The Darcys and de Burghs

Thursday, March 19 ‘09

Mrs Bennet was grateful there wasn’t a Mr Collins in her life. Jane Austen’s version sent Mrs Bennet in a frenzy, particularly as he stood to inherit the estate at Longbourne when Mr Bennet died. Ordered to marry by the insufferable Lady Catherine de Burgh, considered “far superior to the handsomest of her sex”, he aimed his so-called affections at Miss Jane Bennet, then quickly transferred them to Elizabeth, when told Jane may well be taken.
As far as she was aware Modern Mrs Bennet didn’t have any Lady Catherine characters lurking in the background either. Although at times she did quiver in her size three Dr Marten boots, if in the presence of overwhelming forthright females. It probably stemmed back to her days at an all girls grammar school, where “truth, honour, freedom and courtesy” was the motto, and respect for authority drummed in. Times were different now and long were the days when girls had to wear six-panel A-line skirts, six inches below the knee and beige socks that really didn’t go with the shocking cerise tie and striped pink and white shirt. If caught without the top button done up, with its partner in crime, a rebelliously threaded tie, it meant an instant order mark or worse still detention.
The voice of authority, the voice of someone who could easily have played the part of Lady Catherine de Burgh, still echoed on occasion in Mrs Bennet’s ears. But they were only echoes. She did wonder whether there might be a few Mr Collins about in the infant playground. Some – according to her daughters - seemed to change their affections towards certain little ladies on a daily basis. There were always the faithful Bingleys though who remained glued to the side of only one female and remained on good terms with her by Year 2.
Amazed that the search for Darcys began at playgroup, Mrs Bennet was intrigued by the Miss Bennets’ thoughts on the subject of marriage, which regularly popped up. What she hadn’t anticipated was the subject matter arising at such a young age. All three of her elder daughters’ quest for the ideal man had begun before they even knew what a playground was. Their mullings over the latest dish in the home corner or sandpit had been a frequent topic of conversation as their role plays with each other, various plastic characters or dolls revealed.
School and the introduction to a new batch of boys just added to their intrigue and interest. Miss Megan Bennet was particularly drawn to a sweet dark-haired little Darcy, slightly smaller than herself. After the first week in reception class, she boldly announced:
“I just love him, he’s so cute!” And this from a four-year-old! Miss Bennet’s teacher had also noted this particular attraction.
“I don’t like to say this, but I think you may have a Lydia Bennet on your hands!”
Mrs Bennet made a mental note to keep Miss Megan away from soldiers. Much as she wanted her to have a Darcy, she didn’t particularly wish for her daughter to elope at 16.
“I did want to marry Harry first Mummy, but he wants to marry Hannah, but Sean says he’ll marry me,” Miss Bennet explained.
So that was alright then. At four, life was so simple. At 40, Mrs Bennet knew it was not.