3 A proposal

Chapter 3 A proposal Home without Jane wasn't the same. Lizzy saw Wickham often, but he now spent most of his time with a rich young heiress, Mary King. Now that Darcy had left, it became known everywhere what he had done to Wickham. Everybody spoke of their affection for Wickham, and their dislike of Mr. Darcy. Then another letter came, this time from her friend, Charlotte Lucas, who had recently married, inviting her to come and stay. Lizzy accepted with joy.

Charlotte's husband, Mr. Collins, was a vicar in Kent, living on the estate of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, whom he seemed to worship. He talked of nothing but Lady Catherine from morning until night. "Her ladyship is wonderfully kind to us," Mr. Collins told her. "You are particularly lucky, Elizabeth, for she has invited us all to dine with her tomorrow." Lizzy looked over, caught her friend's eye and had to try very hard not to laugh. "I look forward to it, Mr. Collins," she said. The more Lizzy saw of Mr. Collins, the more she wondered why her friend had married him. He was a vain, pompous man.

"I see you are surprised by my choice of husband," said Charlotte, even though Lizzy had tried to hide it. "But I was never romantic, you know. I've only ever wanted a comfortable home. I'm not pretty like you, and would much rather have Mr. Collins than no one." Lizzy said nothing. She felt deeply that she could never marry without love. For the rest of that day, and the following morning, all Mr. Collins could talk of was their forthcoming dinner. As the weather was fine, they walked to Lady Catherine's grand house across a park. Servants ushered them into the drawing room and Lizzie gasped. Standing at the window, looking as proud as ever, was Mr. Darcy. She thought he started a little when he saw her. "I have my nephews staying with me," said Lady Catherine, haughtily. "Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam." "We have met before," said Mr. Darcy briefly, bowing at Lizzy, but making no effort to come over and talk to her.

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Mr. Fitzwilliam, however, seemed delighted with Lizzy, and after dinner he drew her over to the piano, asking her to play as he turned the music. "You are trying to frighten me, Mr. Darcy," said Lizzy, as he came over to watch her. "I know you have high standards." "I can't believe you mean what you say," replied Darcy. "Of course I have no wish to alarm you." "Do you know," Lizzy went on, addressing herself to Mr. Fitzwilliam, "I could tell you some very shocking things about Mr. Darcy. "And what are those?" asked Darcy.

"The first time I met him, at a ball, he did not dance once. Even though there was more than one lady in want of a partner." "Perhaps," said Mr. Darcy, "I should have asked, but I am not at ease with strangers." "That is because you do not make the effort. I am not talented at playing the piano, but I have always supposed that to be my fault, for not trying harder." Darcy smiled. "You are right. You have used your time better than me." "What are you talking of?" interrupted Lady Catherine, ending the discussion. "Come over here where I can hear you."