The next morning there was much chatter at the breakfast table. Mr. Collins, not used to the early hours, his Bennet cousins kept was down late the next morning. Again annoyed at another perceived slight of not having waited for their future lord and master before breaking their fast, he barely bit back the sour tone that morning as he curtly nodded to Mr. Bennet. He paused, debating on pressing his suit now or breaking his fast to then press his suit. As he stood in contemplation, her heard the scrape of a j

chair. Looking up, he saw the harlots stand.

"Papa, Mama, we are planning to head to town early to pick up some of the new magazines and books that were expected in yesterday."

"Sounds wonderful my loves. Why don't you take two footmen for protection? And do feel free to stop for tea and cakes. I inform your governess and tutor that you may be late to lessons." Mr. Bennet stood, prepared to kiss each daughter on the cheek.

"If I might be so bold, cousin, before my delightful cousins venture to town. I wish to speak of a matter of great importance, and may I say condescension, to Miss Catherine in private."

"Whatever you wish to say to my daughter, you may say in front of me."

"But cousin, it is the standard practice to allow a newly affianced couple time to speak of such matters in private."

"Who is affianced?"

"Why, your third daughter and myself-"

"Kitty, dearest, has Mr. Collins make you and offer of marriage? And have you accepted?"

"No papa. I have heard of no such offer."

"Well, cousin, I hadn't yet gotten around to speaking to my cousin-"

"And Kitty, do you have any desire to enter into matrimony with Mr. Collins."

"No papa."

"There you have it, cousin. My daughter has refused your offer of marriage. You are not affianced. And I would strongly encourage that you never imply you are affianced."

"But, a marriage to me would be a great balm on this great estate. And it would raise Miss Catherine's status."

"How? My daughter is the daughter of a gentleman. To marry a parson is not an elevation in station. And Catherine, is entirely free to select her husband."

"Surely, you must realize this great match can reunite the two halves of our once broken family. I am extending a very generous olive branch. One that I do not think it would be wise for you to carelessly toss aside."

"Mr. Collins, let me make one thing clear. My daughters have always had the freedom to select the own futures and their own husbands. I may choose to guide them, but I will never force them to marry any man."

"Cousin."

"That is the end of the discussion." Turning back to his daughters. "Be safe my loves and enjoy your time in town."

Mouth agape, Mr. Collins couldn't believe his plans had failed. How could none of them understand the great honour of his hand in marriage. Why Lady Catherine deBourgh was his noble patroness and he was heir of this very estate? Furthermore, how could they continue to waste money so frivolously with two footmen and new books? No wonder the state was so in debt. Lady Catherine was always bemoaning gentry that lived beyond their means and beyond their station. If she were here, she would surely stop this outrageous spending.

Well, Miss Catherine must be ignorant to the great honor of his suit. He would impress upon the family, the sheer generosity of his offer was. Then, he would slowly bring the estate into line. Mr. Collins' father was probably shaking in his grave at the complete failure to attend the natural order. Tonight, tonight he would press upon the Bennets the manifold benefits of his offer.

Note: Sorry for the short chapter. I figured if I posted I would pop the bubble and help get the ball rolling on this again. Also, if anyone would be willing to help with some edits: PM me.