Tuesday was the long-awaited Salcombe Harbour Swim. Bingley, who had promised a breakfast party on this day, had been forced to change his plans, having been unaware that he would be clashing with such an auspicious local occasion.
The night before, the Bennet girls had met in The Kings Arms with a number of their Salcombe friends. Lydia was at full throttle.
“I shall not bother with a wetsuit. It is such a bore trying to pull it on and off all the time, and it makes me look like a giant seal. No, I shall wear the skimpiest of bikinis, so all the lifeguards will make sure of rescuing me should I get into difficulties.”
“I must have goggles, though,” interrupted Kitty. “I can’t like see a thing without goggles.”
“Although I have great demands on my intellect to continue my studies, I feel an early morning swim can but only help. I will be coming, but I feel a wise approach is necessary for a successful outcome. I shall wear goggles and my all-in-one Billabong wetsuit,” announced Mary.
“Will you be taking to the waters, Mr Collins?” asked Lizzy teasingly. “Or would it be considered too unseemly for a man of your position? I am sure you would not want word to get back to Lady Catherine de Brrr of any outrageous behaviour!”
Mr Collins was appalled by the idea of having to swim across the estuary at seven o’clock in the morning. He had, however, enjoyed a glass or two of wine, and also being in courting mode, felt an unaccustomed bravado come over him.
“Lady Catherine would want her vicar to lead by example. I will certainly be there, and if I may take the opportunity to ask if you, Lizzy, would you care to sit next to me on the boat going over so that I may protect you from any undesirable spray, and that I might then have the pleasure of guiding you through any hazardous waters that might come in our way on the swim back?”
Lizzy’s heart sank. She had very much hoped to have the pleasure of swimming alongside Mr Wickham. A slow suspicion had been creeping over her that Mr Collins, from amongst her sisters, had shown a preference for her, and this latest remark only confirmed her worst fears.