The Impossible Gentleman

Katherine

Section I, Next Section

Chapter 1

Posted on Thursday, 28 March 2002

"Mama, when is Mr. Collins to arrive? My feet are tired of standing about in this silly manner, and I am certain that my dress is getting dust all over it," Lydia complained with a huff, crossing her arms angrily as she blew a bit of hair out of her eye. Her mother just gave her a sympathetic smile.

"Oh, I am sure he will be here soon. How abominable of that man to make us wait here for so long while he lounges about in his carriage, no doubt thinking about the day he will turn us out from our home," Mrs. Bennet sobbed. "Oh, that hateful man."

"Mrs. Bennet, if it makes you feel any better, know that I plan on living a good while longer than you expect me to," Mr. Bennet teased as she swatted in his direction.

"Oh Mr. Bennet! How can you vex me so when you know how fragile my nerves are?" Mrs. Bennet clucked, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief while Lydia danced about, as if it would keep the nonexistent dust from settling on her dress. Elizabeth and Jane just exchanged one of their frequent looks.

"Look, Mama! I think I see his carriage," Kitty exclaimed, pointing off into the distance where a moving black object could be seen.

"So it is, Kitty. So it is! He has come at last," Mrs. Bennet replied, somewhat happier than her previous comments had been. "Remember girls, be on your best behavior. This is your cousin, and the man in charge of all of our fates, so I don't want to hear that you have been vexing or annoying him. Be polite, look your best, and most important... KITTY DO STOP COUGHING!"

"I do not cough for my own pleasure, Mama. It is the dust that irritates me so," Kitty said angrily as she coughed into her handkerchief.

"Well, do not cough so much! Try to keep it in, for if Mr. Collins is half as annoyed with your coughing as I am now, he will..." Mrs. Bennet was cut off as the carriage pulled in front of the group, which stopped abruptly as the carriage rocked back and forth.

Immediately, out of the carriage popped a short, fat man who was hunched over as he rubbed his hands together. He gave the Bennets a sickly sweet smile and a deep bow, as Lydia and Kitty both tried to hide their laughter. The short man reminded Elizabeth of a little troll or elf as he smiled, showing his yellowing, crooked teeth to the group. Elizabeth felt bad for the man, as he was not one of the prettiest weeds that could inhibit a garden, but she realized that she and her sisters would have to be nice to their cousin.

Mr. Bennet was just about to speak as another man emerged from the carriage as well. He gave the ugly man a nod and a smile, and, as if on cue, the horrible man went back into the carriage as it sped away quickly down the lane. The Bennets were left in surprise. In front of them stood a young man, on the verge of being called handsome, yet not close enough to be so. He was in his early thirties, if Elizabeth guessed correctly, with light brown hair, dark green eyes, and skin that seemed on the verge of becoming tanned. His left cheek possessed a dimple that was noticeable as he gave the family a warm smile.

"Mr. Bennet, it is very good to finally meet you at last," the man said joyfully with a bow. "This must be your lovely wife, Mrs. Bennet, and your daughters, that I heard so warmly spoken of from my late father."

"Mr. Collins," Mr. Bennet replied, more of a question than a statement. The man made no correction, and Mr. Bennet continued on. "It is very good to finally meet you."

"And you, Mr. Bennet, for I heard much about you from my father. It is a delight that I can finally meet you and your family," Mr. Collins added.

"Yes, although I cannot say that I have the pleasure of knowing much about yourself. My brother and I never kept in touch much over the years, although he did write to me occasionally," Mr. Bennet replied, slightly irritated.

"I am sure that he wished he could have written more often, but he was a very busy man, and in the end he was too ill to do much, let alone write," Mr. Collins said softly.

"He was a good man," Mr. Bennet concluded, and there was a grand pause amongst the group.

"Come, Mr. Collins," Mrs. Bennet said, finally speaking up. "We must get out of this dust and wind, and get you inside. You must be furiously tired from your long journey. Kitty, please tell Hill that we wish for some tea."

With this comment, Mrs. Bennet whisked Mr. Collins inside, followed by all five girls, who were unsure of what to think of their cousin. Yet none could doubt that they found him to be handsome and a bit attractive, as well as very easy and friendly. Yes, each of the girls decided. He would be a welcome addition to Longbourn.

Chapter 2

Posted on Thursday, 28 March 2002

"Tell us about yourself, Mr. Collins," Mrs. Bennet inquired as the family sat down to dinner. "I am sure you lived a very exciting life."

"Some people would claim that my life was very dull, growing up in a small town that was nothing like the excitements of London," Mr. Collins stated. "Yet I would much rather live in the country than in the city. I am sure you agree, Mrs. Bennet, for you and your family are as happily situated here in Hertfortshire as I was in Cheshire."

"Of course, Mr. Collins, our family is very happily situated here. There is no other place that I would rather live, although I can admit, from personal experience, that there are some that think nothing of the country at all," Mrs. Bennet ranted, and Elizabeth knew that she was talking about Mr. Darcy. "I, for one, am interested in hearing about your life."

"Very well, but if I bore you or your daughters to death, remember that I have warned you first," Mr. Collins cautioned, and Mrs. Bennet just gave a wave with her hand.

"My father was Mr. Bennet's younger brother, who was adopted quite young by his wealthy aunt and uncle. He was educated by them, and, because he was to inherit the Collins' estate and fortune, decided to take upon himself the last name of Collins. He met my mother shortly after. The two fell in love, and were wed almost immediately after in a chapel near Bath," Mr. Collins said. "But I am sure you knew of this already."

"Yes, my husband did tell me some of the particulars," Mrs. Bennet replied. Mr. Bennet only nodded as he remembered those painful memories of when his best friend and younger brother, only two year his junior, was taken away.

"I grew up in Cheshire, five miles from the small yet admirable town of ------, in a small estate with my excellent parents, and not three miles from the home of my wealthy uncle and aunt. I was educated, of course, and given one of the best educations a young man could receive. When I was of the age, I joined the army," Mr. Collins began. Lydia and Kitty exchanged a look as their eyes grew wide at the prospect of a redcoat in their home.

"I was in the army for a few years, as I intended to make it my profession, and rose to the rank of Colonel. After my father's early death, my mother and her family found the arrangement unsuitable, and forced me to leave my post. My father had no objections when he was alive to the army, but my mother secretly had. One of her own brothers had gone into the army, and it had turned him very wild and reckless, and believed that it would do the same to me, one of her own beloved boys. My mother deemed that it was not proper for someone of her family, and with such an inheritance to be his one-day, to go on in such a profession. Her elder brother (my uncle) agreed wholeheartedly with her ideals, and they both persuaded me to leave my post." Mr. Collins paused, remembering his own happy memories of his past.

"My mother, while being very sensible and compassionate, was, as I must confess, not happy with my father's family. My mother had come from a wealthier family than my own excellent father, and while she loved my father with all of her heart, she did not share the same sentiment for his family. She believed that she had put up with them long enough, and, with my father gone, was determined to cut herself off from them. I was also cut off from knowing my father's family, as my mother decided I need not know them until it was absolutely necessary," Mr. Collins said sadly as Mrs. Bennet winced. "I was then decided for the church, which I did not mind so. After receiving my orders, my mother's brother purchased me a position in Kent, where I have found my new life and profession to be calm and comfortable."

"My dear mother died a few months ago, and I decided then to seek out my uncle's family. My father had often talked warmly of you, Mr. Bennet, and I was determined to finally meet you, my aunt, and my cousins," Mr. Collins said, ending his story and finally taking a breath.

"That is quite a sad story," Lydia said with a sigh, determined to get on this former redcoat's good side.

"Aye," Kitty agreed, nodding her head furiously.

"With the sadness I have found many blessings, and it is hard for me to look back on my life with anything but happiness. I have found peace in my new job, and I wonder if I would be half the person I am today if I had not left the army," Mr. Collins replied.

"Who is your patroness?" Mrs. Bennet asked, munching away on a carrot. "I understand it is a very noble lady."

"Yes, Ma'am. She is Lady Catherine de Borough, who lives with her daughter, Anne, just across the lane from my home in her estate, Rosings Park," Mr. Collins answered, and Mrs. Bennet smiled.

"Has she no sons to speak of?" Mrs. Bennet asked, her brain thinking of a possible match between one of her daughters and a wealthy son.

"None. Her daughter is the heiress of Rosings, and will one day inherit a large fortune and the estate. It is a very sad business, for Anne is not of the healthiest constitutions, but I suppose God throws everyone a few hardships in their life," Mr. Collins replied, and Mr. Bennet nodded.

"The poor girl," Mr. Bennet agreed, finally piping up after the touching story Mr. Collins had told only moments before.

"She does manage, despite the fact that she has not the strength to play at the pianoforte, go for a stroll in the woods of Rosings, or attend any of the social functions or dances when in London," Mr. Collins added.

"I wonder if it is really a misfortune that she cannot attend a dance, Mr. Collins, for young ladies should be improving themselves with books and music rather than frivolous dances," Mary spouted. "I am sure that you, as a man of the church, would agree with me on that subject."

"Books and music are important attributes to any young woman, Miss Mary, but dancing is also another notable accomplishment in most young women. I, for one, am quite fond of a dance, and I must say that it a ball would be quite disagreeable with no young ladies present as partners," Mr. Collins replied, and the group laughed.

"You will be quite glad that you have come when you have, Mr. Collins, for there have been many assemblies lately," Elizabeth said.

"Aye, and Lady Lucas has promised that she will have another gathering within the week, which will be an excellent opportunity for you to meet up with some of the neighbors," Kitty added with a smile.

"Assemblies are nothing to a ball. Oh, how I long for a ball," Lydia said in her whiny voice. "It has been ages since the last one, and that was last November when Mr. Weston still owned Netherfield."

"Mr. Bingley has promised to throw a ball soon. I thought you would have remembered that, Lydia, or were you too busy flirting with Captain Carter to hear the news from our Aunt Phillips," Kitty stated blankly, and Lydia just pulled a face at her sister.

"I am not sure if you have heard of our new neighbors, Mr. Collins, so I shall tell you. A Mr. Bingley from London has lent one of the nearby estates, Netherfield, which you surely must have seen from your carriage on your way here. It was the fine brick estate with the large windows and the majestic parklands. Do not mistake if for Lucas Lodge, which is only a bit smaller than Longbourn though not as fine as Netherfield or thus. But Netherfield is such a grand estate, Mr. Collins, and I am sure that you will be delighted it, even if it does not compare with Rosings Park," Mrs. Bennet said proudly.

"Rosings Park is indeed a beautiful estate, but that is in my limited opinion. I am sure that Netherfield is just as grand and happily situated as other estates in this area and others. I confess, though, that I already find Longbourn to be the most happily situated estate I have ever seen," Mr. Collins said modestly, and Elizabeth was impressed by his easygoing manner. "What sort of a man is Mr. Bingley? I have heard of him, but have not met him myself."

"He is a very charming neighbor, so outgoing and friendly without an unkind word to anyone. Quite the opposite of his friend, Mr. Darcy, who is the most proud, disagreeable man I have ever met," Mrs. Bennet replied, flailing her arms about. "And his sisters, Mr. Collins, are quite..."

"Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, of Derbyshire?" Mr. Collins interrupted, nearly choking on a mouthful of meat, and Mrs. Bennet nodded.

"Have you heard of him? I dare say that perhaps one of the other travelers might have told you about him on the way to Longbourn, but..." Mrs. Bennet was once again cut off.

"He is the nephew of Lady de Borough," Mr. Collins replied, and it was Mrs. Bennet's turn to almost choke.

"So then...you two are...acquaintances?" Mrs. Bennet asked, reaching for her glass of water.

"We are more than acquaintances, Mrs. Bennet. We are quite good friends. His cousin, the Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I were in the military together at one point. It is through him that I met Mr. Darcy, and since then we have been quite close. I had no clue that he was to be staying in Hertfortshire this winter," Mr. Collins exclaimed, quite elated at this news.

"You...you are friends with Mr. Darcy?" Mrs. Bennet asked again, confused by the portrait Mr. Collins had just painted of the neighborhood's most hated man, and also a bit in shock.

"Yes. I've known him about four years," Mr. Collins replied, munching away on his dinner. "He is quite a gentleman. I am sure that he will be just as elated to see me as I am him, for I have not seen him since last April, when he visited his aunt."

"Well, Mr. Collins, I feel that I should warn you not to hold any resentful feelings against your "friend" if he does not present the best manners towards you while in Hertfortshire. He may enjoy your company in Kent, but he may think himself too "high" about you while you are in our company. Everyone that we are acquainted with fine Mr. Darcy to be the most arrogant and proudest man," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed angrily. "He slighted my poor Elizabeth, you know."

Instead of the compassionate look expected, Mr. Collins gave Elizabeth a questioning look after hearing this bit of information.

"What did he say of you, cousin?" Mr. Collins asked as Elizabeth felt a knot growing in her throat.

"He...he, well, he said that..." Elizabeth began, her tongue tying, before being cut off by Mrs. Bennet.

"He said, when asked to dance with her by his excellent friend Mr. Bingley, that he found her only 'tolerable and that she was not handsome enough to tempt him'," Mrs. Bennet clucked. "See, is he not an odious man?"

However, at that moment, Mr. Collins burst out into laughter.

"I fail to see the humor in this, Mr. Collins," Mrs. Bennet spat angrily. "Please enlighten us." Mr. Collins took a deep breath.

"If you are referring to the Mr. Darcy I know, then you are grossly mistaken as to what his meaning is. What he said about Elizabeth was not an insult, but an inside joke between him and his family, and also some of those who know him well, like myself, and probably Mr. Bingley as well," Mr. Collins replied, and Mrs. Bennet rolled her eyes.

"I fail to comprehend," Mrs. Bennet added, and Mr. Collins sighed.

"I remember him telling me that when his sister, Miss Darcy, was younger, she often wished to go with him and his parents to the many assemblies in London. She was, however, too young and not out yet, so that was impossible. Her father didn't want to disappoint her, so he said that if her brother would take her, he would allow her to go," Mr. Collins began.

"I don't see where this story is going," Mrs. Bennet said, somewhat impatiently.

"Mr. Darcy's response to this was to tease her, and he told her that 'she was tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt him' into choosing her as a partner. Mr. Darcy and his cousin, the Colonel, still tease Miss Darcy with that same phrase," Mr. Collins added, and Mr. Bennet chuckled under his breath.

"Well, I do think that it was abominably rude of him to say such a think about our Elizabeth without her prior knowledge of the joke," Mrs. Bennet huffed, and Mr. Collins smiled.

"I can understand your distress, but I do not believe it was meant for anyone's ears but Mr. Bingley, who understands the joke," Mr. Collins explained. "Otherwise, I believe you are being very quick with your opinions on Mr. Darcy, for at first glance I too found him to be proud, but realized only later that he is just reserved, and shy, in his responses to new acquaintances. He has been through many hardships in his life, despite his young age."

"Well, I feel no sympathy for that man. Just remember that I warned you about Mr. Darcy, and you shall see his true nature for yourself at the Lucas' gathering," Mrs. Bennet replied, shaking her fork (which still contained a bit of chicken) at him. Mr. Bennet, however, just chucked to himself.

Chapter 3

Posted on Sunday, 14 April 2002

The next day proved to be as beautiful as the previous, with less of the irksome wind that had bothered Lydia so. All of the girls had decided to take the opportunity of the warm fall midmorning, as this weather was uncommon for the time of the year it currently was. Lydia and Kitty were busily occupied playing a game of horseshoe while Mary read her book nearby and commented ever so often of the total impropriety of the game. Jane and Elizabeth went on a stroll through the gardens while Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins were engaged in the same activity. However, both groups were engaged in different conversations, as the girls spent most of their time speaking of the guests at Netherfield while Mr. Collins commented on Longbourn, the area, and the Bennet daughters.

"You have five very fine daughters, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Collins remarked as he watched them in their various outdoor activities. "I doubt I have ever seen five girls that were so accomplished and pleasant to be around, no matter where I have been."

"Yes, my daughters are admired wherever they go, for they all have a very fine sense of decorum and a favorable manner which makes it hard for anyone to find ill in them," Mrs. Bennet agreed. The look on Mr. Collins' face was hard to decipher, so Mrs. Bennet decided to make sure that he didn't set his hopes on Jane. "Especially Jane, my eldest. Mr. Bennet and I are very well pleased at the prospects that she will very soon be engaged."

"I am very glad to hear that, Mrs. Bennet, for I worried that such a beautiful girl like that might never settle down," Mr. Collins said happily, and Mrs. Bennet gave an inward sigh of relief. "When the engagement takes place, you will have to write to me directly so that I may be one of the first to send my congratulations and to wish them the best after their wedding."

"You have my promise on the matter, Mr. Collins, although I believe that the engagement will happen so soon that it may take place while you are in town," Mrs. Bennet said optimistically. Mr. Collins just nodded as he looked off towards the four Bennet girls, as one was absent from the group of giggling girls.

"Mama, Kitty and I are to go to Meryton to see if Denny has returned from town," Lydia said, gasping for breath as she ran towards her mother as the last Bennet girl was accounted for.

"Why don't you take Mr. Collins with you? I am sure that he would love to see the sights of the town, meet some of our acquaintances..." Mrs. Bennet asked, giving Mr. Collins a fond look. Lydia just looked hopefully at Mr. Collins as the other four Bennet sisters looked curiously at Mr. Collins.

"Of course. Why, it is such a glowing day that I believe we should all go for a walk. What do you say to that?" Mr. Collins asked to the group, and all four of the girls' smiles were all of the answer needed.

Lydia and Kitty lead the group towards town, giggling and smirking as they whispered about the various officers to themselves. The two youngest girls were upset that Mr. Collins was not walking towards the front, as the two had become infatuated with their former-redcoat and quite handsome cousin. Mary had roped Jane into a conversation about the new sermon book she was reading and Jane bore the conversation as best as she could, trying her best not to yawn. Elizabeth and Mr. Collins were near the back of the group, as he was telling her all about the countryside of Kent and the town that he had grown up in. Elizabeth was impressed by the feeling that he portrayed for each of the places, and the warm praises that he had for both.

Upon reaching town, Lydia and Kitty immediately located Denny speaking with another young man nearby one of the various shops in Meryton, and the two young girls determinedly dragged their sisters and cousins towards the men. Elizabeth was struck by the gentlemanly appearance that the other man held; while he was not as handsome as he could be, he seemed to be full of a sense of goodness and righteousness, which impressed Elizabeth greatly.

"It is good to see you all once more," Denny said cheerfully upon first encountering the group.

"Aye, and you, Denny," Lydia said flirtatiously.

"Did you enjoy seeing your family again?" Elizabeth asked, trying to make some normal conversation while her youngest sister batted her eyelashes.

"Yes, although I wish I could have stayed longer," Denny replied with a laugh. "But duty called me back to Meryton."

"I'm glad you've come back," Lydia added with a smile, and Kitty nodded as well.

"May I introduce to you Mr. George Wickham, who has just recently joined the militia here," Denny continued as Lydia and Kitty immediately began to whisper furiously to each other. "This is Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet, Miss Lydia Bennet and..."

"Mr. William Collins, our cousin," Jane added. "He has just arrived for a visit from Kent."

"It is good to meet you all," Mr. Wickham said with a small bow. "It is a pleasure to make the acquaintance of five beautiful young ladies, and I hope to be seeing you, and your cousin, more frequently in the future." Lydia sighed at his elegant and expressive declaration.

"We are to go to our Aunt Phillips for the evening, Mr. Wickham. Won't you and Denny join us?" Lydia asked quickly.

"Lydia!" Jane scolded under her breath, but Lydia just turned her head away from her sister in a sign that she would not listen.

"We have not been formally invited by Mrs. Phillips..." Mr. Wickham began, but Lydia cut him off with a loud huff.

"It is no matter, for there will be others from the town there. Our aunt hosts the best gatherings," Lydia added persuasively. "You must come."

"If we must, Wickham," Denny said in mock hesitation.

"Yes, I suppose we must," Wickham replied in the same fashion, and everyone, except for Mr. Collins, laughed at this dramatic display.

Lydia and Kitty were quick to involve Denny and Wickham in their own conversation. Jane had the misfortune of being spied upon by Wickham as being very beautiful, as he was quick to include her in the conversation. The beautiful daughter of a gentleman was not one to overlook in any occasion, and Mr. Wickham had plans brewing in his mind. Mr. Collins and Elizabeth stood off to one side, and Mary to the other as she began to read a small book that she had pulled out of what seemed to be thin air.

I will repeat that it was a misfortune that Jane had been included in the conversation with the officers, for at that moment Mr. Bingley was seen riding towards the group. Elizabeth watched Mr. Bingley's facial features light up as he saw Jane, but dim a bit as he saw the two officers speaking with her. It could be said that Mr. Wickham's features showed a particular interest in Jane, which angered and even caused a bit of jealousy on the part of Mr. Bingley. Nevertheless, he did stop his horse next to Elizabeth and Mr. Collins and was quick to address the two.

"Miss Elizabeth, it is very good to see you and your sisters again," Mr. Bingley said with a forced smile. "I was about to venture towards Longbourn to inquire after your sister's health, but I can see that she is doing well."

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Bingley. Jane is doing well, and would have told you herself if she had not been commandeered in another conversation at the moment," Elizabeth replied, hoping that would clear up any misunderstanding of the moment's instances.

"I see," Mr. Bingley said slowly, but Elizabeth could tell that he was quite a bit more at ease after that sentence than he had been before. Mr. Bingley, at that time, noticed Mr. Collins standing nearby, and cleared his throat in an indirect way, causing Elizabeth to remember common courtesy and introduce the two.

"Mr. Bingley, this is our cousin, Mr. William Collins. Mr. Charles Bingley lives not three miles from us, at Netherfield," Elizabeth introduced politely.

"So you are Mr. Collins," Mr. Bingley exclaimed. "Darcy heard you were in town and he hasn't stopped talking about you since! I must confess, I was rather curious as to who you actually were."

"As I were you, Mr. Bingley, for I have heard so much about you," Mr. Collins replied, smiling. "I had heard, though, that you were looking father north for an estate."

"There was a particularly fine one that I found, but my sister, Caroline, detested being so far away from London. Instead I have settled here, and I couldn't be happier with the neighborhood or the people," Mr. Bingley praised, and Elizabeth smiled inwardly. "I understand that you are from Cheshire?"

"Yes, I am," Mr. Collins replied humbly.

"It is a very beautiful part of the country," Mr. Bingley confessed. "I believe it is one of my favorite counties, besides Hertfortshire."

"What about Derbyshire? I think Darcy would have both of our hides if he knew we hadn't stated that county as our favorite," Mr. Collins teased, and Mr. Bingley just laughed while Elizabeth looked on curiously.

"Too true," Mr. Bingley replied in mock horror as he thought of his fake fate. "However, I can be sworn to secrecy if you promise not to tell as well."

"Agreed," Mr. Collins promised.

Elizabeth took that time to turn towards the other conversation to see how things were faring for her beloved sister. Jane, however, was not having a wonderful time, as Mr. Wickham was not being hidden about his admiration for her. It was obvious that Jane felt nothing for Mr. Wickham, yet he could not see the look on her face of utter boredom. Elizabeth laughed inwardly as she thought of her normally pleasant sister who found no fault in anyone being annoyed by someone, while thanking God that Mr. Bingley was not looking in Jane's direction. Elizabeth had just turned back to Mr. Collins' and Mr. Bingley's conversation when she saw Mr. Collins move in closely to Mr. Bingley.

"Mr. Bingley, I was wondering if you could send a message to Mr. Darcy from myself," Mr. Collins whispered low enough that no one heard except the two gentlemen, and Elizabeth, who moved in a bit closer to discreetly hear.

"Of course, Mr. Collins! I would be happy to," Mr. Bingley replied in his usually, obliging manner that was quieter than usual.

"Could you please tell him that he is here, so she should not come," Mr. Collins said slowly, still in his whispered voice. "Those word exactly, please."

"Yes, of course. I will tell him directly," Mr. Bingley said with an earnest smile, before raising his voice. "You will be coming to visit shortly, correct, for you are very welcome at Netherfield. I know Darcy is very anxious to see you again, and would have come to Longbourn if he wasn't engaged in important business."

"Thank you, Mr. Bingley. I will have to hold you up on that offer," Mr. Collins said with a smile.

"I should be off," Mr. Bingley said hesitantly, throwing a look in Jane's direction. Elizabeth noticed this, and had to smile to herself. "Good day, Mr. Collins, Miss Elizabeth."

"Good day," Elizabeth replied with a joyful smile on her face. Yet inside, Elizabeth wasn't feeling as cool and composed as she appeared to be. Elizabeth kept replaying Mr. Collins' words over and over in her mind, wondering what they could possibly mean. 'He is here, so she should not come.' The only 'he' that it could possibly be was the new Mr. Wickham, if at all, but who was the she? And what was the problem with amiable Mr. Wickham that anyone, no less a young lady, would have to avoid him?

Elizabeth began to look in Mr. Collins' direction, eager to ask him for more details on the matter, but noticed that he had now joined the rest of her sisters, and the officers, in walking towards their Aunt Phillips' home down the lane. Elizabeth had to quicken her pace to catch up with the group, and when she finally did, she remained silent while her mind was racing a mile and minute.

Chapter 4

Posted on Sunday, 14 April 2002

Mrs. Phillips was known about the town for hosting gatherings of good taste and much enjoyment, and this night was to be no exception. Besides Denny and Wickham, other officers had been invited, as well as many other families from the area. Lydia and Kitty had been quick to secure dances with most of the officers, including their own cousin, while Mary had procured herself a corner and was intently reading her book. Jane was off in the room somewhere, speaking to one of Mrs. Long's nieces about various subjects. Elizabeth, who had just introduced Mr. Collins to her Aunt Phillips, was just sat down in a chair in a quiet part of the room when Mr. Wickham approached her.

"Miss ... Elizabeth Bennet, I presume?" Mr. Wickham said, more of a question than a statement, and Elizabeth nodded in reply.

"It is good to finally speak with you, Mr. Wickham," Elizabeth replied.

"Yes. I would have spoken with you this afternoon, but your sisters and I were having such an interesting conversation that the time flew by so quickly," Mr. Wickham added, making excuses for himself. Elizabeth just smiled.

"If there had been time, my sisters wouldn't have let you leave, for they are very fond of officers," Elizabeth replied, and Mr. Wickham laughed. "Besides, I was involved in an equally interesting conversation this afternoon." Wickham paused.

"I ... I am sorry that I did not have the opportunity to acquaint myself with the young man that your cousin was speaking with," Mr. Wickham confessed slowly. "Yet I could not be rude to your sister, for I was having a delightful conversation with them this afternoon."

"That was Mr. Bingley, who just recently lent Netherfield park," Elizabeth replied with a smile on her face.

"Yes, I have heard of his amiable and pleasant nature from the other officers," Mr. Wickham added.

"He is very amiable, but compared to his sisters and friend, even the rudest of men would still be considered in a favorable light among the town," Elizabeth whispered, and Mr. Wickham chuckled.

"You do not like them?"

"Miss Bingley and her sister are revered as being two very fine ladies, but are all together too displeased with what they see and have adapted a manner of superiority," Elizabeth explained quietly. "And his friend, Mr. Darcy, is seen by the village as the proudest and most disagreeable man to ever..."

"Mr. Darcy, did you say?" Mr. Wickham asked, his brow furrowed in question. "Of Derbyshire?"

"Yes. Are you acquainted with Mr. Darcy at all?" Elizabeth questioned.

"I am," Mr. Wickham replied dryly, and, noticing Elizabeth's shocked expression, decided to go into further detail. "I have been connected with his family in a particular manner from my infancy."

Elizabeth was surprised and somewhat shocked to hear this strange confession, but tried to hide it in case Mr. Wickham's view of Mr. Darcy proved to be the same as Mr. Collins'. Mr. Wickham did not miss Elizabeth's look, and just gave a quiet chuckle.

"Do not worry, Miss Bennet, for I believe you and I have the same view of Mr. Darcy," Mr. Wickham replied assuredly.

"But I thought that you said you had been..."

"I was. His father, the former Mr. Darcy, was one of the best men that ever breathed, besides being my godfather and excessively attached to me. I believe that this jealous is what led to Mr. Darcy's hatred of me in the end," Mr. Wickham said with a melancholy sigh. Elizabeth just touched his arm lightly as a sympathetic gesture.

"Indeed?" was all that Elizabeth could asked, and Mr. Wickham nodded.

"I had been brought up for a position in the church, and it ought to have been my profession except for the influence that a certain person had in changing that decision," Mr. Wickham said, continuing on in his story.

"Mr. Darcy, you mean?" Elizabeth asked slowly.

"There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest as to give me no home from law. A man of honor could not have doubted the intention, but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt it - or to treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, and asserted that I had forfeited all claims to it by my extravagance. The living became vacant two years ago, exactly as I was of an age to hold it, but it was given to another man. I cannot think of any excuse that would have made Mr. Darcy do such a thing, except for his hatred of me." With this, Wickham paused and looked towards Elizabeth, as if asking for her to find some reason why this injustice was carried out. Elizabeth just looked at Wickham with stunned eyes.

"This is quite shocking! Mr. Darcy deserves to be publicly disgraced!" Elizabeth exclaimed angrily.

"Some time or other he will be, but it shall not be by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him." Elizabeth was touched by these words, and thought him handsomer than ever as he expressed them.

"But what could have been his motive?" Elizabeth asked after a pause.

"A thorough, determined dislike of me, which must have been formed from jealousy. Had the late Mr. Darcy like me less, his son might have borne with me better. Mr. Darcy has a very competitive nature and a temper to match, and must have seen me as a threat," Mr. Wickham replied. "Yet that is all I can believe on the matter."

"I had not thought Mr. Darcy so bad as this. Thought I have never liked him, I had not thought so very ill of him," Elizabeth said softly, shaking her head. "I never thought of him descending to such malicious revenge."

"I can only believe that..."

"Mr. Wickham," Lydia interrupted as she stood next to Mr. Wickham's shoulder and fidgeted about. "I hate to see you sitting about in this stupid manner. Will you not dance with me?"

"Miss Lydia, I would love to dance with you," Mr. Wickham replied in a warm tone, which seemed to satisfy Lydia as she began to pull him along towards the small dancing area.

Elizabeth just watched with sad eyes as Mr. Wickham was dragged away, mostly upset that she did not have more time to speak with him about Mr. Darcy's injustices. She had known Mr. Darcy to be proud and rude, but to be so malicious that he would hurt the godson of his father over jealousy? Was he really that cold and cruel of a man to have no feeling towards someone that he viewed as competition? There had to be some explanation for Mr. Darcy's wrong deeds, but Elizabeth could find none and began to feel certain that Mr. Darcy was solely to blame for Mr. Wickham's current situation in life.

Out of the corner of her eye, Elizabeth noticed Mr. Collins standing near a corner, almost looking as dignified and solitary as Mr. Darcy did at assemblies. Mr. Collins, if he be a true friend of Mr. Darcy, would know the particulars of Mr. Darcy's conduct towards Mr. Wickham, and Elizabeth decided that she would speak with him on the dreadful subject.

"I will not have you standing about in this silly manner!" Elizabeth exclaimed teasingly to her cousin, who just gave her a small chuckle. "I will have you speak with our acquaintances!"

"Are you worried that I am not sociable enough to be your cousin?" Mr. Collins asked in mock injury. "Am I to ruin your reputation by standing about in my silly manner?"

"You look almost as proud as your friend, Mr. Darcy, who behaved just exactly as you did at the first assembly he attended," Elizabeth teased bitterly. "He did not speak with anyone either."

"I suppose you have not noticed all of the people I spoke with earlier. Your Aunt Phillips and I were having a most delightful conversation, and I was speaking to your Uncle Phillips about the law," Mr. Collins replied. "But I suppose you were too busy speaking with Mr. Wickham to have noticed, cousin."

"Yes, I have been," Elizabeth replied firmly. "He has been telling me the most interesting tale that will shock you if I inform you of it."

"And what would that be?" Mr. Collins asked wearily, not at all impressed on hearing anything that had come out of that man's mouth.

"He told me," Elizabeth began, lowering her voice into a dull whisper, "that he and Mr. Darcy used to be acquaintances."

"Is that all that you wished to tell me?" Mr. Collins asked sarcastically. "I was already familiar with that piece of information."

"Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham told me that he was intended for the church, but Mr. Darcy, out of hatred and jealousy, gave the living to another man and reduced Mr. Wickham to his present state of poverty," Elizabeth whispered urgently. "Is that not terrible? Can you not believe that?"

"Coming out of that man's mouth, I cannot," Mr. Collins replied, fidgeting as he looked around the room for an escape.

"I cannot believe Mr. Darcy to behave so maliciously, but the more I think over Mr. Wickham's particulars, the more I believed that Mr. Darcy is the one at fault for his atrocious behavior," Elizabeth added.

"So that is now your opinion?" Mr. Collins asked dryly. "You have decided to believe in this man whom you have not known for more than half a day?"

"Mr. Wickham offered me proof such specifics that they must be true. Why would he make up such a dreadful slander? All anyone here has ever known of Mr. Darcy is his proud and disagreeable nature, and Mr. Wickham's stories prove that very point. Why tell such a horrible tale if is not true?" Elizabeth questioned determinedly, trying to prove a point.

"Even a saint can lie," Mr. Collins retorted, not willing to give in, and Elizabeth was startled by his sharp manner. "Even the devil was once an angel."

"After all I have seen of Mr. Darcy's pride and disagreeable nature, I am inclined to believe Mr. Wickham's tales," Elizabeth replied resolutely. "If Mr. Darcy had been a amiable man, I would not be hasty to judge him so. But everything that Mr. Wickham said matched the character I have seem of him perfectly that I must believe him."

"Hasty judgments are made from one sided opinions. True judgments can only be made when all sides are presented. I thought you to be a person of a sharp intelligence who would not make rash decisions based on Mr. Wickham's lone convictions, but I suppose I am wrong," Mr. Collins bitterly stated, giving Elizabeth a sharp glare that made her feel embarrassed and wrong inside. The lady, however, was not prepared to give up on this battle.

"What are your reasons to disregard the hardships of Mr. Wickham so quickly, barely even knowing the man?" Elizabeth asked harshly, yet with a bit of curiosity. At last she had an opening to bring up the previous morning's comment.

"I know that while you are warmly praising his misfortunes and chastising Mr. Darcy to me, he is laughing to himself about his conquest in making you believe the filthy lies that just came out of his mouth," Mr. Collins replied. "I have known Mr. Darcy for years. If he did wrong Mr. Wickham, it was not without due reason."

With that final comment, Mr. Collins turned on his heel and walked away from Elizabeth, leaving her astonished and hurt. Elizabeth's eyes never left him as he walked over to Lydia and Kitty, engaging with them in a conversation. In the short time she had known Mr. Collins, he had surprised her in more ways than one. First was his warm praise of Mr. Darcy, and then was his cold dislike of Mr. Wickham for no apparent reason. Elizabeth wanted and pleaded with herself to find anger with him, to hate him for his words, but somehow she could not. The more she thought about their conversation, the more she felt that she was to blame, that she had been wrong.

These confused thoughts stayed with Elizabeth for the rest of the evening. The conversation in the carriage home was mainly Lydia and Kitty's nonsensical babble about the officers, and gushing to Mr. Collins about how superbly he danced. Elizabeth spent her time pondering the questions in her head, not once venturing to look towards the group as she was still too embarrassed to face Mr. Collins. Why, she did not know, but it was eating away at her.

Chapter 5

Posted on Sunday, 28 April 2002

The next day was as brilliant as the previous, with the warm morning sun washing away the dew from the ground as birds filled the air with sunlight. Most of the house was just rising to the new day, welcoming the sunshine and dreamed prospects. Elizabeth could hear Lydia running about, trying to find a locket to wear with her dress. Lydia had invited a few of the officers over for tea that morning, including Mr. Wickham, and Lydia was anxious to impress the men. Elizabeth just rolled her eyes as she heard Lydia's high voice yell at Kitty for lolling about so.

Elizabeth did have to admit how strangely Kitty had been acting ever since Mr. Collins had arrived - all she had been doing was reading, and was constantly in their father's library borrowing books. This behavior was not at all like Kitty, but Elizabeth just shrugged off the thought as she saw Mr. Collins reading on a bench outside. Eager to apologize about the previous evening and clear up some misunderstandings, Elizabeth trudged along the dew-stained ground towards her cousin, who sat in solemn trance as he read.

"Mr. Collins," Elizabeth asked softly as she cleared her throat. "I wish to speak with you. It is of some importance, or I would not bother you from your solitary reverie."

"It is of no inconvenience," Mr. Collins replied crisply, closing his book and standing to address his cousin. "What is so important that we must talk now?"

"I wish to ... apologize," Elizabeth mumbled, looking down at a small daffodil growing out of the ground as if to avoid contact with reality. "I wish to apologize for becoming so defensive over Mr. Wickham last night. It was hardly my place to believe such a stranger at first acquaintance, and I am sorry for evincing you so abominably."

"I have not thought one more moment on last night, and I urge you to do the same and put it all behind you," Mr. Collins replied. "It is really of no matter to me."

"But it is to me," Elizabeth retorted before quickly putting her hand to her mouth in apology. "I am regretful for my words. I should not have spoken so warmly of Mr. Wickham."

"Speak no more of the incident. I am sure that Mr. Wickham would have been, however, enthralled over your willingness to defend him in a conversation," Mr. Collins said with a hint of sarcasm and a small grimace on his face. "It is amazing that he has found friends so readily." With this comment came another grimace and the impolite rolling of his eyes.

"I take it from your unspoken gestures that you do not enjoy the company of Mr. Wickham," Elizabeth said slowly as Mr. Collins' turned away from her imploring gaze. "Would you like to tell me why? Is there any reason why I should distrust the man who shows such goodness in his looks and words? Is he a danger to myself, or my sisters?"

"That I cannot answer, Cousin Elizabeth, for it is not my place," Mr. Collins replied quietly.

"Whose place would it be?" Elizabeth urged, her curiosity getting the better of her common sense as she pressed on.

"If you truly must know, I would ask you to implore the information from Mr. Darcy," Mr. Collins answered after a slight hesitation. "After hearing Mr. Wickham's side, it would only be proper to hear the other's side. How else will you form a sound judgment when you only have one's opinion."

"You seriously do not believe in Mr. Wickham's tale, do you?" Elizabeth asked with a disbelieving chuckle.

"There are three sides to ever story - yours, mine, and the truth. Only when the first two are obtained can the third be determined," Mr. Collins stated simply, and Elizabeth looked at him in shock. "What?"

"You sound so much like a reverend it stuns me," Elizabeth said, half in jest and half in serious amazement.

"Is that complement or an evil?" Mr. Collins teased back, as the two walked around the small park.

"I fear I should warn you, however, that Mr. Wickham is expected to join a few of the other officers for tea this morning," Elizabeth added. "Given your ... dislike of the man, perhaps it would be best not to stay."

"That is a wise idea, Cousin. Would you care to join me on a walk amongst the countryside?" Mr. Collins asked slowly. "I am sure that we would not be violating any rules of propriety."

"Yes, that would be quite lovely," Elizabeth replied. "I don't believe that Mama will miss us for too long, for she does admire the officers and thinks as highly, and only, of them as Lydia and Kitty do."

The pair walked quickly away from Longbourn on the path away from Meryton and towards Netherfield (although Elizabeth had forgotten this piece of information), not once slowing down until they were certain that they would not encounter any officers or Mr. Wickham. The two of them spoke quite in-depth about the local flora and fauna that could be seen along the path, and Elizabeth was surprised to find out that Mr. Collins was so knowledgeable about many different types of flowers. The two of them were so caught up in conversation that Elizabeth did not even notice when they passed by the house of her good friend, Charlotte.

"Who lives there?" Mr. Collins asked, pointing towards Lucas Lodge.

"My dearest friend, Charlotte Lucas, who is a few years older than Jane is," Elizabeth said joyfully. "I am positive that you will like her, for she is an avid reader and a great cook. I would introduce you now, but I do not know for certain if she is in."

"Perhaps some other time," Mr. Collins said, a bit sad at not meeting one of his cousins' acquaintances.

The two walked on for quite some more time, and neither of them was quite certain as to where they were going. Neither one of them spoke for fear of breaking the quiet, peaceful serenity with a pitiful attempt at conversation, so they were both lost in their own thoughts for quite some time. Elizabeth, however, was the first to come up with an acceptable topic of conversation, and was quick to act upon her impulse.

"Why don't you tell me about your family?" Elizabeth inquired. "I've hardly heard anything about them during your stay here, and I am fascinated to know about any other cousins I may have."

"You have two others," Mr. Collins confessed with a smile. "My elder brother and younger sister."

"Amazing ... I never knew," Elizabeth replied, in a slight awe. "Tell me about them."

"My elder brother, Henry Collins, owns the family estate in Cheshire and rarely ever leaves it, unless he is off to London to stay in his townhouse," Mr. Collins began.

"Is he married?" Elizabeth asked to keep the conversation going.

"Of course - a man over thirty with seven thousand a year must be in want of a wife, which means to the ladies of London that he must be married," Mr. Collins replied, and Elizabeth laughed. "He married a Miss Williamson last year, in early spring. He adores her, but I believe that she is more inclined towards his money than with him."

"A story all too common with many marriages these days," Elizabeth added with a sad sigh.

"Do not fret, cousin. I am certain that you will not marry for money, but for love," Mr. Collins observed, and Elizabeth just gave him a weak smile.

"I suppose. But it takes money to marry money, no matter what the sum, and that is something that neither my sisters nor myself have at the moment," Elizabeth said. "It is almost like we have been doomed to become old maids."

"I doubt that very much," Mr. Collins said quietly, before shaking his head. "Your mother seemed to imply that Jane was to be shortly engaged."

"Yes, she does seem to think that," Elizabeth said with a laugh.

"And what do you think?" Mr. Collins asked. Elizabeth sighed blissfully.

"I believe that if things can go unaffected and unchanged, she will very shortly be engaged to one of our neighbors," Elizabeth confessed, and Mr. Collins nodded. "But enough about us! Tell me about your sister."

"Josephine? I believe that you would like her very much," Mr. Collins stated. "She seems very much like you, both in appearance and in manner. She is a great tease, yet is very witty and bright."

"I am sure I would," Elizabeth added with a huge grin.

"There are very few who do not like her," Mr. Collins replied. "Josephine is a great friend of Miss Darcy, for they are very close in age."

"Miss Darcy? You mean, Mr. Darcy's sister?" Elizabeth questioned, giving Mr. Collins a skeptical look.

"Miss Georgiana Darcy is sixteen, just two years younger than my sister. They are great friends, which is very beneficial for Miss Darcy. She lost her mother very young, and her father only a few years later, and has grown up very quiet and reserved," Mr. Collins said slowly.

"Like her brother," Elizabeth added, and Mr. Collins nodded.

"They are quite alike, although Miss Darcy is quite a bit more emotional than her brother ever is ... or appears to be."

"You and Mr. Darcy must be very close," Elizabeth said, more of a declaration than a question. However, Mr. Collins answered it.

"We are, and I am very sorry that I have not seen him yet. However, I..." Mr. Collins paused and looked off into the distance, past Elizabeth's shoulder. Elizabeth spun around quickly, anxious to see what her cousin was looking at with such determination and awe. It was Netherfield.

"That is Netherfield, where Mr. Bingley lives," Elizabeth said cheerfully before realizing the more important fact of the house. "And where Mr. Darcy is staying."

"Then we must stop by and visit with the owner and his family," Mr. Collins said, raising his eyebrows. "This is the perfect time to meet with Darcy again."

"Are you sure that he feels the same way...?" Elizabeth called, trying to catch up with Mr. Collins as he ran towards the home's gardens.

But for some reason, Mr. Collins did not respond, but whether or not he was ignoring her was not known. Elizabeth continued to run after her cousin, and became somewhat upset that she had lost him in the thick shrubs around Netherfield. This was the last place Elizabeth wished to be at that moment, especially by herself. What Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst would think...it brought a shudder to Elizabeth, as she walked off grumbling towards the house. And it was there that she, almost like déjŕ vu, encountered Mr. Darcy once more. However, this encounter was much less civilized, as the distracted girl ended up running into Mr. Darcy full on.

"Hello, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy mumbled, looking down at his boots with the most intent gaze. "I am sorry - I must not have been looking where I was going." Elizabeth was not sure if he was being sincere with this comment, or making a reference to her own absentminded, distracted being as the cause.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied curtly back, holding her head up proudly and defiantly.

"What are you doing here, may I ask, Miss Bennet?" Mr. Darcy asked, trying not to sound abominably rude. That, though, was how Elizabeth took the question, and she was not too pleased with it.

"I..." But before Elizabeth could continue with whatever she was to urgently yell in anger, another person walked into the room with loud, heavy steps.

"Cousin Elizabeth! There you are! I am sorry that I ran off, but I thought that you were following me until I reached the house and realized that you were ... Darcy?" Mr. Collins stopped dead in his tracks, stunned to see his old friend again.

"Collins?" Mr. Darcy asked, his neck snapping upward as his whole body was pulled out of his phlegmatic stupor. Elizabeth watched anxiously between the two men, waiting for the clashing of swords to being. But there were not quarrels, no fights, and no exchange of unpleasantness. Just silence.

"Collins!" Mr. Darcy exclaimed enthusiastically after a few moments' pause as he raced towards his friend and welcomed him with a warm embrace. "It is good to see you again."

"As it is you!" Mr. Collins exclaimed. "You never told me that you were to be in Hertfortshire this fall!"

"It was a quite unexpected trip," Mr. Darcy said with emotion. "Charles was so close to buying a home in the north, and then two days later he was down here, closing upon this estate. And what about you? I thought you were to be in Kent until spring!"

"I wished to visit my cousins, and your kind aunt gave me leave to do so," Mr. Collins confessed.

"Cousins?" Mr. Darcy asked, giving Elizabeth a confused glance.

"Yes, Mr. Bennet is my uncle, and I am to inherit his estate one day," Mr. Collins stated morosely.

"I see," Mr. Darcy replied, somewhat embarrassed at asking the question in front of Elizabeth.

"And how is Georgiana fairing?" Mr. Collins asked with a sly grin, trying to save his friend from his distress.

"As tolerably as she usually is," Mr. Darcy replied as the two men burst into laughter. "How is Josephine?"

"A bit upset that I didn't invite her on this trip with me, but I believe she is to be in London shortly, and that always puts her in a good mood," Mr. Collins said.

"Georgiana is currently there, so she will have some companionship," Mr. Darcy replied, and Mr. Collins laughed.

"You mean she'll have someone to go shopping with and giggle with," Mr. Collins translated teasingly, and Mr. Darcy nodded.

"What about Henry? How is married life suiting him?" Mr. Darcy asked on a more serious note, and Mr. Collins just shrugged.

"Henry is as he always is - serious, stern, and adventurous," Mr. Collins said aloof. "Just like his wife is, although without the adventurous part."

"And without the sane part," Mr. Darcy added, and the two men cracked up at their small inside joke.

The two men continued on their conversation, laughing and teasing each other to no end as if they had been brothers. Elizabeth just stared on in amazement as she watched the proud Mr. Darcy transform into a handsome, youthful man with witty remarks, a beautiful laugh and a teasing smile. She knew that he had not changed yet...he was somehow different. Elizabeth discovered that it was hard to turn away from him and his infectious smile, but she knew that she had to. The longer she spent looking at this mysterious transformation, the more she began to feel weak with new emotions and feelings. The more Elizabeth started to actually care for Mr. Darcy.

Chapter 6

Posted on Monday, 1 July 2002

To Elizabeth, it seemed as if Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy had been talking for eons, but finally let herself accept the fact that only fifteen minutes had past. The two men were so deep in their conversation, with their fond memories and merry jokes keeping the conversation alive with fire, that Elizabeth didn't dare break that bond by speaking. She only stood to the side, trying not to be noticed as she once more tried to sketch out the character of the mysterious Mr. Darcy.

What a change time, even in the smallest measurement, had brought to her opinion of him. Mr. Darcy had seemed so proud at first meeting, with his arrogance and noticeable disdain for the people of Meryton. Yet in just a few short words from Mr. Collins, and these fifteen minutes of unspoken watching, Elizabeth's opinion had changed from dislike to...who knows what. But it had to be admitted that her feelings were rapidly changing towards the better, as she watched Mr. Darcy laugh and joke about with her cousin, and that small pitter-patter in her heart was only growing.

"I say, Darcy, you must be missed back at Netherfield, for we have been talking for over a quarter of an hour!" Mr. Collins exclaimed. "I believe they'll be assembling the search party for you right about now, with Miss Bingley as the leader." Elizabeth was shocked at this comment, for she had no knowledge that her cousin was acquainted with Caroline. But, Elizabeth supposed, if he truly is one of Mr. Darcy's closest friends, he would have most likely heard from his friend of Caroline's attempts at winning the title of Mrs. Darcy.

"Don't even joke about that," Mr. Darcy said with an awful grimace, which reminded Elizabeth of the time Lydia was forced to have her mouth washed out with soap. Then again, Elizabeth thought with a smile, being married to Caroline would be like a daily dose of soap.

"See, even Miss Bennet finds my joke amusing," Mr. Collins exclaimed, mistaking Elizabeth's laughing smile as a response to his statement, and Mr. Darcy just scowled like an upset schoolboy.

"What did I do to deserve such ostracizing?" Mr. Darcy asked painfully. Elizabeth was about to correct his statement before noticing the sheer laughter in his eyes, and began to smile.

"You're such a tease, Darcy," Mr. Collins replied in a sarcastic tone.

"Perhaps we should let him stay out here, to encounter a worried Miss Bingley. I am sure that would be punishment enough," Elizabeth added with a smile, and Mr. Darcy just glared at her with a grin trying to emerge from his tight lips.

"I can see that I'm not going to win this battle against you both, so I will concede and invite you both in, as I am sure Mr. Bingley would if he were also here," Mr. Darcy replied.

"Nonsense, Darcy. Miss Bennet and I should most likely be getting back to Longbourn..." Mr. Collins began.

"You'll have to meet Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley some time, and at least at the present you have an excuse to leave their company earlier than would be expected," Mr. Darcy replied. "Besides, then I'll have proof that I was detained. Otherwise Caroline will probably think I was mugged by highway robbers this morning and insist that she accompany me on all of my walks."

"For your sake, Darcy, we will come up, but only for a moment," Mr. Collins relented with a weak smile, as the two fell easily back into friendly conversation.

Elizabeth had only been at Netherfield briefly while her sister Jane had been ill, but suddenly the demeanor of the home seemed much more welcoming that it had previously been. Netherfield seemed quite cozy and comfortable, rather than the tall, proud estate that had loomed around her during her stay. As nothing had changed in the home, Elizabeth credited this miraculous change to the recent transformation she had recently witness in one of the home's guests. I wonder what this estate would be like if only Caroline would become a bit friendlier ... Elizabeth thought slyly.

"Mr. Darcy, there you are!" Caroline's voice rang out sharply and clearly, causing the whole party to grimace internally and Elizabeth to come back to reality from her thoughts. "We had quite despaired that you had become lost, and I, for one, was ready to begin a search for you."

"Forgive me for my absence, but I was detained outside," Mr. Darcy said stiffly, and Elizabeth was shocked at how quickly he had gone from being the carefree, vivacious man outside to an almost cold and proud gentleman inside.

"That is perfectly understandable, Mr. Darcy," Louisa replied sweetly, giving Mr. Collins a confusing glance.

"Oh, forgive me. May I present my friend, Mr. William Collins, who is currently staying with his relatives, the Bennets. May I introduce Miss Caroline Bingley, Mr. Alexander Hurst, and Mrs. Louisa Hurst," Mr. Darcy said formally. "And you've already met Mr. Bingley, I understand." Mr. Collins just nodded.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Collins, for any friend of Mr. Darcy's is a friend of ours," Louisa said with a large smile and a polite nod.

"Collins ... Collins ... That name seems so familiar..." Caroline said, scrunching her eyebrows together as she tried to think of how she could be connected to this lowly reverend. Her efforts were in vain, but Louisa was much quicker with the name.

"Are you related to Mr. Henry Collins of Winston Street?" Louisa asked, and Mr. Collins beamed.

"Yes, that is my elder brother," Mr. Collins confessed with a strange sense of pride and sheepishness.

"Really? Why, we are good acquaintances of the Collins residence, especially of the new Mrs. Collins," Caroline said with peculiar adoration towards the man, who she admitted was not bad looking as far as reverends went these days.

"The former Miss Williamson is a great friend of ours, and such an accomplished beauty! She and your brother make an excellent pair," Louisa replied with a gentle tone of fake admiration, for she neither wanted to offend the brother of her dear friend, or a man with such a connection to a family of money. "They are quite the talk of town, as Mr. and Mrs. Collins are such a generous, kindly, and dignified couple."

"Thank you, Mrs. Hurst. Your complements are very thoughtful and kind," Mr. Collins replied politely while inwardly trying to suppress a gag at this woman's unveiled attempts at meaningless flattery. Louisa only smiled.

"Please, you must sit down and join us for breakfast, for your long walk must have left you quite tired and famished," Caroline said, gesturing to a seat next to hers.

"And you too, Miss Bennet," Louisa added sharply with less enthusiasm, exchanging a look with her sister.

"Thank you for the offer, Miss Bingley, but Miss Bennet and I should be returning to Longbourn, or there will be another search party out looking for us!" Mr. Collins joked, and the entire party laughed (or, at least, pretended to).

"If you will not stay, then you must come back one evening and dine with us," Louisa said determinedly. "We will not take no for an answer, Mr. Collins."

"Yes, but..." Mr. Collins stammered, trying to think of a way out of this, for he knew that his relations would not think it so 'wonderful', especially Mrs. Bennet.

"Mr. Collins!" Mr. Bingley exclaimed. "I'll have to agree with my sister on this matter. We will not take 'no' for answer!" How about, 'no thank you' or 'the opposite of yes', Mr. Collins thought with a smirk, before realizing that he would have to agree if he ever wanted to get back to Longbourn this year.

"Very well, I would be honored to have dinner in your home one evening while I am still in town. Now, if you will excuse us," Mr. Collins said with a small bow, as he and Elizabeth both exited the room in a hasty manner, both glad to be out of the presence of Miss Bingley and her sister.

Chapter 7

Posted on Monday, 1 July 2002

Neither Elizabeth nor Mr. Collins spoke much on the walk back to Longbourn, only uttering a few sentences to each other of no real consequence to make the time pass by. Elizabeth was still reflecting on the different personalities that she had witness in Mr. Darcy that morning, and was upset that she was not able to come to a conclusion about his character. Mr. Collins, however, was detained on other thoughts, and so the two walked on in silence, until the moment when conversation would become necessary.

"Good morning, Hill," Elizabeth said cheerfully, placing her bonnet on the table.

"Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. Your mother has been quite concerned as to your whereabouts, for you missed the visit of the officers," Hill whispered.

"Have the officers left?" Elizabeth inquired in the same low voice, and Hill nodded.

"Just a quarter of an hour ago, and I do believe that your mother is...upset at your failure to be present," Hill added with a worried look.

"Elizabeth! Is that you?" Mrs. Bennet's voice could be clearly heard from the sitting room, and Elizabeth cringed before giving Hill a mouthed 'thank you'.

"Yes, Mama, it is I," Elizabeth replied loudly, with Mr. Collins in tow.

"Elizabeth! Mr. Collins!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, straightening her posture as the two entered the room. "We had quite wondered where you had wandered off to on this fine morning, for you missed our visit with the officers."

"Mr. Collins and I walked towards Netherfield, and were so good as to meet with Mr. Bingley and the rest of his party," Elizabeth confessed uneasily, getting a shocked glance from Mrs. Bennet and a slightly jealous one from Jane.

"I must apologize, Mrs. Bennet, for it was my entire fault. I was detained speaking with Mr. Darcy, who politely invited myself and my cousin to meet with Mr. Bingley and his delightful sisters," Mr. Collins confessed with false sincerity, which Mrs. Bennet lapped up. "If I had known that I was detaining my cousin from such an important engagement, I never would have dreamed of..."

"Oh, Mr. Collins, I do not blame you at all! Of course you would want to wish to speak with your friend, even if it is Mr. Darcy," Mrs. Bennet clucked unhappily as she gave Mr. Collins a forgiving stare. "I only wish that you would have been able to meet with the officers, for they are such fine gentlemen. Why, one lieutenant in particular was speaking of you and..."

"Look, Mama!" Kitty announced loudly, and, to Mrs. Bennet, rudely interrupting her mother who was in the middle of a very important bit of information.

"Kitty! It is very rude to interrupt one who is talking, especially one's mother!" Mrs. Bennet scolded angrily, forgetting for a moment that she was doing this in front of Mr. Collins, the one person she had to impress.

"But Mama, you must look!" Kitty exclaimed as she quickly pulled back the front window's drapes. "The largest, most elegant carriage has just pulled up!" Upon hearing this, Mrs. Bennet immediately hopped up out of her chair and, pushing her daughter away, gasped in awe.

"So you are right, Kitty," Mrs. Bennet said to Kitty, who was busy trying to get herself off of the floor. "I wonder whose it could be?"

It was at that moment that the first sounds of anyone's present arrival were heard out in the estate's entryway. The party could clearly hear Hill's muffled and confused voice, for she knew the family was not expecting any other guests that afternoon, and another voice. It sounded young yet very tempered, and the shuffling about in the entry way did not make the group feel any better about the surprising visitor. However, to everyone's relief, the voice lost its intensity, and two sets of feet could be heard walking towards the door. Mrs. Bennet straightened her shoulders, and motioned for Jane to do the same, incase it was by chance Mr. Bingley. It was, however, not.

"Miss Josephine Collins, Ma'am," Hill said, her voice wavering with confusion and uncertainty.

"Josephine!" Mr. Collins exclaimed, obviously in shock, as the young lady made her appearance, pushing Hill to one side as she made her dramatic appearance.

This was how Elizabeth got her first look at her cousin, Josephine, whose sudden appearance seemed like something this girl would do. Josephine Collins was tall, slender, and dressed in one of the finest dresses any of the girls had ever seen. But while she did have a fine form, her face was easily her best feature. Her pale white skin was framed with her long brown hair that contained flecks of golden blonde which prevented her hair from being called 'dark'. She had a very charming and sincere smile, a perfect nose, and cheeks that were perfectly hinted with pink. Yet out of all of that, her eyes were her best quality - the two dark green orbs that captivated anyone who looked into them. After seeing Miss Collins, Elizabeth had to admit that she was a very beautiful young lady...

Exactly like her brother, Elizabeth thought before blushing inwardly at her thought.

"Ah, so this is Longbourn!" Josephine exclaimed with a disappointed tone to the surprised group. "Not exactly what I expected. I suppose it is a bit small, William, but there is always room for additions and improvements."

"Josephine," Mr. Collins stated simply. "I ... I thought you were to be in London..."

"Well, I was visiting with Miss Darcy two days ago, and we both decided that it was quite unfair that you and Mr. Darcy should have all of the fun in Hertfortshire. So, we packed up our bags and set off for our own little 'adventure'," Josephine said with a smirk. Mr. Collins just looked at her as if she had grown three heads, before a small cough from Mrs. Bennet brought him back to his manners and duties.

"Josephine, may I introduce you to our aunt, Mrs. Bennet, and her daughters, Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet, and Miss Lydia Bennet," Mr. Collins coughed out, still too stunned to say anything really meaningful.

"It is simply wonderful to meet you, Miss Collins, although I had no clue of your existence. You really must scold your brother, for he spoke nothing of you to us," Mrs. Bennet said cheerfully, while Josephine just gave her a peculiar look.

"Yes ... he can be like that..." Josephine said before walking over to a chair near her brother. "This seems like a quaint little town. What do you all do for fun around here?"

"Why, Miss Collins, do not fret your pretty little head, for this is a very sociable time of year in Meryton. Why, it was not one week ago that we dined with four and twenty families. Four and twenty, Miss Collins!" Mrs. Bennet said enthusiastically, waiting for an energetic response of awe from her young guest.

"Imagine that," Josephine said blandly, but Mrs. Bennet just kept barreling on with her comments.

"And Mr. Bingley has promised to give a ball soon, at Netherfield. I am sure you..."

"Ah, Mr. Bingley! How I long to finally meet him, William. And to see Miss Bingley again, for I found her to be quite agreeable last spring in town," Josephine said longingly to her brother, who just smiled.

Anyone who finds Caroline Bingley to be 'agreeable' must not be all that sane in the head, Elizabeth thought to herself, before scolding herself for her that terrible though. Still, Elizabeth deep down did not find it to be so terrible, and she was not sure if she liked this 'new cousin' of hers.

"And you just missed the officers!" Lydia said with a squeal. "Oh, you must come with me and Kitty to town tomorrow, and I will introduce you to them all! There is Captain Carter, and Lieutenant Denny and Sanderson and Wickham..."

"Officers? Lieutenants? Really, how hilarious! I would never waste my time on any officer who was not of a high ranking," Josephine said sternly. "Lieutenants have nothing to recommend themselves except for their pitiful careers in the army that have not and most likely will not bloom into anything real. Besides, most of them are unruly and drunkard."

"What of Colonel Fitzwilliam?" Mr. Collins asked somewhat irritated, and Elizabeth could see that he was somewhat uneasy at his sister's speech.

"Oh, he is different. He is a colonel, and from a very illustrious family. Colonels and above are the only people worth socializing with in the army, for they are the only ones with class. I am sure you agree with me, Catherine?" Josephine asked with an honest demeanor, and the whole group was surprised at this question.

"Kitty, answer," Mrs. Bennet commanded quite sternly, giving her daughter a firm look.

"Yes ... yes, I do..." Kitty stammered, unsure of what to say to her confident cousin.

"Honestly, I cannot understand how you can have any dances of real consequence or nature when you only have officers to dance with," Josephine said with a small laugh. "But that is the country for you, I suppose."

"Miss Collins, I..." Mrs. Bennet began, ready and willing to spout off her ideals on why the country was far better than town.

"Oh, Mrs. Bennet, do not mistake my meaning. I simply adore the country, for there is no place I would rather be than Cheshire. Yet, I do find that there are certain aspects in every country society that are missing, and can only be found in London society," Josephine said, giving Mrs. Bennet a genuine smile.

"Why, yes, Miss Collins, I agree with you completely," Mrs. Bennet said, returning a smile.

"What I especially love about the country is the abundance of beautiful gardens and such picturesque woods. I noticed a very lovely bit of garden in the back of your house, and I would be very obliged if Miss Catherine would take a tour of it with me," Josephine asked. "That is, if she is not detained with some other important matter."

"Of course she is not," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, grabbing Kitty's arm and almost thrusting her in Josephine's direction. "She would love to show you about our gardens, though I doubt they are as fancy as any you have seen."

"I shall see," Josephine said simply, taking Kitty's arm and pulling her out of the room.

Mrs. Bennet sat in her chair, with a small, content smile on her lips as she thought of the benefits of such a friendship. Lydia began to huff and moan, obviously upset that Josephine had not chosen her as a 'particular companion', especially when she thought herself so much prettier and wittier than Kitty. Mary just sat in her corner and read, oblivious to everything that had just transpired. Jane sat next to her mother, thinking about how pleasant their cousin seemed to be. Elizabeth didn't know what to think, but instead of looking towards Jane for a comforting look, she instead looked towards Mr. Collins, who only shared her same, confused look as he looked out the window to where his sister walked.

Chapter 8

Posted on Monday, 1 July 2002

It was late that evening, as most of the family had already settled into their chambers for the night. The house was almost as quiet as a mouse, although Mr. Collins was quite certain that he could hear angry, high pitched squabbles coming from the side of the house were Kitty's and Lydia's rooms were located. Mr. Collins just shook his head in a bit of halfhearted delight as he quickly finished up his letter to his brother, and was about to extinguish the candle by his bed when he heard a light knock on the door.

"Come in," Mr. Collins whispered loudly, curious as to who this midnight visitor was. However, it only turned out to be Josephine, who quickly opened and closed the door and rushed over to her brother.

"William, I wish to speak with you on a very urgent matter," Josephine said hurriedly.

"Oh, Josie, it is only you. I swear, you gave me half a fright, coming in here in all that state," Mr. Collins said with a small laugh. "Now, what did you want to speak with me about?"

"I just had a marvelous idea, and I am sure that you will think it just as marvelous as I," Josephine said dramatically, giving a small look at her brother to see if his attention was as captivated as it should be for such an important announcement. It was, however, not.

"Josephine, this is no time for your dramatics. Just tell me what your idea is so that I, and you, may go to sleep," Mr. Collins said impatiently, and Josephine just gave him a blank stare.

"Well, if you are going to be so moody, William, I don't think that I will tell you my great idea. I will just have to write to Henry about it, and you know how he doesn't like to be disturbed on matters of business while in London..." Josephine said nonchalantly, as she headed towards the door. She paused, however, and waited for her brother to call her back. He always does, Josephine thought with a smile. He wouldn't want Henry to get any credit for such a good idea...

"I'll apologize, Josie, for being so grumpy. Now, what is your marvelous idea?" Mr. Collins said sympathetically with a fake sense of interest, and Josephine turned around and waltzed back towards her brother.

"Now, as you know, our dear cousins have no dowries, and will inherit very little on the death of their father," Josephine began, and Mr. Collins nodded.

"Thank you for bringing that up once more," Mr. Collins said gruffly. "I only get that every five minutes from Mrs. Bennet."

"There is no need for that attitude, William," Josephine scolded, raising one eyebrow.

"But it is tragic, Josephine, as you have stated," Mr. Collins added, and Josephine just smiled.

"Well, this evening, it occurred to me about the twins," Josephine continued, and Mr. Collins just looked at her with a puzzled stare.

"What about the twins?" Mr. Collins asked, wondering why she had to bring up those two again.

"I know that you don't like to talk about them, considering that they did not live for more than a week. But you have to remember, Brother, that it was long enough for certain... incomes to be set with our attorney."

"Yes, I remember that," Mr. Collins agreed. "If our father did nothing else for us, it was to make sure we were immediately provided for if anything should happen to us."

"But after the twins died, Father became sick, and in all of the confusion their dowries were not annulled or canceled or whatever they do when people die," Josephine added, raising her eyebrow to give the statement a mysterious touch. "I understand the dowries are about fifteen thousand pounds a piece."

"Yes, I believe Henry mentioned that once," Mr. Collins agreed. "But I don't see what your eagerness is about these dowries, for you have well enough of your own."

"Not for me, dear William, but for someone else in the family."

"Who?" Mr. Collins asked, scratching his head in slight confusion.

"Our cousins! Why not bestow the dowries on two of our cousins?" Josephine exclaimed in a small whisper, her eager voice touching her brother's heart.

"Well, I...yes, that is a marvelous idea, Josie. I believe that Miss Bennet will benefit greatly..." Mr. Collins began, but Josephine just laughed.

"Oh, I don't mean Miss Bennet!" Josephine spat. "I was thinking more of Miss Elizabeth and Miss Kitty Bennet."

"But ... it would seem hurtful to pass by the eldest Miss Bennet in favor of her younger sisters..." Mr. Collins replied.

"Oh, hang Jane. I find nothing extraordinary in her at all. She is pretty, I grant you, but exactly like her mother - out to catch a rich husband at any cost. It seems as if she now has her claws in Mr. Bingley's back, although judging that he did almost marry Clarissa Alvarez last spring, it is no surprise that he would be interested in her," Josephine said angrily.

"Josephine..."

"And Mary Bennet wouldn't do, for she's about as dull as a doorknob. She cornered me on the way to my room this afternoon, spouting about the evils of London and the men there. You know the only reason she dislikes men is because not one of them will give her the time of day! She is so very plain, William. And I would rather marry a Lieutenant than give Lydia Bennet any dowry, for she is the wildest, most uncultured young woman I have ever met. To see the way she ... lusts after those officers is utterly disgusting, and the way her mother encourages it is even worse," Josephine replied, taking a deep breath.

"Josephine, those are terrible things to say, especially about your own cousins," Mr. Collins chastised, giving his sister a cold look.

"I am not saying they are all bad. I admire Miss Elizabeth Bennet, for she seems as if she has a good deal of sense and wit in that head of hers, while being, I grant you, very pretty. It is no wonder you admire her," Josephine said with a smirk. Her brother looked to comment, but she quickly cut him off from anything he had to say. "And Miss Kitty Bennet, if removed from the influence of her sister, has the power to become a very great beauty and intellectual, I believe. I intend to take her to London with me, to introduce her to several eligible bachelors and give her a real taste of good society."

"Josephine..."

"William, none of your lecturing will do any good, for I am quite settled on the matter, and have already written to our brother this afternoon of my plans. So you see, dear William, it is quite fruitless of you to try and change what is already set in stone," Josephine said with a sympathetic look.

"Josephine, you should not have been so hasty with your plans. You have forgotten that Mr. Bennet still must agree with our ... donation, and that Henry has not even allowed this transaction to take place," Mr. Collins replied, but Josephine just waved her hand in response.

"Henry would not deny me the pleasure of such a wonderful charity to two of our dear cousins, and Mr. Bennet is a bigger fool that I think him to be if he would not accept the money for two of his daughters, especially his favorite," Josephine said firmly. "Now, if you will excuse me, I'm off to bed." With that, Josephine waltzed out of the room with a satisfied look on her face, while her brother could only stare at his younger sister in confusion.

Chapter 9

Posted on Friday, 19 July 2002

The outdoors brought Mr. Collins a strange sense of peace that Longbourn could not and would not ever give him. First of all, the presence of Mrs. Bennet in the home had prevented there ever being any peace and quiet, for her loud clucks and squawks to her daughters and husband were an ever-present demon to Mr. Collins. And, for the strange moments when Mrs. Bennet did stop her chattering, the loud rumbles of Lydia's galloping around the house, or the ill sounding notes coming from Mary's sonatas, or the loud arguments that came from the girls every so often.

Mr. Collins walked around through the sea of golden leaves, homesick for the woods around Kent. Lady Catherine had a very fine park which he would often stroll while thinking of his sermons, and he missed the serenity that only those woods could offer. They were a great comfort, but also a place where he could find all of the answers to his problems, which is what he needed right now. Answers. But it would do him no good to become homesick now, for it would be a while before he would return to Kent.

Mr. Collins was no fool; he knew that Mrs. Bennet intended him to propose to one of her daughters, and that Mrs. Bennet would not let him leave until he had done so. He had overheard her speaking to her husband about the fine prospects of one of their daughters becoming Mrs. William Collins, with his fine patronage and wealthy relatives. Mr. Collins was quite upset at what he had heard, and would have been on the next carriage out of town if Josephine had not arrived.

But, running away from the Bennets would do him no good, for they were not all as terrible as Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet offered Mr. Collins a quiet haven to escape to, and Mr. Bennet was actually a great conversationalist, with interesting points of view on the world and the people in them. Elizabeth would have to be his favorite cousin, for, besides being quite beautiful, she had a wit and humorous spirit that Mr. Collins was drawn to. He found Jane Bennet to be a very sensitive and sincere girl who would do anything for her sisters, which was a rare quality in this day and age. And even Kitty Bennet could be pleasant, for she seemed to have a rare sort of intelligence that made her shine. This was, however, when she was not being stifled behind Lydia in some quest for officers.

Still, Mr. Collins knew that this would be an eventful week, and was beginning to look upon it with a sense of dread. His thoughts were put on hold, however, as he noticed a dark shadow walking slowly around the woods not thirty feet from where he stood. The shadow looked familiar, and it was not until Mr. Collins walked closer that he recognized it.

"Darcy?" Mr. Collins shouted towards the dark shadow, and was quite surprised when it actually turned around.

"Collins?" Mr. Darcy cried back with the same confused tone as his friend.

"What are you doing out so early?" Mr. Collins asked as he walked towards his friend, and he could hear Mr. Darcy sigh as he grew closer.

"Getting away from the 'delights' of Netherfield, and Caroline's senseless ramblings," Mr. Darcy said dully. "And you?"

"Getting away from the 'delights' of Longbourn, although none of my cousins can be as bad as Caroline," Mr. Collins replied with a laugh. "I suppose now we shall have to counsel each other." Mr. Darcy only grunted.

"You should really come to Netherfield and keep Caroline company. You'll be a good distraction for her, for I believe she was quite taken with you yesterday," Mr. Darcy said between truth and mocking. Mr. Collins only laughed.

"For a reverend, you mean," Mr. Collins said sarcastically. "I doubt she would even look at me if I hadn't such good connections and family."

"I think she would be taken with you if you didn't have those connections," Mr. Darcy replied philosophically. "Only, those connections help her to admit that she actually admires you. "

"And that's just what I want - to be admired by Caroline Bingley," Mr. Collins said with a small chuckle. "I bet she would make a wonderful reverend's wife."

"Still, you should come to Netherfield. Bingley and I are to go shooting later, and I know how you love a good hunt," Mr. Darcy added, and Mr. Collins sighed.

"I suppose I will. First, I had best stop off at Longbourn. We are not far from it, and Mrs. Bennet would probably have my head if I didn't say 'good morning' to her," Mr. Collins added, noticing a grimace forming on Mr. Darcy's face.

"Splendid," Mr. Darcy said uninterestedly.

"She's not all bad, Darcy."

"For being a gold-digger out to push all of her daughters on to any man with a fortune," Mr. Darcy added sarcastically.

"That's not entirely true," Mr. Collins replied. "She is only worried about their welfare so that they may be provided for after she dies. Besides, I hear that she was not the only one with ill manners. I understand you slighted my cousin Elizabeth." Mr. Collins said this with a teasing tone, but Mr. Darcy refused to detect it and instantly became defensive.

"I was not in the mood to dance - there was no slighting at all. And as for my comment, I was only joking to Bingley and did not expect her to hear or take it so personally," Mr. Darcy replied with annoyance.

"Well, it would not hurt you to dance with at least one of my cousins at Bingley's ball," Mr. Collins said pleadingly. "Just one dance and I am sure it will increase Mrs. Bennet's impression of you."

"I'll think about it," Mr. Darcy said slowly.

"Anyway, you have to come to Longbourn with me," Mr. Collins added. "I have the book you wanted from London, and who knows when I'll have another opportunity to give it to you."

"Are you always this conniving?" Mr. Darcy asked with a laugh.

"I believe some of Josephine's manipulative habits have rubbed off on me over the years," Mr. Collins replied innocently, and the two laughed as they walked along the path.

"You'll never believe who showed up last evening at Netherfield," Mr. Darcy exclaimed, giving his friend a look that dared him to guess.

"Georgiana," Mr. Collins said, and before Mr. Darcy could reply, added, "Josephine arrived at Longbourn yesterday afternoon and spoiled your little riddle by telling me so."

"So we are being ambushed, I see," Mr. Darcy said with a somewhat sad sigh, and Mr. Collins just nodded. "They're will be no more peace and quite at Netherfield; not with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst chattering away all day to Georgiana about dresses and hats and the Lord knows what else."

"You think that is bad? Last night my sister decided to be Saint Josephine and do good-will towards the cousins she found 'worthy of her attention'," Mr. Collins replied with a snort.

"What kind of 'good-will'?" Mr. Darcy asked, picking a stray leaf off of his coat and throwing it towards the ground with a menacing look.

"You remember the twins?" Mr. Collins asked with a pause.

"Yes, the two sisters born just before your father became ill who died within a week of their birth. Yes, I remember that. Your mother was quite torn up about it, I remember," Mr. Darcy reminisced, his voice trailing off as if he was reliving the memories in his head.

"Yes, our father became ill, and, due to all of the commotion afterwards, he never did anything with the dowry money that was set aside for them," Mr. Collins added.

"And your point being...?"

"Well, Josephine has decided to give their dowries of fifteen thousand pounds each to two of our cousins, more namely Elizabeth and Kitty," Mr. Collins spat angrily. "Can anything else be more atrocious?"

Miss Elizabeth is to have ... a dowry? This could be wonderful news ... Mr. Darcy thought with a smile.

"You have to admit, Collins, that this is a very generous offer. It will help out your cousins greatly in life..." Mr. Darcy began, not sure what else to say. Mr. Collins just huffed in anger.

"But to single out those two, especially Miss Kitty, who is not even the eldest, is quite shocking, don't you believe?" Mr. Collins asked in a state of disgust.

"Is there no way to share the dowry? Split it up equally between all five girls, so that the feelings of none are hurt?" Mr. Darcy inquired knowing it was a pointless plan, and Mr. Collins just gave a small laugh.

"Josephine saw to it that there is no way the money can be split up, or transferred to another sister. According to Josephine, Elizabeth and Kitty are the only two 'worth the dowries'. 'Jane's too manipulative, Mary's too plain and boring, and Lydia is too wild and uncouth', Josephine says," Mr. Collins repeated in a mocking high-pitched tone. "She would rather the Devil took over the world than let any of those three girls get any share of wealth."

"That doesn't sound like Josephine," Mr. Darcy replied after a long pause. "Are you sure?"

"Positive. Besides, I know my sister better than you do," Mr. Collins said grumpily.

Mr. Darcy didn't respond. He was looking off in the distance, where another person was walking down the lane towards their path. She was a young lady, obviously much older that his cousin Jane, with bright blue eyes and dark brown hair that was pulled back in a bonnet. She had a very plain face that was somehow very appealing to Mr. Collins, and he instantly wished to become acquainted with her. However, judging by her assumed age, the girl must already be married, but that was not going to keep Mr. Collins from inquiring to Darcy about her. But, before he could open his mouth and ask, she met up with the party, and looked at Mr. Darcy with a curious glance.

"I suppose I will have to do the introductions," Mr. Darcy stated after a long pause, the words coming out with an impolite meaning that he had not intended. "Reverend William Collins, this is Miss Charlotte Lucas, the daughter of Sir and Lady Lucas, who resides just down the lane at Lucas Lodge."

"A pleasure," Charlotte said quietly with a small curtsey, and Mr. Collins bowed.

"Mr. Collins has a parsonage in Kent, but is currently visiting with his relations, the Bennets," Mr. Darcy added, and Charlotte's face lit up a little.

"Relations?" She asked, raising her eyebrow a bit for a better affect, and Mr. Collins nodded.

"Mr. Bennet is my uncle, Miss Lucas," Mr. Collins replied.

"I see," Charlotte said slowly, suddenly feeling quite stupid for her question.

"I am, however, quite glad to finally make your acquaintance, Miss Lucas. My cousin, Miss Elizabeth, pointed out your fine house on our walk yesterday, and spoke so warmly of you and your family that I grew quite anxious to finally meet the famous Miss Charlotte," Mr. Collins confessed boldly, and Charlotte's cheeks blushed a deep red color.

"I am sorry that I cannot return the complement, for I had no clue of your existence, or your current residence at Longbourn," Charlotte replied frankly, a small laugh escaping her lips. "Although, I am sure that your existence would not be a secret for much longer, as you have both caught me on my way to Longbourn to see Elizabeth."

"A stroke of luck!" Mr. Collins exclaimed with a smile. "We are headed to Longbourn as well, so that I may fetch a book for Mr. Darcy. We would certainly be glad if you would join our walking party."

"I ... I really shouldn't..." Charlotte stammered, wondering how badly her mother would scold her if she knew of the handsome man whose invitation she was declining. A reverend, no doubt.

"It cannot be less than a mile to Longbourn, Miss Lucas, and there is very little chance that we will encounter anyone on this path. Besides, you are quite safe with myself and Darcy," Mr. Collins replied, and, sensing Charlotte's discomfort, added," If it makes you feel better, you may walk ahead of us, or behind us; whichever you choose."

"No, no ... I am quite alright with your suggestion. I thank you and accept your invitation," Charlotte quickly said, falling into step next to Mr. Collins. The three walked on quietly, which was no reason for concern on Mr. Darcy's part, for Charlotte had rarely heard him speak. Mr. Collins' silence, on the other hand, was due to his deep thinking of what to ask, and Charlotte's was at the deep embarrassment she was feeling at the prospects of starting a conversation with these two handsome men.

"Your father is Sir William Lucas, is he not?" Mr. Collins asked, snapping Charlotte out of her silence.

"Ye... ye ... yes," Charlotte stammered while internally scolding herself for paying more attention to her thoughts than to her walking partners.

"I remember hearing him spoken so warmly of just a few weeks ago by a Mrs. Dawson of Churchill Street that I must confess that I am curious to be introduced," Mr. Collins stated with a smile.

"Yes ... Mrs. Dawson is ... a ... friend of my mother's," Charlotte replied, stumbling nervously over the words.

"I spoke with her before my journey here, and she absolutely insisted that I visit with your family. She also wanted me to pass on her best regards to your parents," Mr. Collins added, and Charlotte just nodded.

"When was this?" Mr. Darcy asked, finally speaking up.

"At Lady Catherine's at the beginning of the month," Mr. Collins replied. "She was visiting with Lady Watson and the Misses Watson."

"Ah, yes, I remember of Lady Catherine writing of their visit," Mr. Darcy said almost angrily, causing the subject to become, at least to Charlotte, closed on the topic.

However, it was of no great matter, for the party had just begun to walk down the lane to Longbourn, where the ever present screams of Lydia and the off-key singing of Mary could be heard. Charlotte's face made no recognition of the sounds, while Mr. Darcy's face showed disapproval and Mr. Collins' tried to repress a grimace. As the party grew closer to the estate, Mrs. Bennet screaming could be heard, although about what Mr. Collins didn't care to know.

Chapter 10

Posted on Friday, 19 July 2002

Hill answered the door cheerfully, ready and willing to announce the handsome stranger with Mr. Collins to the family, but Mr. Collins insisted that such an announcement would not be necessary. Mr. Collins knew how uneasy his friend was around strangers, and did not feel in the mood to see him huff and sigh at Mrs. Bennet's false pleasantries. Charlotte, however, followed Hill off to whichever room the Bennet girls were presently in, leaving the two men to themselves.

"Now, Darcy, if you'll just follow me upstairs to my room..." Mr. Collins whispered. Mr. Darcy was about to respond, but his efforts were soon cut short.

"Mr. Darcy!" A voice exclaimed, and the pair turned to see Josephine coming down the stairs. She was wearing a bright smile on her face, and looked infinitely pleased to see Mr. Darcy. "A pleasant surprise," she added, thrusting her hand out for Mr. Darcy to kiss it.

"Miss Collins," Mr. Darcy replied with a smile. He was actually quite pleased to see her again, for she had been a great friend of his, and Georgiana's, for many years now, and Mr. Darcy had always looked upon her as a second sister, with Mr. Collins as his second brother."

"What luck! I was just about to walk over to Netherfield to call upon you and the rest of your party, and instead I meet with you here at Longbourn! Why, this way we shall be able to walk to Netherfield together and catch up on old times," Josephine said with a charismatic laugh.

"Yes, Josephine, we were just on our way over. I am only here to fetch a book for Mr. Darcy..." Mr. Collins replied, trailing off as he noticed something on the entryway's table. "And there it is."

"Oh, yes, that book. I saw it on your night table, dear brother, and it intrigued me so much that I was reading it a bit before breakfast. I suppose I must have absentmindedly put it down over there without thinking in all of the commotion this morning," Josephine said with another laugh before whispering, "Mrs. Bennet was quite upset that you had gone off for a walk, and were not at breakfast."

"I did not know I had been gone so long. I only went out to get a bit of peace and quiet, and get some fresh air," Mr. Collins explained. "It is, however, a good think that I did, or I might not have met up with Darcy."

"There is no need for explanations, brother. I shall only go put on my bonnet, and we can be off..."

"What is all of this hubbub I hear? Who is there, Hill?" Mrs. Bennet clucked, interrupting Josephine as she waddled over to where the group was standing, not wanting to miss out on anything important that could have been said.

"Mrs. Bennet," Josephine said with a small grimace on her face, which Mrs. Bennet was oblivious to.

"Oh, Mr. Collins, you are back from your walk. We quite missed you at breakfast, I am sure you are aware of that," Mrs. Bennet observed with a cheerful tone, before changing to a curter one when she added, "And you have brought Mr. Darcy as well."

"I encountered Mr. Darcy on my walk, and we ventured here so that I may retrieve a book that I have for him. We were just on our way back to Netherfield..." Mr. Collins said, trailing off, knowing that Mrs. Bennet would use this opportunity to thrust her own daughters on the party.

"And we are already late for tea, William, for I promised Georgiana I would be there at eleven, and it is already a quarter past!" Josephine lied. "Oh, I am such a dreadful friend."

"We shall be back before supper, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Collins replied, which was the only thing he had time to say before being pulled along by his sister. Mr. Darcy just followed the pair along, relieved to be out of that house and Mrs. Bennet's glares. Mrs. Bennet only watched them go before returning to the sitting room in a huff, so much in a rage that she did not even notice Charlotte pass her on her in the hall.

"Well, how do you like that!" Mrs. Bennet clucked loudly as she closed the door. "Not one care towards any of my girls by those Collinses! Not one friendly invitation for you to join their party! What a scandalous insult towards my girls, especially you, Jane, for everyone knows that you and Mr. Bingley are quite close to becoming an 'item'." Jane and Elizabeth just looked in horror at their mother.

"What do you mean, Mama?" Jane asked gently. "Whatever is the matter?"

"Your own cousins did not invite any of you girls on their walk to Netherfield with Mr. Darcy. I suppose it is all for the best, for I would not wish for any of my fine girls to be stuck with such a disagreeable man for the entirety of three miles for all of the money in the world. However, I am upset at the missed opportunity for you, Jane, to meet again with Mr. Bingley, for you are so close to making him fall in love with you," Mrs. Bennet replied crossly.

"Mama, I am sure that they meant no disrespect by not extending an invitation. Mr. and Miss Collins probably wished to reacquaint with their friend in private, or would have gladly extended an invitation," Jane replied slowly, trying to calm her mother as best she could, while somewhat depressed at passing up an encounter with Mr. Bingley.

"I agree, Mama. Perhaps this will be the first of many visits to Netherfield by the Collinses, and I am sure that, in the future, they will not hesitate to ask any of us to join their party," Elizabeth added, and her mother just clucked.

"Well, if you are not to be welcomed to Netherfield, than you had best head to Meryton and see the officers," Mrs. Bennet replied angrily.

"Elizabeth and I are not in the mood to walk to Meryton today, Mama, as we have planned to finish our embroidery while there is such good light," Jane replied, and Mrs. Bennet gave her an approving look.

"Of course you will not go to Meryton, Jane, for I would not want you to ruin your fine complexion on a walk. A man would sail around the world for a complexion like yours, while brown skin will never impress any fine, eligible suitor with five thousand a year," Mrs. Bennet agreed, her thoughts of Mrs. Jane Bingley making her smile.

"I would infinitely prefer a book to a visit with the officers," Mary spouted. "A book can give you so much more pleasure than any officer could, for I doubt many of them have as much wisdom or intelligence as a book."

"Mary! What a very impolite thing to say about the officers. If that is your mood, I would not wish you to accompany your sisters on their walk!" Mrs. Bennet spat irritably, before turning to her youngest daughters with a more calmed demeanor. "Lydia, you and Kitty may go to Meryton, for I know that you both appreciate the officers more than Mary, or any other girl in this county, will ever. And Lydia, wear your blue bonnet. It brings out the color of your eyes, which are so appealing to men."

"I believe so, Mama," Lydia giggled, excited at the opportunity to visit her much beloved admirers. "Come along, Kitty; I need to you to tie the strings for me." But while Lydia made a move towards the door, Kitty remained in her seat, looking out the window.

"Kitty! Did you not hear your sister's polite request? Go and help her, and then you may go to town!" Mrs. Bennet said, almost in a commanding tone. Kitty, on the other hand, just looked at her mother with an unimpressed look and sighed.

"I would rather not go to town and see the officers, Mama," Kitty said softly. Jane and Elizabeth looked up from their needlepoint, shocked, Mary almost dropped her book, and Lydia and Mrs. Bennet exchanged confused glances as their mouths hung open in surprise.

"What? Good heavens, why not?" Mrs. Bennet asked impatiently. "You must go and speak with the officers. If you don't, they may believe that you no longer admire them, and then you girls will lose all chance of ever marrying well!"

"I would rather marry a poor man than marry a drunken officer!" Kitty spat angrily while Lydia gasped. "I believe I must agree with what Miss Collins said last night to be true, and I will spend no more of my time throwing myself at meaningless officers. Now if you will excuse me, I believe I shall go practice on the pianoforte, if you are not to use it this afternoon, Mary?"

"Of...of course you may," Mary stammered, for she had never been presented by such a request by any of her sisters.

"Kitty! You know that Papa will not allow me to go to Meryton unaccompanied, and I can't go if you do not!" Lydia pouted.

"I am sorry, Lydia, but nothing could make me change my mind on this matter," Kitty replied gently. "I had quite settled on the idea of practicing this morning, and right now seems the most opportune time." Elizabeth was surprised at how mature Kitty was sounding, and handling Lydia.

"Mama! Make her go with me to Meryton!" Lydia whined loudly as she stamped her foot on the floor.

"Kitty! Look at how upset you are making your sister! Stop being so selfish and put on your bonnet!" Mrs. Bennet shouted.

"You shouldn't encourage her so, Mama, or she will turn out to be a spoiled brat and you'll never be able to marry her off," Kitty said with a small smile. "Now, if you will excuse me." And with that, Kitty left five pairs of shocked eyes watching the door close gently.

Chapter 11

Posted on Saturday, 10 August 2002

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Josephine muttered to herself as she cautiously climbed down the one, and only, staircase in Longbourn. "I can't believe I'm up so early, especially while I'm on holiday. Although, I doubt this is what I'd call a 'holiday'; this seems more like 'roughing it' in the wild, with Mrs. Bennet as an annoying skunk."

This morning, the staircase seemed longer than usual. What had normally been about eighteen stairs now seemed like a thousand, each one ready to make a noise at the smallest touch. And any noise, even in its smallest measurement, was too much for that morning, because Mrs. Bennet's bedchamber was directly over the demon steps. One noise out of the ordinary and Josephine knew the busybody hen would be downstairs in a flash, ready to push Jane Bennet at her and hint for an invitation to Netherfield. Josephine wasn't in the mood to take Jane with her anywhere, and continued down the stairs with the same vigilance as before.

"Josephine? What are you doing?" Elizabeth asked quietly, startling her cousin in the process. Josephine held tightly to the railing, which was the only thing that kept her from falling face first down the stairs, and took a deep breath.

"I ... didn't wish to wake up anyone with my clunking about, so early in the morning," Josephine said quickly as she continued gently to the bottom of the stairs, which she reached with a grateful sigh.

"Oh," was all that Elizabeth said as she continued to clutch her book.

"You startled me, you know," Josephine uttered bluntly. "It's a good thing I was holding on, or I might have broken my neck."

"I'm very sorry, but I'm not accustomed to meeting with anyone this early in the morning," Elizabeth explained. "My sisters don't usually rise before ten, my mother even later, and my father locks himself in his library from about seven in the morning until breakfast. So, this incident really hasn't presented itself before."

"Well, I tend to be an early riser, except when I have been traveling or on some holidays, so there may be several more meetings in our future," Josephine replied. "I usually awake around eight or nine, and go for a walk in our gardens at our home in Cheshire. Of course, I cannot do that in London, which is why I dislike spending time there. I mean, there are the various parks that provide a place to walk, but they are so crowded at this time of the year."

"You were off for a walk?" Elizabeth asked, in disbelief that her cousin would do something that would offer a chance of messing up her hair.

"Of course. I need my fresh air and exercise, which I was going to get on my walk to Netherfield. My brother left early this morning to go shooting with the men, and I was off to visit Miss Darcy and Miss Bingley," Josephine explained, and Elizabeth just nodded.

"I see," Elizabeth said slowly.

"I'll tell you what," Josephine exclaimed with a big smile. "Why don't you come with me? I could introduce you to Mr. Darcy's sister, Georgiana. I am sure you would love Miss Darcy, and she will be just as glad to meet with you."

"I ... I ... I probably shouldn't. I wouldn't want to impose on Mr. Bingley and his guests..." Elizabeth stammered, wishing that she could think of a better excuse than that one.

"Mr. Bingley is so good hearted that he won't mind, and I doubt his sisters will either," Josephine argued with a laugh. "And do not worry, for they would never throw you out of their house; Caroline would never do something like that while Mr. Darcy is around."

"Well..."

"Please Elizabeth?" Josephine pleaded with puppy dog eyes. "It will give us a chance to get to know each other better, and I do want to."

"All right," Elizabeth said finally, throwing up her hands in defeat and laughing at her cousin's relentless spirit. "But I don't want to be too long. Will we be home by the afternoon?"

"Of course, for I have promised Kitty that I will walk with her to Meryton to look for a new bonnet. Besides, William will probably get tired of hunting by lunchtime, and he can be our personal escort back to Longbourn," Josephine replied cheerfully. "Now, come along!"

With this, Josephine pulled Elizabeth along until they were safely outside of Longhorn's gates, where Josephine could be certain that no other member of the Bennet household could find them in a chance morning wandering downstairs. With a pleased whistle, Josephine almost felt like skipping for joy when she realized that she would not have to spend another day in dreadful Mrs. Bennet's company.

"You seem to be in a cheerful mood," Elizabeth observed, and Josephine just laughed.

"It is such a beautiful morning that it would make anyone happy," Josephine said, stretching the truth just a bit for her cousin. "Besides, one must be in a good mood when going to Netherfield, or Mr. Bingley die of shock that there is an unhappy person in the world."

"Yes..." Elizabeth said uneasily, unsure of how to respond, and Josephine just smiled at her.

"I am only joking, Elizabeth. I can be rather a tease when I'm in a good mood. But if you think I am bad, you should hear his sister, who is forever teasing him about his pleasant nature. I for one find it an agreeable change from some of the stern men in London, but Caroline finds it absolutely horrid that he finds everything so delightful. She assumes that he should be more reserved like Mr. Darcy, but after knowing Mr. Darcy for so long, I cannot find him anything but agreeable and amiable," Josephine rambled aimlessly, and Elizabeth just looked at her cousin in a slight shock.

Agreeable and ... amiable? Mr. Darcy, the man Meryton believes wouldn't smile if the King himself demanded it of him? Elizabeth thought, somewhat confused at that image. Although, he seemed pleasant enough talking to Mr. Collins...

"How long have you known the Darcys?" Elizabeth asked nonchalantly, her voice wavering a bit in anticipation. She wished to have another point of view on this now complicated man's character, and would not pass up the opportunity of speaking with someone who was obviously acquainted with the family.

"You do not wish to know, for it is a long and complicated history," Josephine said, shaking her head with a smile.

"We have three miles of walking ahead of us," Elizabeth pointed out, and Josephine just laughed.

"Then, I will tell you, although I'll apologize now for any boredom I may cause you," Josephine replied.

"Very well - I accept your apology," Elizabeth said, giggling back, and Josephine took a deep breath before starting her story.

"The late Mrs. Darcy and my mother were great friends, as their families often vacationed together in Bath. They grew apart over the years, but my mother would occasionally meet with Mrs. Darcy from time to time. However, I cannot really recollect knowing the family until I was eight. Mrs. Darcy had been dead for over five years, and my mother was anxious to reacquaint with the family once again. I believe the act was a tribute to Mrs. Darcy, to keep a promise that my mother would watch out for her children."

"Whatever the reason, I do not know exactly, but we became acquainted with the Darcys. My father and the late Mr. Darcy became great friends, up until the death of my father and, nearly two years later, Mr. Darcy. The younger Mr. Darcy, who you are acquainted with, was not as close to Henry as our mother had hoped - Mr. Darcy found him spoiled and arrogant, and spent much of his time locked up in the library whenever we visited in hopes of avoiding him. However, he would always join in the games of Georgiana and myself, and would always take time out of his day to spend time with us, especially Georgiana. He was often worried about Georgiana, for after losing her mother so young she became quite recluse and shy, and it showed. Over the years, I became so close to him that I look upon him as almost a second brother, for he has been more of a brother to me than Henry will ever be."

"Mr. Darcy eventually met William through his cousin, the Colonel Fitzwilliam. William's career in the army had kept him away from home so much that he had never met with any member of the Darcy family until a little over five years ago. He was there when the late Mr. Darcy died, and I believe that was the incident that secured the friendship between my brother and Mr. Darcy. The two have been quite close since, especially since William's patroness is Mr. Darcy's aunt."

"Yes, we have heard much about her," Elizabeth agreed.

"Lady Catherine has a high deal of respect for Mr. Collins, since she, as the elder sister of Mrs. Darcy, was also an intimate friend of my mother," Josephine replied. "Besides, all Lady Catherine can see is money and connections, and since Mr. Collins comes from a family with both, that is all that Lady Catherine needs to hold him in high esteem. I believe at one point she even desired a match between her daughter, Anne, and my brother, although I do not know if she still wishes that."

"Miss De Borough is the heiress of Rosings, is she not?" Elizabeth asked, with a hint of jealousy in her voice. "She would be a good match with whomever she married, and would certainly do wonders to push her husband further in society with her large fortune and connections."

"That is how most people saw the match, yes," Josephine said, seeing through Elizabeth's coy question to her real meaning. I wonder if she is jealous of Miss de Borough? "However, William had his reasons for not wanting to marry her, and Lady Catherine eventually lost interest in ever joining the Collins and De Borough families. I believe she has now moved her attentions back to her...former choice."

"I sounds to me that Lady Catherine has a strange sense of determination and interest in her daughter's well-being and future, which one can hardly laugh at," Elizabeth said sincerely, and Josephine nodded.

"Anyhow, that's my experiences with the Darcy family, and I do not regret one moment of time that I have spent with that family," Josephine concluded with a small smile. "Mr. and Miss Darcy have been the greatest friends to my brother and myself, and I cannot say more about their kindness and amiable natures."

"With all of these varying reports of Mr. Darcy, I hardly know what to think of him anymore," Elizabeth replied with a laugh, but Josephine just looked at her with a confused glance.

"What kind of 'varying reports'?"

"To hear such praises from you and your brother of the kindness and sociable nature of Mr. Darcy, and to see him behave so amiably in the company of your brother is enough to confuse a person. After all, the Mr. Darcy I knew was proud and disagreeable, and I know that the people of Meryton share the same opinion of him as I, for they do not sing the praises as graciously as you do," Elizabeth noted, and Josephine nodded her head.

"Yes, I have heard that Mr. Darcy has a less than perfect reputation amongst the townspeople, but I would blame it for jealousy. Ranting mothers who find offense that Mr. Darcy refuses to dance with anyone, and takes it as a slight upon their own daughters. Anger at Mr. Darcy because he will not make their daughters the new Mrs. Darcy, as each mother in this town has hoped and prayed for. Men who call Mr. Darcy arrogant just because he will not howl and holler about the young women of the town, and prefers to keep to himself. Yes, I can understand why people would be so quick to judge him and censure Mr. Darcy," Josephine replied with a bitter tone. "Mr. Darcy is not quick to open up to strangers, and if the people of Meryton would give him time, I am sure they would find him as pleasant as I do."

"Yes, I suppose you are right. The people of Meryton do have a biased approach to the situation, but that is only because they know that side of Mr. Darcy, and are unfamiliar with the man you speak of," Elizabeth said defensively, finding it hard for her to even picture such a man as the one Josephine had been speaking of.

"Well, I don't believe it matters what the people of Meryton think. Half of them seem like vulgar gossips, and the other drunken officers. Besides, it is doubtful that Mr. Darcy or the Bingley sisters will stay at Netherfield past the winter, and the chances that Mr. Darcy will be back in Meryton again are so slim that to leave with an horrendous reputation will do no damage to anyone of importance," Josephine added, and Elizabeth noted a slight air of conceit in her voice.

"Yes, I understand..." Elizabeth replied slowly, not sure of how to respond to such a slander of the people she knew and respected. "Tell me about your family." Elizabeth hoped this question would get Josephine off the track of criticizing the people of Meryton, and, sure enough, Josephine's face lit up at the inquiry.

"Oh, I doubt you would wish to know. My family is about as strange as anyone else's," Josephine replied.

"Yes, but I am interested in learning about the aunt and uncle that I never knew," Elizabeth said determinately.

"You might have, had not circumstances been different," Josephine replied quietly, and almost sadly, and, with a defeated sigh, "Fine, I will tell you. But I promise you, this will be even more boring that my tale about the Darcys."

"Mmmmmhhhumph," Elizabeth replied, although it was more of a sound that anything stated, as she thought how interesting she had found the report of the Darcy family.

"My mother and father were very much in love when they married. My father was the handsome heir of his uncle's fortune, and my mother a young beauty from a very respectable family. Their marriage was the talk of the town, I've heard, and no one could find such a happily suited pair," Josephine said, almost as if she was reading pages in a book. "My brother, Henry, was born a little over a year after the day of their marriage. My parents were ecstatic when Henry was born, for he assured our family that our estate would not be lost from our family's line." Josephine paused, not sure of how to continue.

"I have not heard much of your elder brother, except that he was recently married. What is he like?" Elizabeth asked with curiosity, and Josephine just replied with a cackle of no remorse.

"You should be so lucky that you do not know him, for he is the worst brother I know of in this world. From the beginning he was spoiled, spoiled more than any child ever has been or ever will be. Our parents taught him and forced into his head that, as the future heir of the Collins estate, he was superior to everyone else. For that he grew up very selfish and cruel, to not only servants and ordinary people, but to myself and especially William, who he saw as a threat to his inheritance," Josephine spat cynically.

"I see," Elizabeth said, amazed to see Josephine speaking so critically about her own brother.

"He is even worse when he drinks," Josephine continued with the same passion as before, "for he has no control over propriety when he is under the influence. He is a disgrace to our family's name, and I am only glad that neither of our parents are alive to see what he has become. He has not done anything to publicly disgrace us yet, but I fear that soon he may, and I worry that I may never be able to marry because of it."

"What about his wife? Does she not have any influence over how her husband behaves?" Elizabeth asked, amazed at how much her conceited cousin was pouring out to her. Josephine just shook her head sadly.

"You believe that she cares about her husband? His wife is the reason that he drinks so!" Josephine exclaimed. "Besides, Miss Williamson is rarely with her husband. She makes the necessary appearances in public, and is a wonderful hostess when needed, but otherwise she despises my brother and cannot stand him. However, she keeps it so well concealed from all of her friends that no one in town sees them as anything but a happily married couple completely devoted to each other."

'I should wonder that they married if they were not in love," Elizabeth responded.

"It is only a one sided hatred, for Henry is quite in love with her, despite her cruelty and meanness of spirit. She is quite a beauty, and does have an irresistible charm that she displays in public, and I believe Henry is quite enchanted with her for it," Josephine clarified.

"Still, if I was Miss Williamson, I would not wish to marry someone that I knew I could not love, even if the position did give me comfort and security."

"It was an arranged marriage, the last thing our mother ever did for him. He was quite in love with her, and urged our mother to arrange the marriage between the two families. Our mother was only too happy to, since Miss Williamson had a dowry of twenty-five thousand pounds, and came from an illustrious family. Besides, our mother was a dear friend of Mrs. Williamson, so it was no trouble to have the marriage 'blessed alliance' approved," Josephine clarified, her voice still full of passionate venom.

"I suppose I should feel bad for Miss Williamson, that she should be so forced into a loveless marriage," Elizabeth replied, somewhat sadly for the girl.

"A young lady in her position had no say over who she married. It was up to her parents to find the best suitor possible, and I suppose they thought they had. I suppose that's the way love works in London - money overcomes even the deepest hatred. Be glad that you live in the country, where many of these rules don't apply," Josephine said almost in a jealous tone, and Elizabeth wondered if she really should feel herself 'lucky'.

"I must say that I am surprised to hear such a tale of your eldest brother, for Mr. Collins did not speak of your brother so when we previously talked," Elizabeth added softly.

"William is too good to be cruel to anyone," Josephine replied, her tone changing and her voice filling with kindness and morose. "He would rather die than say anything unkind of his elder brother, and would do anything to ensure Henry's welfare. That is more than I could say about Henry, however."

"Mr. Collins has a very kind and agreeable manner, which I am sure I am not the only one to notice," Elizabeth replied, and Josephine nodded. "I am sure that he is well respected wherever he goes."

"He was always the best brother to me, and the best son. He was so obedient to our parents, especially when it came to his career," Josephine replied wistfully.

"He was in the army for a few years?" Elizabeth asked, already knowing the answer but still asking the question.

"Yes, as a Colonel, and he loved his position dearly. But, after our father's death, my mother and her brother ordered him to leave his post and take orders, which William did without any hesitation. He was always so compliant and unselfish, doing things to please our parents, for he loved them so. In Henry's case, this would not be so."

"You must be lucky to have two brothers, no matter how they act or behave," Elizabeth replied with a smile. "I have no brothers, and often wished that I could have the experience the joy of having one, even if he was an unpleasant man."

"I know that this may be wrong to say, especially to you, but I am glad that you do not have any brothers. I know that William inheriting Longbourn has put you and your family at unrest, but I am just happy to know that he will end up with something in life when he deserves so much more," Josephine whispered, a tear running down her pink cheek.

"Do not worry. If someone must inherit Longbourn, there is no one that I wish to more than your brother. I can plainly see that he will make a good master, and with his easygoing manner will be instantly accepted amongst Meryton society," Elizabeth said truthfully, trying to ease her cousin's emotions.

"Thank you, Elizabeth. Your words are a great comfort to me," Josephine squeaked out, and Elizabeth was surprised at the raw emotion that Josephine was displaying, which seemed so unusual for her stoic cousin.

"Well, I must say that you have a very interesting family," Elizabeth exclaimed. "Two brothers running around the house, full grown, must have been an experience for you."

"I had two sisters as well - twins, born when I was nine. Only, they did not live more than a week, which shocked both my mother and father that two unhealthy children could be born to the Collins line. My father became ill shortly after their death, which was attributed to his weakening heart, but William and I always supposed that the twins death hit him quite hard," Josephine related quietly, tears coming to her eyes. "However, we don't speak much of their deaths."

"And you?" Elizabeth asked with a mock wounded tone. "You have hardly spoken two sentences about yourself, and I though I came on this walk to get to know you better."

"Very well. I was born in the county of Cheshire, and was what you would call 'unexpected'; after all, I was born fourteen years after William, and most women don't spread out their children by that much of a margin. But I was a girl, and my parents couldn't be happier. I was their ally, their pawn in an alliance with another family of noble stature, whoever that would be, and they took delight in the notion of increasing their wealth and connections. So, I became my mother's 'project', her little girl to groom to be just like her and win the hearts of ever man in London. I believe my parents loved me even more because of what I was."

"That's quite the opposite of my family," Elizabeth replied with a small laugh. "My parents were sick of girls by the time Mary was born, and never saw them as anything but a nuisance in the end."

"Well, the attention I received was more of an evil than a blessing. My parents spoiled me, and made me spend so much time in my lessons that I never really had any friends, except for William, of course. After my father's death, my mother's sister Alicia came to help with my upbringing, which became even stricter than when my father had been alive. Still, I learned to bear it as best I could. Besides, I could never hate my mother for what she did, for despite being strict, she loved me with all of her heart," Josephine added with a weak smile and another small tear.

"I am sorry, Elizabeth. You must be bored out of your mind, listening to me talk and rant about my family so," Josephine said quickly, wiping the tear from her eye. "Now we are at Netherfield, and you have no time to tell me more about your family."

"No, do not apologize. I enjoyed hearing about the Aunt and Uncle and cousin that I never knew," Elizabeth replied assuredly. "Perhaps we will have another chance to talk before you leave."

"Yes, I would like that very much," Josephine said with a genuine smile. "But I doubt that we'll have anymore time to talk today. I am sure that Miss Bingley and her sister will commandeer all of my time, and you will be too interested in speaking with Miss Darcy to wish to speak with me."

"What kind of girl is Miss Darcy?" Elizabeth questioned. Josephine sighed, trying to think of the best words to describe her.

"Georgiana is a very quiet and shy girl, which I suppose sums her up in a few meaningful words. She was orphaned young, and after her father's death she seemed to almost withdraw from the world. I suppose she was afraid to feel any more pain, or just afraid to see anyone else she cared about get hurt," Josephine explained. "Yet, her father's death brought her closer to her brother, Mr. Darcy, which I suppose makes it a blessing in disguise."

"I understand she is quite young," Elizabeth stated.

"Yes, she is sixteen, and more than ten years her brother's junior," Josephine answered. "She is the same age as Kitty, I suppose."

"Sixteen is quite young."

"Yes, and that leads to quite a bit of worrying on her brother's part," Josephine laughed. "Mr. Darcy acts more like her father than her brother, but I suppose that is only necessary since he cares so much for her."

"An ideal elder brother," Elizabeth giggled back, trying to sound teasing but not quite reaching her goal. Josephine didn't reply, but was too busy looking at Netherfield with a strange sense of awe.

"It is a beautiful estate, is it not?" Josephine said, not really requesting a response.

"The most beautiful estate in these parts," Elizabeth agreed. The two stood in front of the home for some time, before Josephine shook her head in laughter.

"I suppose we should actually go in the house, before Georgiana faints with worry," Josephine replied, which Elizabeth determined must be another of her teasing comments about her friends. "I told her that I would visit this morning, and she'll be worried if I'm late."

With that, Josephine grabbed Elizabeth's arm and pulled her into the massive estate, almost mimicking the events of this morning. Elizabeth then realized that the girl who had just poured her heart and soul to her was gone. Instead, the other Josephine was back, with the same vigor and vivacity as before. Before entering through the huge oak doors, Elizabeth got a weird premonition that this would be one interesting visit to Netherfield.

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