Mr. Collins was not a sensible man. He had spent most of his life with his selfish father and had not learned much about the world. He was a strange mix of someone who felt very important but was also too humble toward rich people. When he was given his job as a clergyman by Lady Catherine, he felt he had finally become a success.
Now that he had a house and a good income, he wanted to get married. He decided that he would choose one of the Bennet daughters. He thought this was a very generous plan. Since he would one day take their home, he believed that marrying one of the sisters would make things right.
When he first arrived, he decided that Jane, the eldest and most beautiful, would be his wife. However, the next morning, he had a private talk with Mrs. Bennet. He told her his plan. Mrs. Bennet smiled and encouraged him, but she gave him a warning.
"As for Jane," she said, "I should tell you that she is likely to be engaged very soon. But my other daughters are very lovely."
In an instant, Mr. Collins changed his mind. He simply moved his choice from Jane to Elizabeth.
Later that day, the sisters decided to walk to Meryton. Mr. Bennet was happy to see them go, as Mr. Collins had been following him around all morning talking about his garden. He told Mr. Collins to go with the girls. Mr. Collins, who liked walking more than reading, was happy to go.
As they walked into town, Mr. Collins talked about unimportant things while the younger sisters looked for soldiers. Suddenly, everyone’s attention was caught by a stranger walking with an officer. The stranger was a very handsome young man.
The officer, Mr. Denny, introduced his friend, Mr. Wickham. He told them that Mr. Wickham had just joined the army. Wickham was very polite and charming, and the whole group stood on the street talking happily.
Suddenly, the sound of horses was heard. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley rode toward them. Mr. Bingley was happy to see Jane and said he was on his way to see her.
Elizabeth noticed something strange. When Mr. Darcy saw the stranger, Mr. Wickham, both men looked shocked. One turned white, and the other turned red. Mr. Wickham touched his hat politely, and Mr. Darcy gave a small, cold bow. It was clear that they knew each other, and they did not like each other at all.
What did this mean? Elizabeth was dying to find out.
A moment later, Bingley and Darcy rode away. The rest of the group walked to the house of Mrs. Philips, the girls' aunt. She was very happy to see her nieces and invited everyone inside. Mr. Collins was introduced, and he acted so formally that Mrs. Philips was very impressed.
The sisters asked about Mr. Wickham. Their aunt told them that he was new to the town and would be staying there for a while. She invited the family to come to her house the next evening for a party, and she promised to invite Mr. Wickham too.
On the walk home, Elizabeth told Jane what she had seen between Darcy and Wickham. Jane was surprised, but she could not explain it. When they returned to Longbourn, Mr. Collins told Mrs. Bennet how much he liked Mrs. Philips. He said she was almost as elegant as Lady Catherine herself! Mrs. Bennet was very pleased, and the whole family looked forward to the party the next day.