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Longbourn was quiet the morning after the Netherfield Ball. Her mother and father were still in bed, as were Jane and Harry. Instead of waiting for them to arise Lizzy decided to break her fast by herself. She ate breakfast quickly and was on her way out of Longbourn to go for a walk when she was accosted by Mr Collins. He asked her for a private audience and Lizzy gulped. She looked around for someone who could aid her but found no one; why was it that a house that was constantly filled with people that the moment she needed someone no one was there?
Lizzy followed Mr Collins into the sitting room but left the door open. She knew he was about to propose and she felt faint. Mr Collins looked at her and smiled what he thought was seductively but was just creepy.
Mr Collins then began to propose to her. He said that it would add greatly to his personal happiness, he also stated that Lady de Bourgh wanted him to get a wife who she would like. Lizzy didn't know why but she felt insulted. He outright said that she might never get another proposal of marriage. He was basically saying that she might as well marry him because she wasn't going to get anybody better. Lizzy wanted to kill him by the end of the proposal.
By the time he had finished his 'romantic' proposal she had already thought of several ways to decline him, hitting him over the head with a vase included. She began to tell him that she was sensible of the proposal. She declined him but he didn't seem to take her serious; saying that she was trying to increase his affections by making him wait. She had repeatedly told him no, told him that he couldn't make her happy and that she was convinced she was the last person in the world who could make him happy. He still didn't seem to take no for an answer, she had to leave the room to make him be quiet.
As she entered the hallway she saw her Aunt Helena approach her and sighed with relief.
"What's going on here?" Helena questioned her niece who was being chased by Mr Collins.
"Elizabeth has just accepted my proposal of marriage" Mr Collins stated with a puffed up chest. Helena paled and look at her niece who was looking at Mr Collins in disbelief.
"No you proposed and I refused repeatedly!" Lizzy snapped whilst telling Helena she would agree to no such thing even at gun point.
"EMILIA!" Helena screamed whilst fanning herself.
"What are you shouting for Helena?" Emilia said walking down the stairs.
"Mr Collins has made Lizzy an offer of marriage but she has denied him but he said that they are to be married and I will be up for murder if you allow such a union!" Helena stated in one breath whilst turning red. The thought of her darling Lizzy married to such a man made her want to throw up.
"What? When? What is going on?!" Emilia stated. She was very confused but then annoyed. How did this even happen?
"Lizzy what is going on?" Emilia asked her daughter after a moment calmly.
"Mr Collins asked me to marry him but I said NO but he won't take NO for an answer" Lizzy stated whilst glaring at Mr Collins.
"You said no?" Emilia wanted to make sure.
"Repeatedly" Lizzy stated to which her mother breathed a sigh of relief.
"Elizabeth I know that you only wish to suspense my affections by….." Mr Collins said to his fiancé... who wasn't even his fiancé.
"Firstly Mr Collins you will not use her Christian name and secondly she refused to marry you so build a bridge and get over it!" Helena shouted at him after she came round to her senses.
"Mr Collins if you would like to come with me to my husband's study, Lizzy you to" Emilia said quietly hoping her husband would sort out this mess.
Emilia, Lizzy and Mr Collins went to Thomas' study. Helena also tagged along to see what happened.
"Thomas Mr Collins has asked Lizzy for her hand in marriage" Emilia explained to her husband, who had been drinking coffee which was now all over his desk from when he spat it out in shock.
"What?! You did what?" Thomas demanded of Mr Collins who shrunk into himself.
"Yes I have Mr Bennet, I asked Elizabeth to marry me…" Mr Collins answered.
"Do not call her Elizabeth you have no right!" Helena shouted from the corner, to which the Bennet's turned around in surprise because they forget she was there. Helena apologised and sat back down after glaring at Mr Collins.
"Right then, Lizzy did you accept this proposal?" Thomas asked praying the answer was no, then again even if it was yes he would lock her in the attic until she came to her senses.
"Mr Collins proposed but I said NO repeatedly, but he didn't seem to hear it" Lizzy stated exasperated.
"Thank God for that" Thomas muttered under his breathe.
"Mr Collins you can see that my daughter has refused your hand several times, even if she did accept you I wouldn't have allowed it. I find you highly annoying and would have to be worked with if you were to be married to my Lizzy. I think it would be best if you left my home immediately" Thomas said sternly. All the occupants of the room looked at him in shock, they had never heard him talk like that. Ever. Mr Collins just stared at him with him mouth open.
"Collins when I said now I meant now!" Thomas hissed. Mr Collins jumped and then scampered out of the room. Emilia practically jumped over the table and kissed him full on the lips in appreciation. Lizzy thanked him repeatedly. Helena breathed a sigh of relief and stated that she was going to build a shrine in honour of Thomas, she then left to go and find Henry to fill him in.
Mr Collins was in a state of shock. He couldn't believe that Miss Elizabeth had refused his hand. He had a servant pack his things. He wanted to leave soon as possible. As he was leaving Longbourn he met Lady Lucas who had come to visit Mrs Bennet, he told her that he was leaving and she offered for him to come stay with her. He readily accepted and then left for Lucas Lodge immediately.
When Lizzy filled Jane in on the proposal she sat there for several moments in complete silence. Jane simply couldn't believe that Mr Collins would not only propose but ignore the fact that she refused.
"Are you fully prepared for your trip Lizzy?" Jane asked her sister who she would miss greatly.
"Yes completely, we are to travel to London tomorrow and the continent the day after that" Lizzy answered which as much fake happiness as she could. She didn't want to go but she had accepted now so there was no going back.
"The time will fly in Lizzy it always does" Jane said softly, she knew Lizzy's unwillingness to go but decided to ignore it. It was a great opportunity and she would be a fool to miss it.
"Are you still going to go back with the Gardiner's to London?" Lizzy wondered.
"Yes I am to go soon, I'm quite looking forward to it" Jane said smiling. She loved spending time with her little cousins and helping her aunt with her design house.
"Shall you be seeing anyone else in particular while you are there?" Lizzy questioned with a twinkle in her eye.
"Oh I don't Lizzy" Jane said blushing bright red.
Around lunchtime Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley called to visit. They had both called to see two particular ladies because they knew they were to depart from Hertfordshire soon. They sat and chatted quietly for a while before getting ready for a while.
"You leave tomorrow" Darcy stated whilst looking at Lizzy.
"I know" Lizzy sighed.
"I wish you a safe journey Miss Elizabeth" Darcy said quietly he didn't want to confess his feelings just yet but he didn't want her to go either.
"Don't worry about me Mr Darcy I shall be fine" Lizzy said equally quiet.
"Do you know when you are to return?" Darcy wondered, hopefully it would be sooner than a few months.
"At least two months probably three, I should be back by late February" Lizzy said. She was sad that she would miss Christmas with her family.
"Hopefully Bingley will still be in Netherfield by then so I will hopefully see you then" Darcy wished whilst staring at her.
"I hope so too" Lizzy admitted quietly.
"Goodbye Miss Elizabeth" said quietly grapping her hand and kissing it longer than propriety allowed.
"Goodbye Mr Darcy" Lizzy said barely able to think.
Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley then departed. As Elizabeth entered Longbourn she felt tears prick her eyes. She knew that saying goodbye to him would be difficult but didn't expect it to be that difficult. She felt a hand on her arm and looked to see Jane.
"All will be well Lizzy" Jane said quietly, Jane had no doubt that Mr Darcy would be waiting for Lizzy to return.
About an hour later they were all gathered in the living room when they heard a commotion in the hallway. They all rose to go and see what was happening. Helena who was at the front of the pack screamed and started running.
They then saw what was causing all the commotion or should they say who.
"Robert!" Lizzy and Jane cried as they ran to hug their cousin.
"Hello ladies, one at a time. Please form an orderly queue there is more than enough of me to go around" Robert teased.
Robert Burton was the only son of Henry and Helena Burton. He looked like his mother. He had brown hair that was always unkempt, he had lovely blue eyes that always sparkled. He was quite tall, towering over Lizzy and Jane. He was very handsome and had several ladies after him, but he was to quiet and reserved to notice them. His true personality only came out around his family. He was in his first year of Cambridge and absolutely loved it. He had a passion for music like his parents and could often be heard playing at three o'clock in the morning. He absolutely adored his family but had a particular soft spot for Lizzy and Jane.
"What are you doing here?" Lizzy questioned after giving him a third hug.
"Well Amanda I am to travel to the continent with you" Robert answered making Lizzy squeal with happiness.
"Now now Peter you know full well that name is Deirdre" Lizzy teased.
"Fine Joanna whatever you say" Robert retorted.
"I can't believe you are coming to the continent with me, we shall have such fun!" Lizzy said laughing happily.
"I know, life would be a lot duller without me" Robert said proudly making Jane and Lizzy laugh.
"Have you got taller Robbie or it just me?" Thomas said whilst measuring up to his Godson.
"I have gotten taller but then again your probably shrinking with age old man" Robert teased his uncle, earning him a slap around the back of the head and a laugh from Thomas.
"Sweetie have you lost weight? Are you eating properly?" Helena said whilst fussing over her only child.
"I am fine mother" Robert tried to insure his mother who didn't look convinced.
"So Son how is Cambridge?" Henry asked his son as they walked into the sitting room.
"Oh the same as it ever was. I'm a genius and much too good looking for my own good papa" Robert replied before tickling Harry.
"So what time are we to be leaving at tomorrow?" Robert wondered. He hoped it wouldn't be too early so he could sleep in.
"We are to depart at ten tomorrow morning so no sleep in for you sweetie" Helena said to her disappointed son.
"Shall I show you to a guest room so you can sleep? You look exhausted" Emilia asked her nephew, who yawned a yes. He was quickly shown to his room where he immediately fell into a deep sleep.
After dinner the gentlemen went to Thomas' study for drinks. Emilia and Helena went for a walk in the garden. Lizzy and Jane sat down at the table in the sitting room. Jane started knitting whilst Lizzy began to read her book. After a while Jane left to go upstairs and get more wool.
"Lizzy! Lizzy!" Lizzy heard someone call her name, whoever it was they sounded very upset about something.
Lizzy immediately jumped to her feet and went in search of the source of the noise. She went straight to the hallway. There standing in the hallway was Charlotte, tears running down her pale cheeks. She was sobbing uncontrollably. Lizzy was shocked, she had never seen her strong friend look so vulnerable or weak.
"Charlotte what is wrong?" Lizzy said hugging her friend. She ushered a still sobbing Charlotte into the sitting room. She called Mrs Hill to go make tea. She then sat Charlotte down by the fire and tried her best to calm her.
"Charlotte please tell me what is wrong" Lizzy tried to question an unresponsive Charlotte.
"Lizzy what was that noise?" Jane questioned as she entered the room.
"Charlotte what is wrong?" Jane exclaimed before kneeling by her friend's side.
"Well…Mr…Colllins…Came…to…stay with...us" Charlotte tried to explain but her emotions got in the way again. Mrs Hill came in with tea. Jane quickly gave Charlotte a cup but she couldn't even hold it as her hands were shaking too much.
"What happened next?" Lizzy inquired whilst rubbing circles on Charlotte's back.
"My…mother…was…complimenting…him and he told….what happened this…morning" Charlotte explained whilst trying to control her breathing.
"I…could almost…see the wheels…turning in her head…she began…to make…Mr Collins pay me…attention" Charlotte explained. Lizzy and Jane gasped, they didn't like where this was going.
"Oh God Charlotte please tell me you are not to marry that man?!" Lizzy pleaded.
"My...mother…pulled me aside…and told me to…use my charms to…secure him" Charlotte exclaimed, hot tears running down her cheeks.
"Please tell me you didn't secure anyone or anything" Lizzy questioned desperately.
"I told…her…that…wasn't…what I wanted…and she…started screaming…at me" Charlotte said sadly.
"She…sent…me…to my room…like a child…I heard…clapping coming…from downstairs…so I went to…check what was…going on" Charlotte took a sip of her tea, desperately trying to calm herself.
"My father…was…announcing…the engagement" Charlotte explained, what little calmness she had shattered at that moment.
"What engagement? Oh God Charlotte they are not forcing you into marriage are they?" Jane exclaimed.
"Mr...Collins'…engagement…to Maria!" Charlotte told a shocked Jane and Lizzy.
"What?! Little Maria?!" Jane asked in utter disbelief.
"How can she marry him? She is still a little girl!" Lizzy all but screamed.
"That's…what is said…but my mother…just said…that Maria…was a good girl…and that I will die…an old maid" Charlotte stated whilst curling her hands in fists.
"She is only sixteen, he is twice her age!" Jane looked at them both with tears in her lovely blue eyes.
"We all know that Maria isn't the…brightest and that she would do anything my mother wanted but this is too far even by her standards" Charlotte thought out load.
"How did Maria react?" Jane questioned whilst refilling Charlottes tea cup.
"She actually looked happy about it! I dare say she is too dumb to realise the serious of her actions" Charlotte hissed, she was beginning to be angry at her sister's dumbness and willingness to please their mother.
"When is the wedding?" Lizzy wondered quietly.
"Mr Collins wants to be married quickly so in the next week or two I think, he doesn't want to be away from his beloved patroness for too long" Charlotte exclaimed, she hated her mother and Mr Collins in that moment and even her ridiculous father who did nothing to stop the union.
The three of them sat quietly for a few minutes. Charlotte only spoke once to say that she blamed her mother for the union and stating that she would never forgive her for this.
Emilia and Helena then returned from their walk. They were shocked to find Charlotte in such a state. They were even more shocked to hear that young Maria was to be married to the odious Mr Collins. After another hour Charlotte left after getting a large hug from each of the ladies and a promise from her that she would go straight to Longbourn if anything bothered her.
That night Jane and Lizzy went to bed upset, they had known Maria since she was a baby. Had played with her, took her on walks and told her stories. Even though she was only a few years their junior they felt like her big sisters. They didn't want Maria to be married to him, he wasn't a bad man he was just stupid and ridiculous. He would treat her well but there would be no love. They were perfectly indifferent of each other and that was never a way to start a marriage. They would admit though that they were grateful that it hadn't been Charlotte who was to marry him.
They went to sleep thinking of poor Maria Lucas and how her life would be full of running to Rosings and listening to Mr Collins waffle on about his noble Patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh. They began to think of their own lives that would hopefully include Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley. The happiness they would have if they shared their life with them. They prayed that Charlotte would find her someone special and that Maria would at least be happy.
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