Lord Byron’s Box (The Darcys in Venice, Chapter 27)

Mr. Collins stood awkwardly in the middle of Lord Byron’s box at the Teatro de Fenice, arms akimbo, looking very much how he felt, like a fish out of water.

“I declare! This is very fine, to be sure, to be in a box at the opera, but I do not know if it will quite do.”

“Not do!” exclaimed Lady Catherine, scandalized. “Why, this is His Lordship’s own box, and I do not perceive how you could hope for better, Mr. Collins. You are not even a member of the aristocracy, and should consider yourself ve...