Pride and Prejudice — Chapter Thirteen (Abridged)

One morning, Mr. Bennet told his family that a visitor would soon arrive. Mrs. Bennet was excited and guessed it might be Mr. Bingley, but she was wrong. The visitor was Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet’s cousin.

Mr. Collins would inherit the Bennet family home because there was no son. This made Mrs. Bennet very unhappy, and she complained about how unfair it was. Jane and Elizabeth tried to explain the situation, but she remained upset.

Mr. Bennet then read aloud a letter from Mr. Collins. In the letter, Mr. Collins explained that he wanted to make peace with the family after past disagreements. He also spoke at length about his position as a clergyman and his connection to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, a very important and wealthy woman.

He said he wished to visit the Bennet family and hoped they would welcome him. He also mentioned that he wanted to make amends for inheriting their home, though it was not his fault.

The family had different reactions. Jane thought his intentions were kind. Elizabeth found his writing strange and overly formal. Mr. Bennet believed Mr. Collins might be a foolish man and was curious to meet him.

When Mr. Collins arrived, he was very polite but also very formal. He gave many compliments, especially about the daughters. Mrs. Bennet was pleased with his attention.

During dinner, Mr. Collins praised everything—the house, the furniture, and the food. However, his compliments made Mrs. Bennet uncomfortable because she knew he would one day own the house.

He also made a mistake by asking which daughter had prepared the meal. Mrs. Bennet quickly corrected him, saying her daughters did not cook. Mr. Collins apologized many times, even after she said she was not offended.