Free Pemberley by Emma Tennant Page A

Mrs Long, ‘and of Jane Bingley and three other girls, as we know.’
    â€˜I cannot commit myself to a marriage without the approbation of my daughter and son-in-law. It would be most awkward. I am astonished that you do not see this, Mrs Long.’
    â€˜But – it was you, Mrs Bennet, who announced that your mind was made up.’
    â€˜Not at all. I asked whether you thought it ill considered to marry a soldier.’
    â€˜But this is a colonel!’ cried Mrs Long. ‘And the war is over, Mrs Bennet. I believe you must be most fatigued, in your preparations for your journey to Pemberley.’
    â€˜Ah, my nerves, Mrs Long, have been so terribly affected since the death of Mr Bennet! And I cannot know how my Lizzy, who was quite her father’s favourite, as you may recall, would ever take to my remarrying.’
    â€˜Elizabeth would wish you well, I am sure. And she will be aware that her younger sisters will be well cared for. You worry too much, Mrs Bennet – and Elizabeth has other matters on her mind, I have no doubt, besides your matrimonial affairs.’
    â€˜And what might they be?’ enquired Mrs Bennet.
    â€˜She is in a different time of life to yours,’ was all Mrs Long would give in reply.
    Mrs Bennet proceeded to complain of Mrs Long’s heartlessness at approving a marriage when thirty years had passed since she had set eyes on the groom. She repeated several times that she must wait for the approval of her daughter Lizzy before committing herself to the match, when the door opened and Mr Collins was shown in.
    â€˜Mr Collins!’ said Mrs Bennet, with as much composure as she could muster.
    Mr Collins bowed and presented his apologies for calling on the eve of the departure of Mrs Bennet and her daughters for Pemberley. It was seen by Mrs Long and Mrs Bennet that he clasped a small box, made of inlaid wood, in his hand.
    â€˜It is merely a token, a Christmas wish,’ said Mr Collins, bowing again and holding out the box. ‘It will not impress by its presumption, but may bring a happy memory of summer days.’
    Mrs Bennet took the box and opened it. A collection of dusty rose petals and the remains of other flowers gave off a faint haze.
    â€˜I have a cold in the nose, or I am sure I could detect the fragrance,’ cried Mrs Long.
    â€˜From the garden at Longbourn,’ said Mr Collins with evident pride. ‘My dear Charlotte and I gathered them when the sun was high, on St John’s Eve. Indeed, it is said of young women on midsummer eve that they have only to look in the mirror and they will see the face of their future husband. Charlotte of course had already done me the honour of becoming my wife – ’
    Here Kitty came in, the maid and Mary just behind her. ‘Mama, you must tell Mary there is no room in the coach for such a quantity of books. How can I put in the ball dresses I must take in the event of a ball? Where shall we sit, if the dresses are not to be crushed?’
    â€˜A ball at Pemberley?’ cried Mr Collins. ‘Indeed, there will be a ball at Pemberley. Every year on New Year’s Eve. I cannot give my word, my dear Kitty, that you will find a husband as maids are wont to do at midsummer’ – and here Mr Collins attempted a twinkle in the eye that sent Mary bolting from the room – ‘but I can assure you that all the young men of family in the district will be invited. Lady Catherine de Bourgh will see to that!’
    â€˜My daughter Mrs Darcy will arrange the ball this year,’ said Mrs Bennet, ‘And now – as we have so short a time until we leave …’
    Mr Collins took the box from Mrs Benner’s hand and made as if to pronounce a sacrament over it, ‘You will be kind enough to give this to Mrs Darcy, with my kindest regards,’ said Mr Collins.
    â€˜The box is for Lizzy?’ said Mrs Long.
    Mr Collins bowed once more. ‘My dear cousin