Cruelty and Kindness
William Collins and his dear mother ran away from the abusive Jed Collins when William was only ten. Now he is three and twenty, an educated man and the rector of Kympton. Despite his best efforts, he has never forgotten either the cruelty nor the kindness he met on his first visit to Longbourn.
Longbourn, 1798
"A Mrs. Collins wishes to speak with you, Mrs. Bennet," Mrs. Hill announced. Mrs. Hill did not mention that she knew Mrs. Collins, the former Miss Ellen Bennet. The surname "Collins" was the stuff of nightmares in the mind of the current mistress.
"WHAT!? NO! IT CANNOT BE! IS SHE HERE TO STEAL MY HOME AND SEND ME INTO THE HEDGEROWS!?"
"No, Mrs. Bennet... I am sure that is not the case..." Hill tried to calm the high-strung woman, "She looks... very tired and frightened."
"I do not care! I know all about those wily Collins and their schemes! Send her away right now!"
"Mrs. Bennet, I..." Hill tried to find some way to reason with the lady.
"No! I shall do so myself!" Before Hill could intervene, Mrs. Bennet had stepped into the hall, grabbed the broom that Hill kept in a closet there, and rushed to the front door. Fanny Bennet was even more angry when she saw that the woman was accompanied by a gangly son of about ten. Her own efforts to give her husband a son had failed miserably, which meant that this horrible woman must be bringing her son to claim his inheritance. "No! No! NO! I am the Mistress of Longbourn and you shall not displace me! Neither you or your vile offspring will ever set foot in this house while my husband lives!"
Before the careworn woman and the frightened child could make any sort of reply, Mrs. Bennet started swinging at them with her broom. Thankfully for one and all her high dudgeon and sudden physical activity overset her and she had to be helped into the house and up into her room, where she promptly passed out in her bed.
Hill only waited until she was certain that Fanny was asleep before rushing down to help that poor woman and child.
Jane, Lizzy, and Mary, ages nine, seven, and five were only just returning from the apple orchard when they found a very distressed looking mother and child sitting on the side of the road. Jane and Elizabeth were holding a full basket between them, carrying their spoils home in the hopes that Cook might be willing to make pies or tarts.
Unlike their mother, who lived in fear, the three little girls had kind hearts and gentle spirits. They immediately went to the skinny, exhausted pair to see if they could help.
Jane was the eldest, but somewhat shy, so Lizzy asked the first question, "Are you unwell? Do you require a doctor? We only have an apothecary nearby, but Mr. Jones is a learned man and he can cure most things."
Jane was focused on the mother, but little Mary saw the hungry, desperate look on the boy's face when he looked at the basket. The generous little creature picked out the biggest apple that her little hands could hold and she gingerly presented it to him with a smile. Elizabeth and Jane noticed and immediately, almost in unison, said, "Oh! Would you like some apples?" The sisters grinned at each other for their unison. The mother seemed hesitant even as her son took his first huge bite.
Sensing the older woman's reluctance, Jane followed Mary's example and picked the most beautiful apple to offer to the lady. The tears of gratitude in the woman's face warmed the girls' hearts. Mary, seeing that the boy had finished the first apple, chose a second for him. After handing it to him, she took a smaller one for herself and easily plopped down next to him to enjoy her meal.
Jane handled the introductions at that point. Lizzy noticed a momentary look of fear on the woman's face when the name "Bennet" was said, but it quickly vanished and she forgot it. Lizzy sat down and began an almost one-sided conversation with the mother and son. Jane remained standing, not wishing her mother to scold her for dirtying her dress. Mama's shrill voice was almost painful when she was angry. Besides, Mama would blame everything on Lizzy and Jane did not want that either.
They remained as they were and kept feeding the pair apples until Mrs. Hill suddenly hurried around the corner from Longbourn. She looked enormously relieved when she saw that the mother and son were being taken care of by the kind Bennet daughters. "Mrs. Collins, I am so sorry for what happened, but please don't hurry away just yet? Girls, thank you for your kindness to these good people, but you should hurry the rest of those apples to the kitchen now if you want Cook to have time to make a dessert. Bless you, my dear, sweet girls. Oh... and please do not mention any of this to your mother when she awakes and comes downstairs."
As soon as the three girls said their goodbyes and vanished around the bend, Mrs. Hill said, "I am so sorry, Mrs. Collins. My mistress is high-strung and very frightened of the entail, so she would not see reason. Could you please tell me how you found yourself in this situation?"
Ellen Collins remembered Susan Hill from her girlhood days at Longbourn. She had always been the one to fix Ellen's hair and see to her dresses. Then Ellen had foolishly allowed Jed Collins to talk her into an elopement and all was lost. Her family disowned her, her mother had a heart attack, and her father placed an entail on the estate to prevent Collins from ever becoming the master. Jed had been sweet and charming when she met him, but when his scheme to gain Longbourn failed, he became mean and abusive.
A month ago the man had beat both his wife and child terribly before falling into a drunken stupor. Ellen could not take seeing her child beaten, so as soon as the man was passed out, they fled. She had been saving for just such an eventuality, but in a month of running those funds had been severely depleted. Longbourn had been inherited by her cousin, so she hoped that he might help. Being chased off of her childhood home was almost the last straw for an already exhausted soul.
Then those three beautiful little girls, her own cousin's daughters, had shown her and William such kindness. She wanted to scold her son for eating five apples, but she could not. And the girls seemed unconcerned as they kept pressing apples on her as well.
Now Susan Hill was there acting so solicitous as Ellen told her tale. The woman even shed a tear for them! Then the housekeeper composed herself and said, "As I noted earlier, Mrs. Bennet took to her bed and is unlikely to rise before dinner. Mr. Bennet is seeing to business matters in London and will not be back for two days at best.
"Longbourn Village still exists, though most of the people have removed to Meryton. The only people who live there now are Longbourn servants and they will obey me. There are two empty cabins which are serviceable. Please stay for one night at least. I will see to it that a hot stew and bread is delivered to you. Then tomorrow we can see what can be done to get you someplace safe, warm, and reliable."
William felt hope for the first time in many days even as he watched his poor mother collapsing in tears against the sturdy woman's shoulder. He had seen both cruelty and kindness aplenty, three of the most pointed examples on this very day. He would remember both.
On the road toward Meryton, 1811
The Vicar of Kympton stepped off the Post carriage in St. Albans, exchanging polite farewells with the other passengers. He had been a polite and friendly passenger, but he had no doubt that they were all pleased to see him depart. After all he was an inch over six feet and the coach was very full. It only took him a few minutes to arrange the lease of a horse and cart, so after a brief and pleasant luncheon he was on the road again toward Meryton and Longbourn.
Thirteen years. It had been thirteen years since he and his mother had fled from his father. That first month was a nightmare of running and hiding, always certain that the terrible man would find them soon. By the time that they reached Longbourn they had not eaten for almost two days.
Then that horrible woman had chased them off the property with a broom, like they were nothing but criminals! His mother had counseled him many times to forgive and forget, but it was a struggle. Bishop Simmons, his mentor, had counseled the same, but while Collins forgave, he could not forget. Then there was the kindness shown by the three angels. To this day in his mind he still remembered the three beautiful little girls with a halo of light surrounding each. They had been so kind and so generous after a month of angst and fear.
And finally there was the lovely Mrs. Hill... oh, she wasn't lovely in a pretty way. She was somewhat homely in fact. But she had kept them hidden and fed for a week full while they recovered their strength. Then she had somehow arranged for work for his mother in a shop far to the north, in a village named Lambton, where his father would never find them.
The elder Mr. Collins was dead now. The report which came to them was that he took a drunken stumble into a ditch and drowned. William, remembering how much his father liked to fight and argue when he was drunk, suspected that there was more to the story, but he could not make himself care.
Much worse, William's beloved mother passed away two years ago, before she was able to see her son elevated to the position of Vicar. More than anything, he had hoped to install her in his comfortable parsonage and see to her care after all that she had done for him.
There were a lot of kind people in the last thirteen years which led to William Collins becoming vicar at only three and twenty. His mother was first. She was intelligent and well educated. From his earliest years she had borrowed books from friends so that she could read to him and teach him his letters. She also taught him his figures and spoke with him about many things. When a dear friend gifted her with a bible, it became her most precious possession and they read together whenever the elder Mr. Collins was not present. He was illiterate and intolerant of any attempts at education. The Bible, the other books, and William's lessons had to be kept a secret.
Then there was Mrs. Hill and the Gardiners. William did not learn until much later that Mr. Gardiner was actually that horrible woman's brother. The Longbourn housekeeper had sent a letter asking for help for the Collins. Mrs. Gardiner, a new bride, had known of a need in her father's store far to the north. So matters were arranged and the kindly Mr. Gardiner provided transportation with is own carriage. Since then William had spoken with them and visited many times, all without the sister ever knowing.
Then there was the Vicar of Lambton, who was now Bishop Simmons. He recognized Mrs. Collins' effort to teach her son and he saw William's intelligence. Even though they did not have money for school, Simmons appointed himself as William's teacher and mentor. The man was very highly educated, so by the time that William was old enough for seminary he stayed at the very top of his class.
Finally, there was the kindness of the Darcys. The elder Mr. Darcy contributed from his own pocket for William to attend seminary. William later learned that the man had been greatly disappointed in his godson, but that still did not require the man to extend such kindness to a veritable stranger. There was a report that the elder Mr. Darcy caught his godson importuning a frightened young maid. That young man had been enlisted into the Army and sent far away after that event.
The younger Mr. Darcy, when his father suddenly passed, not only continued the education stipend, but he also appointed William as the assistant and curate for the Vicar of Kympton after William completed seminary. Then, when the Vicar passed unexpectedly, young Mr. Darcy had judged him worthy to take up the position.
So many kindnesses. I must remember those and forget the cruelties.
Longbourn, November 1811
Time had made no improvement to Mrs. Fanny Bennet. She lived in fear of poverty and expulsion from her home. She still remembered her pleasure when the old Mr. Bennet died and her husband took over instead of the man's own daughter and her husband. It had been a glorious day for Fanny, the daughter of a local solicitor. She was the Mistress of Longbourn and she intended to have many sons to insure her supremacy.
Instead there had been one girl-child after another until, with the last, she was told that she could bear no more. Fanny had never been a terribly rational creature, but it was at that point that something snapped inside of her. She lived in fear of losing everything.
At one point she had a nightmare where Mrs. Collins and her son appeared at her doorstep to take Longbourn back. In her nightmare she drove them off with a broom, but they remained nearby just waiting to displace her! She was certain of it! From that first nightmare many more followed until she became desperate to marry her daughters off to rich men to secure her own future.
She almost danced a jig when she learned that the elder Mr. Collins died ignominiously, but her husband assured her that the younger Collins was alive and well... though she had to wonder how he knew such a thing for certain. She decided that he was just a cruel man who love to make a joke of her fears as usual.
But Mr. Bennet had been proven right. The young Mr. Collins was set to visit on this very day and to remain for at least two weeks! Here they were all standing outside to greet the usurper as if he was a nobleman! Fanny wanted to run and hide or snatch up a broom just like in her dreams!
Precisely at four, as specified in her letter, a tall young man dressed in churchman's garb drove a cart and horse up the drive of Longbourn. Mr. Bennet greeted him kindly and the tall man returned his greeting just as politely. Mrs. Bennet somehow ground out her own greeting and then her traitorous elder three daughters greeted him with smiles. The younger two whispered to each other and giggled. He was not the handsomest of men, to be sure, and he was just a little disproportional.
William was somewhat breathless at meeting the eldest three Bennet girls. Even in his memories he had not remembered them to be so stunning! The eldest was almost ethereal, the second was more earthy, but just as intimidatingly beautiful, but the third was the child he remembered most. She was Mary, the dear sweet child who kept feeding him apples on that fateful day. Then she was a mere toddler, now she was a beautiful and desirable woman. The first two were heaven and earth. Mary was home. Almost from the first moment he saw her he could see her gracing the rooms of his Kympton parsonage with her sweet presence.
Mary remembered nothing of that earlier time but she did feel an immediate draw towards this handsome man. She had never reacted to any man in the way she did to him. It was as exhilarating as it was frightening.
The rest of the day was somewhat of a blur, but William and Mary managed to stay close to each other. The one exception was the hour that William spent comfortably ensconced in Mr. Bennet's study, a room full of books and gentlemanly conversation. The two men talked and found each other worthy, though William judged the current master to be somewhat indolent. Still, they created a connection which would endure and would allow them to correspond over time. Since William knew nothing about land management, that connection seemed very important.
Jane and Elizabeth remembered that day and the poor hungry boy who ate the apples like it was his last meal. They were both pleased to see him hale and hearty, though they did regret the news about his mother. They had also both noticed the instant attraction between William and Mary, so they resolved to do all that they could to allow the pair to explore their interest without their mother's interference. They each had already lost potential suitors due to her "help."
They were amazed to discover that Mr. Darcy was William's patron, and more so to hear nothing but good reports about the man. William paid a visit to Mr. Darcy which opened the door for more visits between the two manors. He quickly learned about the undeclared courtship between Mr. Bingley and his cousin Jane. William's early life had taught him to be observant, so he also did not miss the chemistry between his patron and his cousin Elizabeth.
So while Jane and Elizabeth were running interference for William and Mary so that they could get to know each other, William was subtly kept Darcy and Elizabeth paired as chaperons for the other two couples. It was William's gentle prodding which led Darcy to apologize for his earlier behaviors and to ask forgiveness. Darcy tried to remain resolved to quit the area unattached, but each time Elizabeth graced him with a smile, his determination faltered a little more.
When asked, Mr. Darcy gave permission for Mr. Collins to extend his two week vacation so that he could pursue a match with his dear Mary. By then even Mrs. Bennet could see the writing on the wall, so she actually relaxed and promoted the extension.
The Netherfield Ball on November 26th became a historical moment for the Bennet family because three daughters became engaged that night. William had planned to wait, but after his first dance with Mary he could wait no longer. Mary was overjoyed to agree. She thought him the dearest and best man she had ever met and was ecstatic to become a vicar's wife.
Charles Bingley had planned to propose that night. He was tired of his sisters' constant criticisms and finally determined to be his own man about this and about all things. He would not lose the most precious angel from heaven for the sake of peace with his troublesome sisters. Jane, for her part, would have been reluctant if Charles had not promised that those same sisters would no longer linger at Netherfield. She was abundantly tolerant and peace-loving, but even she could only take so much.
Mr. Darcy had convinced himself that he would depart the very next day... right up until the moment that he saw Elizabeth stepping out of her family carriage looking so beautiful and desirable in her dress of light and dark greens. Then he knew, before he ever went downstairs to share that first set with her. I cannot let her go! I can barely endure the idea of any other man dancing with her! I will not leave without her! Dear Lord, I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with that delightful creature!
Elizabeth had found herself thinking of nothing but Mr. Darcy since that apology, so when she saw his handsome face and manly figure coming down the stairs, she was lost. She remembered dancing with him and she always tried to remember the words of his proposal, but all that she was certain of was her joyous response!
Whether she deserved the honor or not, Mrs. Bennet could boast of the only triple-wedding that Meryton had ever seen. All three grooms looked wonderfully handsome, though all three brides might argue over which was the most handsome. The same could definitely be said of the grooms, who only saw their own brides coming down the aisle.
William and Mary were the first to take up residence in their home. The other two couples each took wedding trips, but William had missed too many Sundays to do the same. Mary was quite content to go directly to Kympton and begin her new life with her wonderful husband. Mary could still not remember the setting with the apples, but William assured her often that she was then as she was to him now: the sweetest, dearest, and kindest girl in the world. His return gift to her was that she was always made to feel cherished and loved by this dear man.
The three couples always remained close. This was even more true when Netherfield was closed up and the Bingleys purchased an estate not fifteen miles from Kympton and Pemberley. Though the Collins were the poorest of the three, they were never made to feel such. In fact, Mr. Darcy began including William in all of his lessons to Charles concerning estate management.
It was another two decades before the Collins removed from Kympton to assume the ownership and management of Longbourn with their three sons and two daughters. William was always thankful that Mr. Bennet had outlived his wife... not due to any lingering bitterness, but so that William's dear Mary would not have to wrestle control of the house from her mother.
Due to the comprehensive lessons from Mr. Darcy, William Collins turned Longbourn into a truly profitable estate, adding outlying farms from other estates as he continued on. By the time that their eldest son took the reins, it was an estate that the young man could be very proud of. A large portion of it was used to grow truly delicious apples.
Mary preceded her husband in death by only six months. Though he was still healthy in the eyes of most, he withered quickly without his beloved by his side. In his final moments he died with a smile on his face. His children would always believe that their mother and grandmother had come from heaven together to collect him.
AN: I wanted to extend a thank you to BrillianLady for noting the typos in my last story. I was not able to look at a screen for a few days so that is why I did not respond sooner.