Chapter 6
​
Ever wondered what it would be like to become Mr Bennet, if only for a moment? Read on, imagining yourself as Mr Bennet; then, based on your knowledge of Pride & Prejudice, decide what you will do at the end of this chapter.
​
The next morning you are sitting in your library, at peace with the world, when there is a commotion outside the door. Enter your dear wife, all of a fluster.
​
“Oh! Mr Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr Collins, for she vows she will not have him, and if you do not make haste he will change his mind and not have her.”
​
You raise your eyes from your book and fix them on her face with a calm unconcern which is not in the least altered by her communication. “I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking?”
​
She shrieks, “Of Mr Collins and Lizzy. Lizzy declares she will not have Mr Collins, and Mr Collins begins to say that he will not have Lizzy.”
​
You gather that she is referring to the honourable institution of marriage; in other words, the amends that Mr Collins promised to make to your daughters almost as soon as he entered your house. “And what am I to do on the occasion? -- It seems an hopeless business.”
​
“Speak to Lizzy about it yourself. Tell her that you insist upon her marrying him.”
​
You bestow a benign smile on your idiot wife. “Let her be called down. She shall hear my opinion.”
​
Mrs Bennet rings the bell, and Miss Elizabeth is summoned to the library.
​
“Come here, child,” you cry as soon as she appears. “I have sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that Mr Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true?” Elizabeth replies that it is. “Very well – and this offer of marriage you have refused?”
​
“I have, Sir.”
​
“Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Is not it so, Mrs Bennet?”
​
“Yes, or I will never see her again.”
​
You decide for once to agree with your wife to save Longbourn, OR you overrule her.
​
Which would Mr Bennet choose? Click on the link above and see if you're right.