AN: The ultimate love story between the humble Mr. Collins and handsome Jane continues, but before that, I must thank all of the beautiful nymphs who have left their good comments. I thought I was providing the comedy, but many of you have made me laugh! 'Tis encouraging. xoxo jest on you
CHAPTER 2
Mr. Collins arrived to Longbourn so quickly that the perspiration from his exercise was still visible. Jane, ever serene in appearance, inwardly started. Could she hope? Had he read her letter and decided not to spurn her and her family? Suddenly, she was conscious of her appearance. If her posture was not already perfect, she would have done everything to make it so. She was glad that she had worn a pretty gown that day.
"Mr. Collins!" cried Mrs. Bennet. She ordered the servants to attend to his things. "Sir, your presence has been dearly missed, especially by my second eldest daughter. If you will please wait for her to—"
"Madam, I must interrupt you. While I am sensible to the compliment Miss Elizabeth pays me for missing my presence, it is her fair sister I seek," spoke Mr. Collins. He looked at Jane. Mrs. Bennet looked at Mary.
"If you are speaking of my dear Mary, I will say that she has also missed you greatly," Mrs. Bennet said slowly. Mary frowned, but was mostly unconcerned with all that was occurring.
"And I appreciate all of my cousins as well." Mr. Collins's gaze made Jane feel things in her body and heart. "However, I confess it is your eldest daughter whom I have missed most. If I may ask for a private audience with her?"
Mrs. Bennet was so bewildered that she, at first, did not reply. A dilemma battled within her. Mr. Collins wished for a private audience with one of her daughters! One of her daughters, and not some snooty stranger, would succeed her and be the future mistress of Longbourn! But Jane—her dearest, handsomest Jane—was she not meant for the wealthy, agreeable Mr. Bingley? But did not Mr. Bingley turn disagreeable when he left Netherfield Park to court Mr. Darcy's sister? In truth, Mrs. Bennet's instincts told her that her Lizzy was right about Mr. Bingley still loving her Jane and not being involved with Miss Darcy at all. Yet a part of her feared. Past experiences haunted her. One suitor had already left Jane for good at the age of fifteen. What if Mr. Bingley was the same at Jane's age of three-and-twenty? Eight years! It took eight years for Jane to have her heart broken again! If Mrs. Bennet let this opportunity in front of her pass, Jane might be one-and-thirty before another suitor would stumble upon her, and she could not have that! Not to mention, Mr. Collins had been at Lucas Lodge, and who knew what unholy schemes Lady Lucas might have tried to enact! Mrs. Bennet loved Jane dearly, and she supposed that having her be the mistress of Longbourn was not unfavourable . . . She glanced at Jane, who was smiling prettily at Mr. Collins, and decided to secure their family's future and happiness once and for all.
"Indeed you may use this parlour, sir. You are family, and need not act a stranger. Mary, Kitty! Come, we must see to some things with Hill," said Mrs. Bennet, and there was really nothing to do with Mrs. Hill at all.
Jane did not protest their exit. Instead, her smile grew as Mr. Collins approached her, looking at her as if she was the fairest maiden in the world. How tall he was! Her younger sisters might liken him to a toad, but she thought that, if she focused on his height and weight, he was quite handsome. Mr. Bingley was about as tall as Mr. Collins, but she had thought him too slim for her tastes. There was a healthiness which stoutness implied, and she was stout herself—though not as stout as Lydia. Mr. Collins was the stoutest of all, and she had to admit to liking it. Really, Mr. Collins was no plainer than Charlotte Lucas, and Jane had always thought her pretty, never mind the fact that she thought everyone looked pretty and handsome in their own, unique ways. And when Mr. Collins stood so near to her, Jane's heart sprinted as it never had before.