This chapter contains violence.

Note: This is still Wednesday. The assembly was on Tuesday the week prior.

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Mr. Collins was well aware that he could not defeat the men about him with a show of strength. He waited in expectation for an opportunity to cry out to mark his cousin's ruin, but was too fearful of retribution if he did; so he remained silent. Done with every intent to be mindful of an opportunity to escape, he capitulated. He followed his patron, now former, and the blasted groom.

At comprehension that his true nature was on full display, he made no further attempt to conceal his actions. To waste were put all the years of sycophantic fawning. His initial intention was to ingratiate himself to the powerful patroness of Lady Catherine De Burgh. Highly successful, until the sudden demise of both her and her daughter Ann from a trifling cold. Lady De Burgh had given him assurances that his position was secure via her papers. Once his believed post securement was assured, he gave latitude to his more baser urges, previously left unexpressed. To his new patron, he was the lackey he had always portrayed. To others, he was less discreet. Lecherous actions and underhanded practices crept into his practices. He believed himself free from repercussions due to the notations left behind in her papers. Apparently, it was not a lifetime securement as he had once supposed.

He was all too aware of what was to occur when he saw his patron drew back. The blow was a solid one, enough to snap his head, casting about blood and phlegm. In an act of self-preservation, he dropped to the ground without grace and with feigned insensibility. If one were to have reason to ask, he would have given no credence to the dimming of his vision, nor the curious feeling of disorientation as he dropped gracelessly to the ground. Anticipating a furtherance of the assault, Mr. Collins attempted to fortify himself as much as was possible without additional motion. At the sound of a stream of water hitting the floor, he cracked an eye to bear witness upon the leg and hoof of that blasted goat near his boots, and an ever increasing piss puddle.

Holding his resolve that compliance within the confines of insensibility was the most pragmatic of his highly limited choices, he remained limp as he was set within a rug and further restrained by it. While he attempted not to commend himself for not crying out when he was deposited, not too lightly, into a rough cart. Hearing the sound of a horse, or similar, being brought to harness, the unease of not knowing where they were going descended upon him with full weight. He began to wonder if they had believed him fallen, and were taking his remains to be deposited elsewhere. However, he heard the word 'magistrate', and took as much peace as he could.

The jarring movement of the horse pulling the cart did not contribute to his peace, however. Maintaining his ruse, he bide his time and listened. He heard the occasional word, including the word, 'magistrate.' A plan began to form in his mind. He would confess all information he deemed prudent. He would lament and embellish the compromise of his Bennett cousin for all and sundry to bear witness. He would declare so in an overly boisterous manner so servants would assuredly hear. He would still receive his due. He would take his cousin for his bride, the woman which he held in high consciousness. He would have the opportunity to appreciate the fullness of her ample nature.

Distracted by his baser thoughts, the cessation of conversation nearly missed his notice. Nearly. However, he gave it of little importance. Not recognizing his exact location, but knowing it should not be overlong before they reached the confines of town, he compelled his thoughts to how he would assert his position.

The cart slowed, then stilled. Mr. Collins dared to open his eyes. He did not anticipate to see little but the Bennett's groom with much woods behind him.

'As I thought, you were not as insensible as you would have had us believe.' the groom said. Mr. Collins thought his name was Jimmy. 'Did you truly believe that you would be permitted the audience to subject the family to further ignominy?'

From his limited field of vision he did not know from where the cudgel was produced. 'You..you cannot… I shall be missed.'

'By whom? Who will take note of your absence without a breath of ease?'

Mr. Collins could not draw a name to mind, and but a moment later, did not have a mind left with which to draw. However, could he have heard, he would have heard James softly say, 'Protect the family at all cost.'

…***...

Richard had been seated upon a sound bench with his back leaning to the wall for one and a partial beers, a time sufficient enough for the sunlight that streamed through the opening door to reflect the increasing blue tinges of midday. The establishment was nearly empty. It was too early in the day for travelers to seek accommodation and there was also too much light left for most labors to cease.

He could formulate multitudes of reasons why it was impractical that he return to Netherfield Park, but he was avoiding the conversation of palliation that must occur.

…***...

'Kitty, would you sit with me for a moment?' Jane asked.

Kitty recognized Jane's tone. Her inflections were usual indication of a conversation of a more significant nature.

'Has word been sent as to your mother's condition?' Jane asked. Kitty shook her head no.

'Will you go to see your mother before we take our leave to London? Make your peace?'

'I do not know when. However, it should be soon. I am at such a deprivation of feeling.'

'I find myself a trifle envious of you. Oh, my! That does not properly convey my meaning. You have been granted an opportunity that I was not. An occasion to make your peace. To say...I was not given such a moment. I bid you, do not allow this to escape you. She was not the best of women; nor the most ideal of mothers, but she was yours. God commands us to honor our Mother.' Jane, overwhelmed with her own emotions, bid herself to cease in her stricture. Her intent was to encourage, not create further distress.

Kitty clasped and held Jane's hand, 'I will inquire as to her condition with Mr. Jenkins when he calls to attend John Lucas. If within means, I shall go. Mayhaps in the morning, before breaking my fast. Perhaps Jimmy or the new companion can accompany. I do not suppose that you or the others would wish to go as well.'

'I will attend if Mary and Elizabeth desire as such, but I am doubtful of their inclination as such.' Jane sighed, 'That was most uncharitable. If you desire to bear my company, I shall.'

'I will attend her; if she may be so receiving. You are welcome if you would wish. However, with Mrs. Annesley or Jimmy's accompaniment, that would be sufficient.' Kitty paused for a moment. Perhaps she was distracting herself from her own foreboding. 'Jane, whatever happened to your parents? No. No! Do not divulge. Please forgive my ghastly curiosity. The inquiry was poorly made.'

'I am curious. Is there ever a proper time to make such query?' Jane nearly allowed a grin to escape. Kitty hung her head in disconcertion. 'However, I have little to tell to quench your curiosity. I, in fact, know very little. Moreover, I can only guess all that you have heard in whispers and suppositions. The misfortune of my parents and sisters is no secret. Although I have little desire to discuss this at a future time. We were returning from London, and made a stop. Mama led us into the Inn for respite. Something delayed our progression. Of what, I was not told. We all amongst ourselves and whiled the time. At my next notice, I awoke. I do not recall napping. The small room we had occupied was now vacant, save me. I must have been overlooked. I know not why. Any person who held the answers perished when the carriage strayed from the road into a trench. The ruins were discovered a scant hand of miles away, an absolute horror. If more is known, it was not divulged to me. I am rather certain I would not wish to know.' Jane's voice had been soft, her eyes looking off to a sight only she could discern. 'You have in your possession the means to do what I could not; I plea for you to not let it pass from you.' She caught Kitty's hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. Then, with more haste than what might be considered proper, quit the room.

…***...

'Fitz, the man should be granted leave to keep his own council! He is a man grown; come of age. In his service, he has bore witness to things most gruesome. I am most certain he carries with him many instances of occurrences that should remain unrevealed. Why should this … peculiarity …' Alexander paused. 'I will not oblige you. I will not use our very nature in an attempt to lull Richard into a drunken state in hopes he shall be more forthcoming.'

'It was a common occurrence at university.'

'A deception of folly, and a ruse I will not repeat, and hold remorse over. If for no other motivation, Richard will not be deceived.' Alexander paused in an attempt to reassert his calmer nature. 'I will concur fully that Richard's behavior is quite out of sorts. However, unless you wish to have your every questionable decision brought to light through manipulation, perhaps you should cease.'

'What ever he is withholding, he is bungling it in spades. It is in relation to the girls. It must be! I must know!'

'This is not fully about Richard is it? Has Miss Elizabeth turned your head as fully as Miss Mary has mine. Did I hear you correctly when you called her a ... boy?' At the last statement, Alex had greatly lowered his voice, and nearly released a snicker.

'Never mind what you heard.' Fitz said dismissively. 'Yes. Miss Elizabeth has most certainly caught my eye, yet I do not wish to raise expectations so soon in our acquaintance.'

'The Bennett twins are quite charming.'

'Her charms extend beyond her form, which is pleasing to behold. It most certainly has drawn my notice, but her wit holds it. She is well read, far over what many women are apt to do. I suspect that your Miss Mary is as well.'

'She is not mine.' Alex retorted.

'Would you wish it?'

'I wish to draw the sparkle from her eyes. I wish to hear her laugh. I would like to challenge her to a game of chess.'

'You sound near besotted.'

'As you are little different. I am as compelled to further the acquaintance as you.'

'Of that, we can agree. We have been pursuant of the parson's mouse trap far too long.'

'The girls very much accomplish our quiet desires for brides, so much as I am aware. Yet it is far too early to show our intentions fully.'

'Of which Richard was also aware. How often was he privy to our laments over the simpering and fawning; the laments of the inanity of many women to the Ton. What if he is manipulating us?'

'What if he is? What if somehow he learned of two stunning ladies, twins as we, who are as intelligent as they are beautiful? What if after the passing of our father, of Aunt Catherine, of Ann, of nearly himself; he wanted to assist us in our seemingly endless pursuit. He is most certainly concealing information, but does it fully matter? If the girls are, as I believe they are, quality, should we not thank him? Should we not hope to include his name as possible choices for future children, rather than attempt to deceive him?'

'You may be correct.'

'May? Perhaps if we are patient for a bit longer, he will give us the answers we seek. He is aware that he has been detected. Let the next move be Richards. Surely he is aware that some explanation is due. Come. I believe we should leave our machinations to the chess board?'

…***...

'I am acting quite the ninny.' Richard chastised himself. Pushing back from the table, he prepared to stand as the door opened.

The reverend caught sight of Richard before his eyes had adjusted. Richard recognized the man in his friend's company, but could not recall him fully. With gestures alone, the reverend bid to share his table. The introduction of Mr. Jenkins to Richard was complete before the men took their seats at the table.

Enjoying the company, but feeling he had little to contribute, Richard listened to the conversation of his friend with the apothecary. It was not long at all before the men spoke as if Richard were not present.

'I cannot take her to the slaughter. I cannot.' Mr. Jenkins said sadly.

'Sir William has proclaimed her a public nuisance. I heard his claims of protest from many. He was explicit in his edict. Either contain her or she shall go over to the butcher. Can you contain her?'

'If a way exists to contain that blasted goat, I do not know it. I am going to sound the sentimental old sot, but my daughter cherished that goat. It was one of the few things that the flood did not rob of me. Lud! I sound the simpleton for getting soppy for a dairy goat!'

Richard , in a spark of thought, he began to tap his finger upon the table in an effort to draw the men's attention. 'Pardon me, but the animal you speak of, is it the goat I have heard about? Named Mischief?'

'It is.'

'The ale may be talking in my stead, but I may have a solution for your dilemma.' Richard offered.

'Go on,' was curious how this unfamiliar man could possibly be of assistance, but he was desperate and willing to entertain his idea.

'You were instructed to remove the goat from the township, correct?' Richard asked.

Mr. Jenkins agreed, 'In not so many words, yes.'

'May I purchase her?'

'What shall you do with her?' Mr Jenkins retorted.

Richard placed a coin upon the table and slid it towards the apothecary. 'Would that now be my matter?'

The reverend attempted to reassure the apothecary with a brief nod of his head.

With a shake of the hands, the deal was struck. Richard's leave of the establishment left two befuddled men in his wake.

…***...

James had been lingering in various places, keeping the public entrance to the Inn at all times. At last, his quarry noticed, he made pace to Richard at a deceptively casual pace. After greeting him with all respect due his betters, James addressed him. 'Your party was the only call upon the house today.'

'Is that so?' Richard asked as an eyebrow arched highly.

'Quite so, Sir.' James said succinctly.

'Understood.' Richard replied. Although he was fully absorbent of the message, the accompanying questions were vast. Yet they would neither be queried or acknowledged.

…***...

Glossary:

Palliate - allay or moderate (fears or suspicions)

Fallen - dead

If she may be so receiving - if she's not deceased

Scant hand - less than 5

Ninny - a foolish person

Concupiscence - high level of lust

Ignominy - public disgrace

Cudgel - a short thick stick used as a weapon

Soppy - overly emotional and sentimental

Inanity - silliness/ stupidity

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