman’s. Most men would be entertained to be caught in such a situation. Some of them fulfil their duty and propose marriage, but most do not care and walk away. Their shame never lasts, but a woman’s never entirely fades.”
“Yes, I am well aware. I am not concerned about my own reputation but about Jane’s. Even if we do not say it aloud as Mama does, we all hope Mr Bingley will propose soon.”
“He is a very attentive fellow. If he does not propose, it might be considered that his behaviour has been improper,” Mr Bennet said.
“His sisters do not approve of his admiration for Jane.”
“I assumed as much.”
“And, I believe, neither does Mr Darcy.”
“I barely spoke more than a few words to Mr Darcy, and mostly on the unpleasant subject of the gossip. Do you think he has objections to Jane?”
“Probably not to Jane, Papa, but rather…”
“To our family?” Mr Bennet asked. “Yes, I am aware your mother and younger sisters often lack manners, and I am hardly better. I should have taken more care of them, as I should have taken more care of Longbourn’s income to ensure you at least a small dowry.”
“Please do not blame yourself, Papa. You have always been an affectionate father, and we are all grateful for that. You are a gentleman, and we are a gentleman’s daughters. In this, we are superior to Mr Bingley and his sisters. As for Mr Darcy, as you said, I am not sure what he thinks. I am simply assuming his disapproval.”
“I admit it would ease my conscience if Mr Bingley proposed to Jane. I have no hopes Mr Collins will show you any kindness when the time comes.”
“We shall not need his kindness, Papa. But why are we talking about this? Will you not tell me what you said to Sir William?”
“Nothing much. He talks a lot and listens so little. He scolded Maria for spreading the rumour and threatened to dismiss the maid. Then he praised you and Mr Darcy and proclaimed nobody would think ill of either of you.”
“Well, that was a reasonable response, I am sure. And Colonel Forster?”
“I did not visit the colonel, after all. After some consideration, I realised that the officers did nothing to harm our family. One of them simply mentioned some past dealings with Mr Darcy, which do not concern us.”
“I agree. It is better if we do not make this predicament bigger than it already is. Let us pray it will all be forgotten in a few days.”
“Well, well, when did you become so reasonable? Earlier today you were enraged and affronted and ready to defend yourself vehemently.”
Elizabeth laughed nervously. “I still am angry and upset, Papa. But it pains me to see you so distressed. Your comfort is more important to me than my own.”
He smiled and stretched his hand out to caress her face.
“You are a wonderful daughter, Lizzy. I pray every day that you will find a man worthy of you and live a happy life. Nothing would please me more.”
“I do not need to find a man, Papa. I can be perfectly happy without one as long as I know you are in good health. Let us pray Jane will have a happy marriage — she is the closest to reaching that goal.”
“There is no reason you cannot be happy as well as Jane, if only you might find another Mr Bingley.”
