Chapter 25

Elizabeth rang the bell for a bath the next morning, a ritual she usually reserved for Saturday nights, but was feeling deserving of such an indulgence. Once she was fully bathed and dressed she had missed her husband for breakfast, and he was already ensconced in his study. She broke her fast and spent the rest of the morning playing with Little Will, before she gathered a basket of goods to take with her when she visited the tenants.

She tried to hide her melancholy as she went about her day, tried to forget what might have happened last night. She managed to make conversation with those she met, asking about their health, replying that she herself was in good health.

Once her basket was empty she returned to the house. She was still some distance from the Parsonage when she saw a figure running towards her. Young Tom came into view, his little legs carrying him as fast as they could. A cold dread entered Elizabeth's heart, clinching it tight, too tight.

"What is it?" She demanded when he stopped in front of her, trying to catch his breath.

"Master Collins...said to find...you and...tell you to...come quickly." Before he could get the last of the words fully out of his mouth Elizabeth had dropped the basket, picked up her skirts, and ran as fast as she could home.

She dreaded what she would find, a thousand horrible scenarios ran through her mind at once; the baby, oh God, please let Little Will be safe. She cursed the gate as her agitated fingers found it impossible to open, then ran towards the house, the door slightly ajar. She entered the room and stood still, Mr. Collins standing before her, a letter in his hands.

"This came post haste," he nodded towards the letter, "Oh Elizabeth, I am sorry."

She stared at the papers in his hands, afraid to touch them as if it were a viper ready to strike. Perhaps if she did not read its contents, then whatever news within would not touch her. Mr. Collins, sensing her anxiety, helped her to sit, and began reading the letter himself.

"'Elizabeth,' it is from Jane," he clarified. "'Elizabeth, Mother could not write to you for she is grieving in her room and refuses to come out. It pains me to have to send such news, but Father has died. He was found this morning in his bed, not breathing, by Sally. Mr. Jones has been by and says he likely died in his sleep, feeling no pain. His burial is set for this Friday and I know Mother would appreciate your presence, as would I. You and Mr. Collins may stay at Netherfield, if you wish.

Regards, Jane Bingley.'"

Elizabeth had been staring at the paper throughout the reading, barely registering the words out of Mr. Collins mouth related to the paper in his hands. When he stopped she looked up at his face and frowned. She had married him because her Father would die, and if he died they would have been ruined. Her sacrifice had come to fruition. Her family was saved.

"My dear," Collins rushed to his wife who had suddenly burst into tears. He tried to calm her as best he could, but his speeches were better suited to flattery and not consolation. However, she allowed him to embrace her and whisper that everything would come out right.

In the ensuing hours preparations were made for their journey to Meryton. Collins sent off a note to Lady Catherine explaining their eminent absence while Elizabeth saw to the packing of their trunks. They debated leaving now, but since it was already late afternoon and they would not arrive until late in the night and be no use then, they determined early the next morning would suffice. The question about Little Will came up.

"He would be in the way," Mr. Collins said.

"He would bring light to my Mother's life," Elizabeth responded. In the end it was determined that Little Will and Becky would both travel with them.

"Elizabeth," Collins said as he came into her room that night as she was preparing for bed. She was about to protest that she did not desire his attentions, but he held his hand up, "I came only to offer any consolation you might need. I know you and your Father were very close and if you would prefer I could sit by your bed until you were asleep."

Elizabeth smiled up at him and patted his hand, "I thank you, but I shall be fine."

He bowed to kiss her forehead, then closed the door behind him as he left. Elizabeth spent a restless night in bed and when she awoke there was such a pounding in her head she rang for Jenny to bring a tray up for her instead of joining her husband at the table. When she was dressed and ready to leave Mr. Collins helped her into the carriage, followed by Becky carrying Little Will.

"My dear," Collins started as the carriage was nearing Netherfield. "I would like to offer your Mother and daughters the use of Longbourn for some months."

Elizabeth raised her eyes at him.

"It will take me a while to find a curate and train him. I do not see why Mrs. Bennet could not make use of a house that would be empty otherwise."

Elizabeth cleared her throat, "That is very generous, Mr. Collins, but why could she not remain in her home even after we take up residency?"

Collins fidgeted in his seat, "Do you think it wise? Would she not upset the equilibrium of our house?"

"My dear," Elizabeth said, trying to keep the frustration out of her voice, "Longbourn has been my Mother's home for nearly thirty years. It would be cruel to cast her off, especially as I am her daughter and the next mistress."

Mr. Collins sat back and thought on how to counter argue her point while Elizabeth fumed within. She would not countenance her Mother being thrown out of her home. Why, the only reason she married Mr. Collins was so that her Mother and unmarried sisters would have a home once her Father died. She would scream if her sacrifice amounted to nothing.

"I see you are right," Mr. Collins frowned. "I was only thinking of you dear, and of Little Will."

Turning her head she glanced at Becky seated next to her with a sleeping Will in her lap. Becky had the good sense to keep her gaze on the scenery passing them by and pretending she could not hear a word of their conversation. The carriage pulled up at Netherfield not long after, Jane coming to greet them at the door as their luggage was brought to the guest rooms.

"Oh, Will, come to your Auntie!" She gushed, reaching out for child who began to cry.

"He does not like strangers," Elizabeth said, taking Will into her own arms, and making proper introductions.

"Come, come," Jane beckoned them inside and to a small sitting room where tea was laid out for them, Mr. Bingley welcoming them as well. Elizabeth handed Will over to Becky who was shown the nursery that had been prepared for them, where their own repast awaited.

Jane caught Mr. and Mrs. Collins up on all that had been happening while they ate. "Mother has asked if you would sit with Father." She finally said when they were finished. "She asked you to come as soon as you can."

Elizabeth nodded her head, "Please, have the carriage readied, I won't take long to freshen up."

The couple were showed their rooms, adjoining suites in the family wing. Mr. Collins stated he was tired and would lay himself down. Elizabeth was grateful, and after washing the dust from her face and repining her hair, she was ready to say goodbye to her Father.