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Chapter 9
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
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
"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.