AN: Thank you to all those who commented about the Linley/Linly/Langley mistake. I rushed to get the last chapter out and completely missed the mistake. Many apologies for making the story more difficult to understand than it already is, with so many subplot lines weaved through it. I've made the changes and reposted the last chapter. Unfortunately, I write as the mood and time strikes. Hopefully, this means a chapter a fortnight. At least that's the aim, reality might prove a little different.
This chapter will jump around a little between Longbourn and Netherfield as the Dowager Countess, Pembroke's and Darcy's are ready to leave for London. Hopefully, I'll have a beta reader for the rest of the story, and maybe they will go back and help with the initial chapters. Thank you to those who offered.
Longbourn:
"Mr Collins," Mr Bennet approached the man, standing on the stoop. "Walk with me."
Sweeping a hand towards the garden beyond the drive, the clergyman looked rather shocked. He expected a room, time to remove the dust from his clothing and then parch his thirst before sitting down with the master. Glancing at the door, it seemed Bennet's cousin either declined or did not take his meaning.
"My esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh," Collins blustered, taking in a long breath as if to start a Soliloquy, "would be ashamed of such a welcome…."
"Her Ladyship does not inhabit Longbourn, and has no right to dictate my actions," Octavius stated in a tone indicating the subject to be at an end. "I do, so you will listen to me and listen very carefully." Under his breath, Bennet added, "I have had enough of being told what to do in my own home."
Eying the rector, Collins seemed to think on this new idea. Mr Bennet saw the moment he came to a decision, as the younger man nodded ever so slightly and remained blessedly silent. Signing, Octavius once again looked at the facade of Longbourn and did not much like what he observed.
"I had hoped to conduct this conversation without the servants overhearing," Bennet indicated the front door without taking a step towards it, "but as you cannot follow my instruction in MY home, I shall oblige you. It matters little in any case, as my wife and younger daughters have taken the carriage and begun spreading the news to any who have ears."
"Let me be very succinct, the entail is broken, Mr Collin's," Octavius allowed one eyebrow to rise, his face set in a determined mien. "Mr Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourgh's nephew, is staying but three miles hence at Netherfield Park. About an hour ago, the young man visited with Mr Forayer and delivered the documents which give me ownership of Longbourn. It seems you are not my cousin, by either birth or marriage and this fact, when presented to the court, allowed the entail to be completed a generation early."
The spluttering started the moment Mr Bennet mentioned Mr Darcy. He did not know if the rather ridiculous man appreciated the essentials communicated thereafter. Octavius rather thought he did not. Mr Collins, on first inspection, much as his previous letters, presented as an oddity with very little in the way of wit or humour. Over the next hours, he would prove the point beyond doubt.
"Papa," Mary appeared at the door, drawn by the commotion. After her mother and younger sisters heard of the bequest from Lady Elizabeth, there had been half an hour's pandemonium while awaiting the carriage. It had not taken the middle Bennet daughter long to understand the consequences and step into the breach left by the behaviour of her entire family. I begin to understand why Jane and especially Elizabeth thought to instruct me these last few years. They were teaching me how to run an estate. I have not listened as well as I aught, but that does not mean I did not hear their words. As soon as I am able, I shall write and send a servant to Netherfield, enquiring if I may correspond.
Hill had gone to the only lady in the house in hope of instruction when the Parson appeared. Several maids stood behind the housekeeper, eager to see the outcome of the last hours uproar. Mr Terry continued watching the unfolding spectacle, chewing on a lump of tobacco and taking in every word. Happily forgotten, he would be able to divert his wife tonight and she the townsfolk on the morrow. Mrs Bennet may spread word through the gentry, his wife would have the pleasure of regaling the working class.
Rolling his eyes, Mr Octavius Bennet had not been able to stop the performance playing out on Longbourn's forecourt. The verbally incontinent paster's wails increased in volume as Octavius tried to explain, at some length, the ramifications of breaking the entail. A mixture of servility and self-importance, Collins chose not to believe the truth, imagining an application to his Noble Patroness would solve the issue.
"Should we not offer Mr Collins hospitality?" Mary asked, looking between the gentlemen and bringing everyone back to the issue at hand.
"I suppose we should," Octavius's shoulders slumped. Bennet knew it to be the right thing to do, even if he did not want the rector in his house.
"Mrs Hill," Mary turned to the housekeeper, "please have Mr Collins's trunk taken up. Mr Terry?" She turned and addressed the driver.
"Yes, Ma'am," he tipped his hat, wondering what had come over this house, and more particularly, Miss Mary.
"You may return to escort out guest to the posting inn tomorrow," Mary glanced at Collins. Appearing to make an internal decision, she offered, "shall we say noon. Please reserve a seat on the two O'clock to London. Papa please settle with Mr Terry so all may be in place for the morrow. Mr Collins, you can make you own way from London to Hunsford. Mrs Hill?"
Silently agreeing, Terry knew he would get little more entertainment from the Bennet's. Mrs Hill shoved one of the maids in the direction of the kitchen with a wave and nod, indicating she should organise Mr Collins trunk to go upstairs. The housekeeper moved forward, toward Miss Mary who seemed to take the Mistresses role rather better than the head servant every anticipated.
"Miss Bennet," Hill responded. Astoundingly, the events of the last hours finally coalesced. Mary now held that title with Jane married and Elizabeth taking Lady Elizabeth's surname.
"Please serve tea in a quarter hour," Mary dismissed the servant, before turning her attention to her cousin-not-cousin. "Mr Collins, you are welcome to dine with us tonight and break your fast in the morning. Sarah will take you to your room where you may remove the dust. I expect you in the drawing room in a quarter hour. Papa, you will also attend and we shall discuss this matter like civilised people."
With a nod, the young woman turned and disappeared within the house.
"Come along then," Bennet indicated Collins should proceed him, a sly smile on his lips. It seems, Octavius considered, there may be a reason for Mary's love for Fordyce's and consideration of a young woman reputation. I have never seen her speak up. Then again, when has Mary had the chance with such a mother, not to mention younger sisters who take after my wife? Perhaps, she is more like Elizabeth than I have realised. Snorting, Bennet knew his middle daughter to be the only child he could truly claim still living under his roof.
"Papa," Mary stood in the parlour doorway as Bennet attempted to remove to his book room, "we have much to say and very little time to do so. Mr Collins will return shortly and I wish to know the particulars about Longbourn. You will no longer hid away in your study. I wish to have something left when I inherit."
Initially amused at his most taciturn child's sudden change, Octavius's anger flared. "I have not decided what I shall do with the estate once I have gone."
"Do not be ridiculous, Papa," Mary's glare pierced her father's indolence, making Mr Bennet pale. Drawing a deep breath and unconcerned with the servants hearing her words, Miss Bennet straightened her spine and spoke what had been on her mind for many years. "Would you leave Longbourn to Kitty or Lydia, who are not only stupid, selfish creatures, but the daughters of other men? Oh, I understood many this fact years ago. They look nothing like you, Mama or any of our relations, even if their behaviour follows that of your wife. Behaviour you have allowed to occur. No more. We shall work together to improve Longbourn so that my Mother and sisters shall have somewhere to call home, for what man will attach themselves to such a family. It is no wonder Lady Elizabeth took Jane and Lizzy away."
Dumbfounded, Mr Octavius Bennet meekly followed the unknown young lady into the parlour. He sat in astonished silence, watching his daughter pour tea as if born to become a lady of the manor. Miss Mary Bennet handled her cousin-not-cousin just as dioeciously.
"Mr Collin's," Mary very carefully placed her cup on her saucer, positioned it on the side table and intruded on the unremitting stream of verbal incontinence, "you have told me of Lady Catherine, her magnificence and beneficence for the last half hour at least. Did you not know your living is given for life, that only the Bishop can have you removed?"
"I did," the Rector stated, as if speaking to a slow child.
Both Mr and Miss Bennet noted the slightly condescending, petulant tone. Reminded of Mr Forayer's comment about learning to be sly at his father's knee, Octavius wondered what the man could mean with this display. One glance at his daughter, and it seemed she was of the same mind.
"So, do you follow the word of Lady Catherine in matters pertaining to your parishioners," Mary asked, holding a finger up so as not to be interrupted, "or the word of our Lord? The former should see your Bishop scold you in the best instance, and turn you out of the church in the worst."
Octavius could not help but enjoy the verbal skirmish, one he did not think Mary capable. Sipping his tea, he allowed a smile to play about his lips. Perhaps, Bennet considered, I have been mistaken in my estimation.
"I do not think a woman…." Collins started, affronted by the comment.
"And yet you follow Lady Catherine's advice in all things," Mary continued, her voice remaining soft, her tone calm, "covet her wealth and position in society, treat her word as if written in the good book. I have not heard you say one thing in relation to the families of your parish, how you support the poor and sick. Once you leave Longbourn on the morrow, I hope you think on our conversation carefully. Find a wife to help you in your chosen profession, for you have a valuable living that cannot be taken away if you satisfy your duties. Now," Mary rose, "I hear the carriage. My Mother and younger sisters will soon join us. We keep country hours and dinner will be served shortly. I suggest we all go above stairs and change."
With that, Mary left the clergyman once again spluttering. Collins looked to Bennet, who did not hide his amusement. Moments later, the shrill tone of Mrs Bennet carried down the hallway as the party devested of their outerwear. Octavius introduced Fanny, Kitty and Lydia as they entered the room, observing the rector's reactions. It seemed Collins could not hide his distaste, glimpses of his true personality shining though the façade he wore.
"I understood," the paster bowed low over Mrs Bennet's extended hand, "you had five daughters."
"Yes," Fanny agreed, her excitement at managing to visit Lady Lucas, Mrs Long and Mrs Goulding and sharing her news before the sky turned dark suddenly seeping away. Without the entailment, she no longer needed to court Mr Collin's good opinion. "Jane, my eldest is lately married. Lady Linley, how well that sounds."
"Yes, well, that is very good Franny," Octavius tried to hurry the women upstairs, where, for the first time in their marriage, he would attempt to quell his spouse. "Hill has dinner waiting."
"Oh, Lord, I'm famished," Lydia giggled, pushing her sister towards the stairs.
"It is such a shame we could not go to Jane's wedding breakfast," Kitty bemoaned. "Mama, why did Lady Pembroke not send the carriage back for us?"
Mr Collins could not hold his smirk. It seemed this rash complaint tied together many of the missing pieces. His disappointment was nothing to his malevolence. These Bennet's will pay for taking away my inheritance. Lady Pembroke, Mr Darcy's aunt by his father has been a pain in Lady Catherine's side for many a year. My patroness would like to see her nephew wed to her insipid, sickly daughter, but has been foiled by her sister by marriage twice removed. Departing tomorrow may be my best option. I shall consider how to use this information on the long journey back to Hunsford.
Netherfield:
Dinner over, Bingley insisted on a separation of the sexes. Linley did not appear happy and said so at the first opportunity. Darcy, on the other hand, wished to fume, as he would be separated from his lady love for many weeks. This evening would be the last chance to remain in her company. And, he considered, I wish to apologise for going along with my Aunt's plans. I do it for very different reasons. Elizabeth is an heiress and her reputation must remain untarnished if we are to have any chance of acceptance in town. I do not want her to be the object of fortune hunters, so a gentle introduction is necessary. Miss Bingley will not be invited into the homes or society of those whom the Ton follow. Even should they been seen together, the disparity between Miss Forbs and Miss Bingley's manners and situation in life can only work in Elizabeth's favour.
"Do not look at me like that," Bingley heaved a huge sigh. "I wish to speak with both of you. Hurst, I need to you stop drinking and listen, for I shall require your help."
"What," bleary eyes turned towards his host.
"If Miss Forbs is to stay in this house, we must protect her from Caroline," Charles stated determinedly. "Well, at least my sister's tongue. I will not have Caroline ruin my friendship with Darcy by inciting his fury. Do not glare Darcy, it is clear to anyone with eyes that you admire Miss Forbs. I shall forever recall the moment Miss Bennet, now Lady Linley, walked into the parlour and declared her engagement. Your face was quite the opposite to mine. No offence, Linley. You have made a fine match."
Linley glanced first at Bingley, then his cousin. They shared a long look that expressed more than words. Before they could decide on a story, Bingley chuckled.
"You agreed with your aunt, Darcy," Charles continued to smirk. "You wished Miss Forbes to remain here so she might avoid the mourning period, unlike yourself, Miss Darcy and Lady Linley, or perhaps I should say the new Countess. Miss Forbes expression gave away the association. I do not believe she is completely in step with the elder Lady Pembroke's plans."
"We are engaged," Darcy growled after a moment's consideration. "It will not be announced until after Miss Forbes has been introduced to the town. This farce is to keep your sister and her gossip in check."
"I am the son of a prosperous tradesman, Darcy," Bingley reminded. "I have a gentleman's education. I have attempted to establish myself in society with very little success that is not on the back of your coat tails. That does not mean I have lost all sense and good judgement. These last days have shown me that I am not ready to settle. When we quit Netherfield, and it shall not be as soon as Caroline would wish, I intend to hand back the lease to Miss Forbs. After a short stop in London, I am to Scarborough. Caroline will go with me if I cannot find someone to take her. Should I decide to remain in trade, I should like to know I have both your continued friendship and support."
"You will," Darcy promised, not sure to what his friend eluded.
"Hurst and I shall keep your engagement secret," Charles vowed, "and your fiancé safe. You have my word."
"There is sense in Mother's arrangements," Linley stated begrudgingly, breaking the heavy silence. "Bingley, I can broker a marriage of convenience for your sister. It will be all she desires; however, it comes at a cost."
"Her silence on Miss Forbes history while we are in town," Charles waived his hand in a careless manner. "This I understood without being told. How that is achieved in the next weeks without you and Darcy in attendance shall be my problem. It will not be easy but I shall attain the miracle all the same. Of course, the offer of your family box will be an inducement Caroline shall crow over for many months. You will not be able to renounce the association."
"Should your sister marry as I arrange," Linley growled, "the association shall never be cut. My wife and I spoke of possible matches while walking the gardens. The eldest son of Lord Marsden is in need of a wife, and he will be able to control your sister."
Charles Bingley smiled. Returning to his roots, the gentlemen stood. Offering his hand, Linley took it. They shook on the deal, sealing it. Capturing the man's eye, the Master of Netherfield, as least for the next few weeks offered, "I have had your wife's travelling trunk installed in your rooms. As a lady's maid did not accompany Lady Linley, Mrs Nichols has arranged Bartley to continue serving in that capacity."
"Bingley, as you have guessed, Jane became the Countess of Pembroke on our marriage," Michael informed his host with a glance at Darcy and a shrug. "My father passed late Friday night. That is why Mother hastened her journey hither."
"It is about time you told me," Charles managed a slight chuckle, "your Lordship. It also accounts for my sister's compliance and the black mobcaps. With this gossip, my sister shall be the talk of the town. You have given me the leverage I require to keep Caroline from savaging Miss Forbs, especially when she learns of Darcy's engagement. Now, if you are finished your port, shall we join the ladies?"