傲慢與偏見3 A Young Man Searching for a Wife

CHAPTER THREE

A Young Man Searching for a Wife

The village of Longbourn was located about a milefrom Meryton, where the Bennet daughters had anaunt. Being such a short distance, they often walked tocall upon Mrs. Philips, their aunt. Recently, the twoyoungest members of the Bennet family were going toMeryton very often. The arrival in Meryton of militarysoldiers attracted Kitty and Lydia. Their uncle, Mr.Phillips, knew all the officers. Most of them were quiteoften visiting at his house. Soon Kitty and Lydia got toknow the officers, too. In their eyes, Mr. Bingley'slarge fortune and wealth meant nothing since he did notwear the red coat of a military man.

One morning, the day after another dance inMeryton, the two youngest sisters were telling theirmother and sisters the wonderful experiences of thenight before.

"We danced every dance," said Lydia joyfully.

"We spoke to every officer in the room," addedKitty.

Mr. Bennet appeared at the library door, withoutbeing seen. He was holding a letter while he enteredinto the room. He said, coolly, "You two must be twoof the silliest girls in the country. "

"Oh Mr. Bennet," replied Mrs. Bennet, "Iremember very well when I liked men in red coatsmyself -- "

"Please, I beg you to leave out the details," saidMr. Bennet. "I do not wish to hear your clever speechon the charms of the military. I want to tell you aboutthis letter. We are soon to receive a visitor."

"It is Mr. Bingley?" asked Mrs. Bennet, greatlysatisfied. "Why, Jane -- you never said anything aboutthis. "

"Heavens!" cried Mr. Bennet. "Do you thinkthere is only one man in this world? It is not Mr.Bingley. "

"Is he an officer, papa?" asked Lydia eagerly.

"Is he young?" queried Kitty.

"Do we know him, papa?" asked Elizabeth.

"He is a gentleman whom I have never seen beforein my whole life. He wants to stay here with us for twoweeks. "

"For two weeks?" asked Mrs. Bennet. "A totalstranger! How strange! But is he rich, my dear?"

"Probably not, because he works for the church. "

"Oh!" said Lydia, sadly disappointed. "He worksfor the church!"

"Ah, but he will be given property after hisparents die," said Mr. Bennet. "He is a young man ofexpected wealth."

Mrs. Bennet's face brightened. " And is hesingle?"

"Yes, my dear, he is," Mr. Bennet replied. "ButI don't think he'll be able to stay single for long after heenters this house with all of you!"

"A young churchman who will soon own a lot ofproperty!" thought Mrs. Bennet. "H'mm! Well, Ishall be very glad to see him. "

"I'm glad," said her husband jokingly, "you are soready to welcome Mr. Collins to our home -- "

"What!" cried his wife. She was in shock.

"Oh, so it's Mr. Collins, your cousin, papa?Won't he receive this property after your death?" askedElizabeth.

"Yes, you're right. It is that Mr. Collins. "

"You should be very kind to him, "continued Mr.Bennet smoothly, "When I'm dead he will decide if youmust leave this house."

"Please do not talk of that man," said Mrs.Bennet "It is not right or correct that your property betaken away from your own children and given toanother relative."

"Well, there is nothing we can do about it,Mama," said Jane. She and Elizabeth had often tried toexplain to their mother that females were not able toown property. It was the law.

"Perhaps, if you listen to his letter you may feel alittle softer towards him. He says that he feels quitebadly about his position. He does not wish to hurt thesecurity of your daughters. He hopes to make up for itin any possible way. "

"But how can he make up for it?" asked Jane.

"Yes, how, indeed?" said Mrs. Bennet. "Andyou've invited him for two weeks?"

"No, he invited himself, my dear. "

"La! He sounds like an awfully boring person,"said Lydia.

Mr. Bennet regarded her coldly. "I guess you aredisappointed. Maybe you would be happier if he wore amilitary coat! We are expecting this peaceful gentlemanat fore" o'clock. Until then, please do not discuss whatromantic or financial opportunity he has. "

Mrs. Bennet was the person in the house whenMr. Collins arrived, exactly at four o'clock. He was atall, heavy young man about twenty-five years old. Hismanners were very formal, and he seemed very serious.

"You are on time, Mr. Collins," she said coldly."Will you have a seat, sir?"

"Thank you, ma'am," and Mr. Collins sat.

"I hope," said Mrs. Bennet, "that your journeywas comfortable. "

"To tell you the truth, I hardly noticed thejourney because my mind was too busy thinking aboutmy arrival here. To speak directly, ma'am, I greatlyhope to meet your five daughters. I have heard much oftheir beauty. "

"They are known to be the most handsome girls inthe country. It is not surprising; after all. I have hadmy share of beauty --"

"You still do, if I may say so," replied Mr.Collins, as he was a gentleman. "I have no doubt thatsoon all your daughters will ha looking for a husband tomarry."

"I strongly hope they find a husband -- or no onewill be here to care for them. Matters such as propertyand wealth must be considered. "

Mr. Collins moved uneasily on his chair. "You arespeaking about the fact that I will receive thisproperty?"

"I do, indeed," said Mrs. Bennet. She gave aheavy sigh. "It's not that I find fault with you."

"I care very much, ma'am, about the problemsmy position gives to my dear cousins. I could say muchabout this, but I do not wish to be too rude -- "

"Please speak honestly with me, sir," said Mrs.Bennet hastily.

"You are very kind, ma'am. I will be honest withyou. I must first tell you that I am very fortunatebecause a very important person, Lady Catherine deBourght, has taken me under her care. Her goodnesshas supported me throughout my Life. Lady Catherinehas advised me to marry."

Mrs. Bennet smiled, and nodded her head wisely."How very, very wise!" she said.

"I am happy, ma'am, to see that you are sounderstanding. Now I can tell you that I have comehere to find a wife. "

"I am sure, sir, that marriage would add to yourhappiness. "

"In truth, ma'am," said Mr. Collins, veryserious, "I mean to choose one of your daughters; it ismy plan. Then, one of your daughters will be able tokeep her family property and father's house. -

Mrs. Bennet stood up and stretched out both herhands to welcome him.

"My dear Mr. Collins." she said. "I am mosthappy to welcome you to Longbourn!"