When later that morning Lydia suggested walking to Meryton to see some of the officers , all her sisters exceptMary agreed to accompay her . Rven Mr Collins went with them , encouraged by Mr Bennet , who was by now most anxious to have some time to himself . During their walk , the girls listened politely to Mr Collins' self - important speeches, but as soon as they entered meryton, the younger ones no longer even pretended to be intenrested in his conversation, but looked eagerly around in search of the officers.