Elizabeth Bennet's Easter

Posted on Sunday, 23 March 2008

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Chapter 31

Colonel Fitzwilliam's manners were very much admired at the parsonage, and the ladies all felt that he must add considerably to the pleasure of their engagement at Rosing's. It was some days, however, before they received any invitation thither - for while there were visitors in the house, they could not be necessary; and it was not until Easterday, almost a week after the gentlemen's arrival, that they were honored by such an attention, and then they were merely asked on leaving church to come there in the evening. For the last week they had seen very little of either Lady Catherine or her daughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam had called at the Parsonage more than once during the time, but Mr. Darcy they had only seen at church.

Elizabeth's Bennet's Possible Musings - Easter

Oh what a day it has been. I awoke to gray and drizzle skies, which immediately made me forgo my morning, walk throughout Rosing's Park.

Missing my morning walk always makes me... how shall I say it... cranky.

Breakfast was as usual, Mariah and I listened to Mr. Collins droll commentary, which was even worse since today is Easter and Charlotte, dear saint that she is loaded his plate with more food in an attempt to make his mouth cease any function except for eating. I daresay that it did no good, he spoke with his mouth full, spewing food this way and that as he turned his head towards each of us. At least the sounds were muffled a bit.

After breakfast we all went to services. It was tolerable though I miss the Reverend _______'s services at Longbourn.

A few minutes before services began the party from Rosing's arrived. I looked towards the back as they walked in, I must say I was completely embarrassed as Mr. Darcy saw me look at him. I care not what he thinks of me, but I must say that I most sincerely do not want him to even begin to think that I admire him in any way. His ego is already too large and since that is about furthest from the truth I would not appreciate him thinking that I admire him. His mere glance towards me is evidence that he thinks highly of himself and meanly of everyone else.

Colonel Fitzwilliam on the other hand, now there is a handsome man. I did look at him, in fact I allowed my eyes to dwell and turned my smile towards him. He bowed most gentlemanly and nodded in my direction. I am sure I blushed ten shades. At least it was a blush until I saw Mr. Darcy turn and glare in his cousin and my direction, at that point the blush turned into Fury.

How dare he censure us for a shared interest? If my family and I are too lowly for him that is fine, but who gives him the right to censure others for their choices.

Oh well, I suppose the Colonel is his cousin, what is not good enough for him can not be good enough for a member of his family either because it would reflect upon him by being a relation.

Services closed and Charlotte led the way to stand behind her husband as he bade farewell to his parishioners. Lady Catherine was of course the recipient of profuse, and may I add obtuse, praise and attention. He practically pushed another member of the congregation away from him as he cleared the way for her. I felt sorry for the young woman. I believe she was offended, that was until 3 young men, also from the parish, came to her aide. I then think she was rather excited to receive the attention. I was watching the occurrence when the Colonel and Mr. Darcy came up behind their aunt. I did not see them at first, but then the Colonel paid me a compliment on my dress and I could not fail to notice them.

I smiled the most sincere smile that I could muster, feeling it in my eyes and also knees. It is so nice to be a recipient of masculine attention. I can now relate with the young girl that was still receiving attention.

Mr. Darcy is still an enigma to me. The entire time that the Colonel and I talked he paced behind us looking at his pocket watch and looking annoyed. He finally left us for the carriage only to wait alone until the Colonel annoyingly looked at him and then turned to me and stated that he must be going.

Once Lady Catherine and her nephews departed our party no longer had anyone to occupy our attention and so we departed for home as well. Mr. Collins was very excited that Lady Catherine had extended an invitation for that evening.

We departed the parsonage at a quarter to six and arrived at the great house shortly after. We were immediately seen into the parlor where the entire family was gathered awaiting us. Colonel Fitzwilliam immediately came over and offered me a seat. We ended up talking together half of the night and me playing the piano the other half.

I had a very enjoyable time and hope that I will be able to have may more such evenings in the future. Mr. Collins warned me to not raise my hopes too much. Charlotte for some odd reason keeps commenting that Mr. Darcy likes me, but the more she says it the more I deny it. There are many things that I would prefer over that misfortune.

Nonetheless Easter has been enjoyable and I look forward to tomorrow being another day.