-1Chapter Nine -Obsequious
It just so happens that Billy's recently deseaced father was also a lawyer, and he had worked for de Bourgh & Fitzwilliam, a very popular, well esteemed law firm, that had opened a branch in Melbourne when a Mrs Catherina de Bourgh had moved down here with her daughter, hoping to capitalise on some 'new blood'. The first man to be hired was William Collins the Senior, who was so well liked by her that he had staid on as head of Family Law, for these 10 years past. When his son decided to make the move to follow in his fathers footsteps, Mrs de Bourgh had offered to pay his way through uni. Unfortunately a heart condition had taken his dear father away, and the home he had in the city was sold and it's belongings pack up by the son who could not afford to keep it. He had moved back in with his mother where she lived in the country and finished his course. It was then he applied to Mrs de Bourgh asking if he could perhaps, should she be so kind, as to allow him to do his internship at her firm. She answered with what he saw as an affectionate "If you wish." She then proceeded to tell him, that he needed to find somewhere to stay while working as the intern, preferably somewhere he didn't have to pay his way, and that if he should complete his intership successfully, there may well be a job waiting for him at the other end. He was even told, so kindly, so kindly indeed, that should he one day marry she would allow him to rent one of the rooms in the de Comfort Hotel, another business of the good lady de Bough, of whom Billy spoke with the utmost respect and thought of as his patron. This is what the Bennets, excluding the too kind Jane and the easily awed Mrs Bennet, were forced to endured. Lizzy and Mr Bennet did so with a stoic faces, though inside their minds writhed in indignation at the ignorance and lack of any real personality. Lydia and Cathy looked at each other, not so subtly, and giggled. Mary poked at her vegetarian meal with disinterest, wishing she could finish and just leave already. Jane was staring out the window, disappeared into one of her day dreams, she wasn't being rude, she was just tired.
"Actually, Mrs de Bourgh had advised that I find a woman to love and settle down as soon as possible." Billy looked at the family with his chest puffed out, "She had taken a considerable interest in my life. She advises me and provides me with wonderful opportunities. Infact she has invited me to dine with her and her daughter twice!"
"She has a daughter?" Mrs Bennet leaned forward eagerly. Any gossip was good gossip, especially if it elevated her families standing in society. It didn't matter she had never and most likely would never see this woman in her life, it didn't matter that it was her husband's fathers cousin's grandson(1) who was the one linked to this well establish woman.
"Yes, her name is Anne. Beautiful girl, wonderfully polite but ill. Very ill. Poor child, she would be such an asset to society if she were not so sick. I've told Mrs de Bourgh, how the boys would be all over her if she were to socialise more often and perhaps it's a good thing so that she does not have any persistent men follow her when she gets married." Billy sighed, seemingly in regret that the world would miss the beauty of Anne de Bourgh. Lizzy and her father looked at each other with raised brows, a silent 'is he serious?' passing between them.
It could be said that dinner passed without incident, if you, like Lizzy, would not say that the fact that Ms de Bourgh felt that all women with grey hairs ought to dye their hair, it stopped a woman looking too old and kept her peers respecting her. Lizzy just smiled at Billy and muttered, 'I think a few greys add an air of sophistication,', and left the room.
After dinner that night the family gathered in the living room. Lizzy was disconcerted to find that Billy had chosen to settle on the opposite end of the window seat, and infact, was staring at her. She smiled uncomfortably and curled into the smallest ball possible to read her history book. Bill continued to stare at her even as she lost herself in definitions and terms. "Cousin, Elizabeth." she frowned, she detested being called Elizabeth, pretending not to hear him and got a look from her mother.
"Yes, William." She didn't look up or stop reading, assuming that he would prattle on long enough for her to continue her work with only the occasional grunt of assent.
"Call me Billy, we're family!" he patted her knee, Lizzy grimaced hoping he hadn't left grease traces. "Is that an Australian history book you are reading? Ms de Bourgh says that understanding the history of ones home is of the utmost importance. I believe she would think quite highly of you Lizzy. Despite your unruly looks, which I think some real disciplined female guidance could fix, you are quite an elegant, pretty girl."
Lizzy looked up then, with a look that her whole family knew. It was a look that even Fitzwilliam Darcy knew meant trouble for the recipient. However William Collins Jr. was not observant, nor was he much of a thinker, in his mind, excepting of course the illustrious Ms de Bourgh, no woman would ever think him lacking, equal him in skill, wit or intelligence, and he simply could not have seen this coming.
"Oh really?" lizzy smiled pure venom dripping from her words, "I'm sure I should be flattered ,that this woman that you hold in such esteem, would possibly find someone as reckless, wild and unintelligent as me, genteel. However I cannot imagine I would care one way or the other if such a condescending woman cares for me or not." Lizzy slammed her book shut and left the room, a worried Jane hurrying out behind her. Mrs Bennet began to mutter apologies but Billy just shrugged them off. Indeed he was not insulted by what she had said, she was right, she was a silly impulsive young woman, who did not understand the importance and magnificence of his patron, but he was sure she had misconstrued his comment and, as flighty woman are wont to do, taken offence. To tell the truth, Lizzy's reaction made Billy immensely more curious about her. In his mind she was rather a pretty thing, though his taste fell more towards the likes of Jane, tall, slim as a reed. She was confident, and seemed quite capable, infact 'cousin' Elizabeth seemed quite possibly the perfect wife for him, and would be an excellent companion for Ms de Bourgh, who was always saying she wished for a young woman with a bit of personality to spend the day with her, since her own daughter was so often confined to her room. She had expressly told him to marry, find a girl of education, youth and some beauty and settle down quickly. And William Collins was anything if not obsequious. Yes, he thought, Elizabeth would do very nicely.
(1) no particular reason to notate it, just thought ya'll might like to work THAT one out.