Advice

Advice

I was practically glowing. I had a good dance in front of me, an amiable supper partner, and two of my greatest fears alleviated. I would not have to avoid or decline a proposal from Mr Collins, and Mr Darcy seemed to approve of Jane and Mr Bingley.

Mr Darcy was not quite finished, though.

“Mr Collins, I am confident you have a good start on your search. May I offer you a service, and a bit of advice?”

Mr Collins looked like he was unsure if he was ecstatic or disappointed in the task ahead, but he definitely would not dissuade Mr Darcy from advising him, so he nodded, vigorously.

“Remember this. When you marry, you will spend every day with your wife for the rest of your life . There is nothing worse than a miserable marriage. Make sure you find a woman that matches your character, a woman that makes sense, a woman that you can respect and honour. May I ask, have you performed many weddings?”

Mr Collins looked perplexed but then indicated that he had.

“Excellent! You should be able to recite the vows from memory?”

“Yes.”

I was astounded. A one-word answer.

Mr Darcy looked at him intently and continued earnestly, “When you take the vows yourself, say them and mean them… every single word! Take your time. You have the rest of your life. Make sure you marry a woman for whom you can say all the words and follow them all your life.”

Somehow, something about Mr Darcy calmed Mr Collins. Perhaps he was right now being the father figure my cousin never had, but I could see that he was having a profound effect. I imagined the gentleman would be a very good father when his time came, if this served as an example of how it was done.

Not quite finished, he continued, “Now, something even more important. This is doubly important… triply important. Do I have your full and undivided attention, sir?”

Mr Collins stared at him in raptures but simply nodded.

“Your bride has to say her own vows as well. Make certain before you offer your hand that she can say her vows and mean every word! Do not drag a lady to the altar against her inclination. It is up to you to show the lady the kind of man you are, and make sure you are the type of man that a lady can respect. Take your time and get it right. I shall write to my aunt and insist she give you enough time to do the job properly, and since you may well be courting non-Bennets, I will put you up at the inn to maintain decorum.”

I could see that Mr Collins had a lot to think about and could only hope he was up to it.

Very kindly, Mr Darcy continued, “Let us get to practical matters. This ball is your best chance to get to know these ladies. I suggest you release Miss Elizabeth and her sisters other than Miss Mary from any dances you may have solicited and spend the time meeting the ladies we listed. I am sure none of your Bennet cousins will be offended.”

At that, I wanted to kiss him again, but wisely refrained while Mr Collins once again went into a long-winded soliloquy that would eventually save me the mortification of dancing the second with him, for which I was eternally grateful.