Author's Note: I wanted to address some concerns regarding this story before this chapter, this version of this story is darker than the original. One of the main critiques that I received years ago was that the early chapters of their marriage were glossed over. In the original draft, Elizabeth only mentioned abuse much later and the only violence seen was one instance that will occur in perhaps 15 chapters…If you know, you know. There was a reason for that as at the time, I didn't really want to/know how to write an abusive relationship, but as I was editing, I knew that I had to. In order for character growth to occur, if we want that pay-off, we have to have the bad. I will be including trigger warnings in chapters that will depict this, though I will not be writing explicit content.

But I will make sure that those who wish for it, will have those warnings clearly defined. For those desperately wanting me to kill off characters, everyone will either have their due justice or be on their knees in guilt, so don't you worry. Some of these reviews had me laughing very hard, so thank you Malous66 that was perhaps a perfect balance of poetry and the ridiculous! But, seriously, if you need to fill your anti-depressants, do so now. This story brings emotional whiplash for sure. And as for Darcy, calm down…we are three chapters in and she has not even met the man. He will show up when the time is right…maybe 8 chapters or so ;)

Additionally, this chapter, like many of the early chapters will, discusses r*pe, physical, and verbal abuse, the section is clearly defined for those wishing to skip that.

Trust and Tribulations

Sunlight crept through the darkened curtains, despite the overcast skies of the early December day. Elizabeth Bennet-no-Collins. Elizabeth Collins awoke and the first feeling was pain. Pain on her arms, legs, and another place where memories of the previous night explained away such pain. She grimaced. She moved to get out of bed and began to dress. She would have preferred to ask for a bath but was unable to at the time. Her husband informed her that she would receive a bath later this evening, but not before.

After her husband's attentions last night, she snuck away into her own room to sleep. She was grateful to have awoken alone without her husband beside her. She was in his presence for much of the day yesterday and needed a reprieve from him. Elizabeth selected the nicest of her day gowns and began to change when she noticed marks upon her person from where her husband applied far too much pressure to her arms the previous evening. The gown she intended to wear would not be acceptable to wear as the arms were shorter in length, regardless, she did not wish for anyone to see her this way. She selected a long sleeve dress that was perhaps a year old and in good enough condition to meet Lady Catherine and was satisfied as she moved to her vanity to see to her hair.

The bruise from the slap she received had darkened. One of the few luxuries she afforded with her previous pin money was a powder for special occasions. She looked through her things until she found it and applied it sparingly, for she did not know how often she might require it and was certain she would be unable to afford such luxuries in the future. After her coiffure was complete and she was satisfied with her appearance she made her way below stairs and joined her husband in the dining room.

"Good morning Elizabeth! You are looking well this morning, but do you perhaps have a nicer dress to wear to meet Lady Catherine de Bourgh?"

"I am feeling rather chilled this morning and would rather my arms be covered for the duration of the day. I am afraid this is my nicest gown with long sleeves. I should hate to catch a cold and pass it on to her Ladyship and Miss de Bourgh."

"We shan't have that I am afraid. Miss de Bourgh, you are aware is of a sickly constitution and we cannot allow her to become exposed to more ailments. I suppose you must wear this dress, even if it is rather plain."

Satisfied with her small victory, Elizabeth thought that in time, she might be able to handle Mr. Collins. Shortly after breaking their fast, the couple departed the parsonage. For the first time since arriving last night, Elizabeth could see the new place in which she called home. Despite the grounds of Rosings not possessing the beauty that she grew accustomed to in Hertfordshire, she knew that she would grow to appreciate the beauties of Kent.

Elizabeth looked around at all which surrounded her while she ignored her husband as he was going on about windows. The gardens, while manicured, were beautiful and well-maintained. She was certain she would spend much time here in the future, should she be given that privilege. The building was a solid stone structure and by no means lacking in windows. But despite its beauty, the house itself did not appear welcoming from the exterior.

When they entered the house, that same uneasiness continued as they were shown into the drawing room. The over-embellished room possessed gold on nearly every surface accompanied by accents in the most garish of colors. The great lady was sitting in what Elizabeth would later learn was her favorite chair with her daughter, who was several years older than Elizabeth to Lady Catherine's right. Mr. Collins performed the necessary introductions.

"Your father's estate is entailed on Mr. Collins, I understand."

"It is your Ladyship."

"It was a wise decision to marry your cousin, it is far better to keep estates in their respective families. After all, that is why my daughter is engaged to be married to her cousin. Do you play the pianoforte, Mrs. Collins?"

"I do, but poorly your Ladyship."

"No improvement may take place without constant practice. Though you have no instrument of your own, you may practice upon the instrument in Mrs. Jenkinson's room." She turned to Mr. Collins, "she would be in nobody's way in that part of the house."

"I thank you, your Ladyship."

The interrogation of her person continued in this manner for some time. Elizabeth's figure, education, and dress were all critiqued, and after a half-hour of questioning, Elizabeth felt fatigued. When Lady Catherine had something specific to discuss with Mr. Collins, Elizabeth spoke to Miss de Bourgh who had remained silent for the entire visit.

"I must congratulate you on your engagement Miss de Bourgh. Would you tell me of your betrothed?"

"Mrs. Collins, I am not really engaged. My mother wishes it so, but neither my cousin, nor I wish for such a union. Our affections for one another are just those of cousins and nothing more. Our temperaments you see are far too similar to form a union of love and I am far too sickly to bear him heirs."

"I must apologize, I had no knowledge of this, her Ladyship seemed so certain of the union, I hope I did not offend you."

"You did not offend me Mrs. Collins, but I must ask, why did you marry your cousin? I have spent many months in company with the gentleman and you seem to be of a different sort. You must forgive my intrusive nature, I have very few friends."

"You are quite alright Miss de Bourgh, I have four sisters and have very few secrets because of it. You are right, my husband and I are not compatible, but I had no choice in our union. I will not reach my majority until September. My father forced the union and now here I am, though I am determined to make the best of it. You mentioned you have few friends, but should you wish for one more, I would be happy to be counted as another. I have always been easy in company and am not suited for isolation."

"I would appreciate that Mrs. Collins. But I am grieved that you were forced to accept a man that you did not wish to."

"It is the way of the world Miss de Bourgh. You are very fortunate that your estate remains in your possession. Displacements from entailments are not pleasant as I understand."

"Mrs. Collins, may I visit you at the parsonage in a few days' time? I am offered few outdoor excursions, but on occasion drive my own phaeton and would be grateful to see you outside of my mother's drawing room."

"It would be my pleasure Miss de Bourgh. Shall we say, Friday?"

"I will happily arrive at tea time."

When Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine concluded their discussion, the Collinses departed and made their way toward the parsonage.

"You did very well today my dear. You should do well to take Lady Catherine's advice on all matters, for I shall be seriously displeased if you do not."

"I will certainly strive to follow her orders to the best of my abilities, sir."

"Good, now I must be off to visit with several parishioners before returning to tend to the garden. You should have enough time to speak with cook before I return. Do you have any questions?"

"None."

"Very well," he said, kissing her cheek. "I shall return before luncheon."

Elizabeth was glad to see her husband go, after all, he was the reason her dress sleeves came to her wrists and powder was applied to her face to conceal his actions upon her person. The less time she would spend with Mr. Collins, the better. Much later, she would question why her husband would have a need to tend the garden in December of all times, but her desire to be away from his company was greater than her curiosity.

Elizabeth found her way to the kitchen with the help of their maid of all work Polly. She introduced herself to Mrs. Figgs and the pair soon began discussing meals and the running of the house. It seemed Lady Catherine's condescension ventured even into the kitchens. Knowing her husband would be displeased should she change any processes in place by her Ladyship, Elizabeth kept the archaic practices in place. But there was another matter Elizabeth wished to speak to both Mrs. Figgs and Polly about, and she called the maid back in.

"Are you both enjoying your positions?"

"Of course ma'am." They replied.

"And there is nothing keeping either of you from performing your tasks as needed?" The women looked at each other with scared looks on their faces. Elizabeth recognized the same dark look in her eye, that same fear she also saw in her own reflection this morning when contemplating the events of the previous day. This child did not deserve whatever had befallen her and Elizabeth would do anything to help her.

"You may speak freely, you have nothing to fear from me. Is it regarding my husband?"

*Discussion of r*pe and physical abuse begins here*

Polly did not respond but faintly nodded as tears began to fall from her eyes. Her hands began to shake and her eyes were cast downward, avoiding contact with all else. The guilt she felt, of which Elizabeth was certain she had no reason to be, was clearly preventing her from being forthright in her explanation.

"Mrs. Collins, I am afraid to speak for I know that my position is a fortunate one, but if Lady Catherine finds out, I will certainly be thrown out."

"Polly, I do not know what has happened. I cannot help until you tell me what has occurred. I cannot promise much at the moment, but I will do all that I can to listen and help you."

"Mr. Collins has a temper ma'am." The young girl shook in her seat.

"I know Polly. Has he raised a hand to you?" Nothing but concern for Polly was heard in Elizabeth's voice.

Polly nodded once more and moved to fold her arms across her chest in a protective position, her hands still shaking.

"Has he touched you in other places?"

The girl began to cry in earnest. Elizabeth opened her arms to the girl who could not be much older than Lydia. Polly, despite knowing not to welcome such affection from an employer sought comfort in the arms of her new mistress just this once.

"Polly, I need you to be very honest with me. How many times has Mr. Collins violated you?"

"In the last month alone before he left for Hertfordshire, six. Please, don't let me go, Mrs. Collins, I have no other family. My father died when I was nine and my mother died in childbirth. I have nobody else. I will not be able to get another position."

"Is there a possibility you could be with child?" Elizabeth asked.

"No, my courses just finished." Elizabeth released a held breath.

"Polly, I promise you this, I will do all that I can for you, for as long as I am able. I will require you to do your work, his actions towards you do not excuse you from your tasks, but you need to tell me when these events occur. I believe that now that I am here, I will bear the brunt of his desires and displeasures. But I promise to look after you both. Your positions are as secure as they were before. I will not release you from service, but my husband still holds the power over this house."

Polly's tears had slowed and she looked into her mistress' eyes with gratitude, "Thank you, Mrs. Collins, thank you. And I promise to tell you when Mr. Collins touches me."

"Thank you for telling me this today. Now, I assume my husband will return to the parsonage soon, I need you to both return to work as we do not wish to encourage his ire. But before you do, what are the supply of salves and the like for severe bruising?"

"We have some, but given the master's tendencies, it will not be enough for you to be seen, Mrs. Collins."

"As it is December I can wear long sleeves and I have a powder I can apply to my face, but you ladies cannot accomplish your tasks if you are in pain from his attacks."

"A cloth with cold water does enough for us ma'am." Mrs. Figgs replied.

"I wish for you to come to me should either of you require such attention. If I find out you hid it from me as it worsens, I shall be upset. I wish to make this situation better for us all. Now, both of you have work to be done. You are excused."

"Yes Ma'am" the ladies responded as they returned to their duties with greater optimism than either had known since coming to the parsonage.

*End of discussion, safe from here*

Elizabeth made her way to the drawing room and began composing a letter to Jane to inform the family that she arrived safely to Hunsford and accounting for the events of the morning, leaving out the discussion with her employees and her attacks from Mr. Collins.

She had just begun to write when Mr. Collins arrived from visiting the village tired, and slightly disheveled from the walk.

"How was your discussion with Mrs. Figgs, Elizabeth?"

"It was productive and informative. Meals are planned and Mrs. Figgs and I discussed the shops we order from and the manner in which the house is run."

"Did she or Polly give you any trouble?" He asked with a raised brow.

"None whatsoever."

"Very good, now that the unpleasant business is out of the way, I shall spend some time tending to the garden before writing my upcoming sermon.

As he moved to depart he spoke once more, "Be sure to bring me that letter before you seal it."

"Very well, sir," Elizabeth spoke deflated that even when conversing with her sister, she would not be free from voicing her true thoughts. As she read what she had put to paper, she realized her husband would not allow it, and threw it into the fire before beginning again.