Master of Longbourn Chapter 11 - Interests and Introductions, a pride and prejudice fanfic

~MoL~

Interests and Introductions

Longbourn – 1809

As planned, Collins arrived back at Hunsford on Saturday evening, feeling quite exhausted having spent the most difficult week of his life.

It started at breakfast on Tuesday, the morning after Bennet's departure. Collins, Mrs Bennet and the three oldest daughters had just taken their places when the door burst open, and Kitty and Lydia tumbled in with the younger but taller girl holding a bright pink ribbon just out of reach of her sister.

'Give it back. That is my ribbon. I bought it with the last of my allowance,' cried Kitty. Turning to Mrs Bennet she begged, 'Please, mama, tell her to give it back.'

'It looks much better on me than Kitty,' Lydia appealed to their mother.

Force of habit prompted Mrs Bennet to say, 'Kitty, just let her have the ribbon.'

'I am sorry, Mrs Bennet, but I cannot condone theft.' Collins gave the ladies a hard stare. 'Since Cousin Catherine bought the ribbon, Lydia has no right to take it.'

The older sisters all noticed the omission of the honorific for Lydia and heartily agreed.

But Collins was not yet finished. 'If you let Lydia continue in this way, one day she may steal from the wrong person, and she could be hanged… or at least transported for her crime.'

Lydia gaped at him before she demanded, 'What do you mean… my crime?'

'It is a crime to take something which does not belong to you. That is called theft and punishable by law.'

'Surely they would not hang my baby for taking a ribbon from her sister?'

'Since you are allowing her to get away with this kind of behaviour, you are teaching her that she can take whatever she wishes and there are no consequence for her actions. As I said before, one day she could take something of value from the wrong person, and then…'

The calm explanation had the desired effect on Mrs Bennet. 'Lydia, give back the ribbon and in future you are not allowed to take anything without asking for permission.'

'And you may only take it if permission is granted,' Collins added when he saw a speculative look appear in Lydia's eyes.

That comment earned him an angry pout as Lydia dropped the ribbon on the floor before she flounced over to the sideboard to help herself to the food laid out.

Kitty snatched up the ribbon and held it to her chest with both hands as she gave a look of mingled disbelief and gratitude to her cousin. 'Thank you,' she whispered with a tremulous smile.

~MoL~

Near the end of the meal, Collins asked, 'When I was walking into Meryton the other day, a little more than halfway, I noticed a building just inside what I believe is the entrance to the estate. That house seemed to be of a good size but run down. Who lives there?'

'No one lives there anymore. My husband's mother lived there briefly after the marriage of her older son,' Mrs Bennet explained with a thoughtful frown. 'Why do you ask?'

'I would like to have a look at the condition of the house and see what it would take to set it to rights. Since it appears to have been used as a dower house in the past, I thought you might like to prepare it for your own use, so that it is ready when you want it some time in the future.'

'I am to have my very own house?' asked Mrs Bennet in a hushed voice.

'If it is suitable and can be brought up-to-date. Perhaps you would like to accompany me when I go to inspect it?'

'Mama, you cannot let him push you out of your home where you are mistress of the estate,' protested Elizabeth.

Mrs Bennet reached over and patted Elizabeth's hand as she gave her daughter an almost mischievous smile. 'Do you have any idea how many responsibilities are part of the duties of the mistress? If Mr Collins can find a wife to take on all those duties, I shall be pleased to hand the work over to that lady. I think I shall prefer to have an easier life in a comfortable residence without the responsibilities… especially one which is only a few minutes' walk from Meryton.'

As Mrs Bennet was eager to inspect her potential new home, she and Collins set out immediately after breakfast for the short walk to the dower house.

Since Mrs Hill had provided them with the key to the front door they were able to let themselves in.

Both Collins and Mrs Bennet were pleasantly surprised to see that while the windows were dirty and there was dust everywhere, the structure of the house was mostly in good condition. Yes, the curtains needed replacing and there was evidence that mice had made their home in the few pieces of furniture left behind, but a thorough clean and some minor repairs would soon make the house habitable again.

On their return, Mrs Bennet gushed to her daughters, 'On the ground floor, there are two good sized parlours with double aspect at the front of the house which faces east, as well as a small one on the north side which will be ideal on hot summer's days. There is also a dining room in the southwest corner next to the kitchen which sticks out at the back and could easily be expanded. Upstairs there are four large bedrooms, two of which even have a small dressing room each. There is also a good cellar and the servants' quarters are in the attic. We could all be quite cosy there should we ever need to move.'

Seeing their mother so pleased, the sisters listened with varying degrees of excitement and pleasure. The spectre of homelessness was at last removed. Even Elizabeth heaved a sigh of relief.

That night, Mrs Bennet was unsure whether to wish that Collins would hold off getting married so that she could retain her position as mistress of Longbourn, or whether he should hurry to find a wife because then she could take possession of her very own and very desirable establishment.

~MoL~

After their outing to inspect the dower house, Collins met with Jane.

Before he had a chance to speak, she said, 'Cousin, I would like to thank you for what you are doing for my family. I know it cannot be easy to take on so much responsibility.'

'You are not angry at me for usurping Mr Bennet's role?'

'Not at all. I had despaired of our future. Please understand that I love all my family, but I am not blind to their faults. I was fortunate to have received an education in the proper behaviour for gentlewomen from my Aunt Gardiner, as has Lizzy. Unfortunately, mama did not have the same advantage. She has done her best according to her beliefs, but…'

Jane sighed as she searched for the right words. 'I wish papa had taken the trouble to explain things to her, but he found it more amusing to make sport of her. I do not know all of what you have said to her, but I cannot remember ever seeing her so happy and relaxed.'

'I simply reassured her that neither she nor any of you would ever be homeless, which I believe was the main cause for her nerves,' Collins replied, feeling uncomfortable with the praise.

'To you it may be a simple thing, but to us it means a great deal. If there is any way in which I can repay you, you have but to name it.'

I understand from your mother that you and Cousin Mary have undertaken visits to the tenants.' When Jane nodded and Collins continued, 'I am hoping that you will accompany me to visit each of the tenants and confirm to them that I am now in charge of Longbourn. And perhaps you can provide me with detailed information about each of the farms; what they produce – crops, animals, whatever. Also any issues they might have.'

'I will be most pleased to introduce you to our tenants, but most of my knowledge is more about the families rather than the farms. That is Lizzy's domain, as she has been helping our father in administering the estate.'

'She did more than just look after the books?'

'Indeed. But she is always reluctant to speak about that in front of our mother. I am afraid that mama does not understand Lizzy and has often chided her for her unwomanly interests.'

That comment gave Collins the hoped-for opening. 'Speaking of interests… as you and your sisters approach an age where you will wish to marry, I believe that practical knowledge and accomplishments will make you and them more desirable to prospective husbands. I have been concerned about the education you and your sisters have received. I was under the impression that you might have suffered from a lack of instruction…' Collins trailed off at the sight of an amused smile on Jane's face.

'I will confess that our youngest sisters are lacking in generally expected accomplishments other than sewing and embroidery... after all, they do like pretty dresses. They were never expected to learn anything else, as no one ever before explained to mama that men are interested in more than a pretty face and a lively demeanour. As for the rest of us, Mary could certainly profit from instruction from a music master.'

'What about yourself?'

'Is this to be an interview for a prospective wife?' Jane asked, suddenly feeling nervous. She had come to admire her cousin for his actions on their behalf and the reassurance for her mother. And while he seemed an estimable young man, she could not feel anything but gratitude and familial affection. It would be difficult to disappoint him if he had any interest in herself.

'Not at all. I simply wish to know which accomplishments you possess and any areas where you could use additional instruction to give you the best chance of attracting a worthy husband.'

Jane breathed a sigh of relief. As a consequence, she was quite forthcoming. 'From mama I have learnt how to run a household except for budgeting. We are fortunate that Mrs Hill is very reliable. Our Aunt Gardiner has been most helpful in the more esoteric subjects, such as household accounts. And in her home, I was allowed to observe and, on a few occasions, assist her cook to gain an understanding of the processes in preparing a meal. Aunt Gardiner also taught Lizzy and me about the proper behaviour of gentlewomen and explained the duties of a mistress of an estate. Which is why we have been visiting the tenants.'

She hesitated a moment before she admitted, 'I am afraid that when it comes to artistic talents, I am sorely lacking. Pursuits such as music or painting are completely beyond me.'

'Do you enjoy reading?'

'I do prefer novels for entertainment, but I also enjoy reading poetry because of the images some poems can conjure. Although my understanding of French is very basic and I my knowledge of other subjects, such as history, is not as good as Lizzy's.

'I am pleased to hear that you are not just a pretty face,' Collins said with a relieved smile. It seemed that once Jane was removed from her mother's company, there was more to this young lady than he had been led to believe. She at least seemed prepared to learn.

He hoped that in time she would meet a worthy man who would appreciate her.

They talked further and he came to know something of the sisters from Jane's perspective.

~MoL~

Jane went to find Elizabeth and discovered her in the garden in a pensive mood.

Sitting down on the bench next to her sister, Jane put an arm over Elizabeth's shoulder. 'Let me guess. You are hurt because papa abandoned you, and you cannot reconcile his actions to your idea of him.'

Elizabeth still could not bring herself to say the words which would make this situation real, so she just grimaced and nodded.

'And you find it difficult to accept that our cousin is the better man.'

'How can you say such a thing?'

'What? That our cousin is the better man or that you have trouble accepting that fact?'

'Why do you think Mr Collins is better than our papa?'

'Is it not obvious? Our cousin is concerned for our welfare, and he treats us with respect.'

'He did not treat me with respect.'

'Because he disagreed with you?'

'Exactly. And he was offensive.'

'Lizzy, pray tell, which of you started the argument?'

'Ah…'

'And were you offended because he was truthful?'

'He called me a child,' Elizabeth huffed. When Jane made no comment, she eventually sighed and admitted, 'I suppose he might have had a point.'

'I am sorry, Lizzy. Even though I try to see the best in people, I found papa's attitude towards us difficult. Personally, I believe things will be better for all of us. Were you not afraid that Kitty and Lydia were encouraged by mama to be lively instead of learning the manners of gentlewomen? And that papa did not put anything aside for our future?'

When Elizabeth reluctantly agreed, Jane encouraged her. 'Give our cousin a chance to earn your respect.'

'Very well. I will try.'

'Good. You can put that resolution into practice right now. He would like to speak to you.'

~MoL~

Grumbling a little, Elizabeth made her way to the study.

Collins greeted her pleasantly and once she was seated, he said, 'Cousin Elizabeth, your sister informed me that you have been much involved in the management of Longbourn for the last five years. I am hoping that you would share your knowledge of the estate.'

Years of habit took over as Elizabeth snapped, 'Did you not say that you are a great expert of estate administration?'

Collins ignored the tone of the query and answered, 'I have knowledge about farming in Kent. I expect there will be some differences to conditions in Hertfordshire. On top of that, you know conditions at Longbourn. I would be a fool not to ask for advice from a local expert.'

Elizabeth felt torn. Part of her still wanted to hate Collins and let him flounder on his own, but she did love her home and wanted the best for the estate and its tenants.

She was astonished when Collins echoed her thoughts. 'Cousin Elizabeth, could we agree to a truce? I believe that you love Longbourn, and I am here to do my best for the estate. While I believe that I can succeed on my own, if we work together, we can achieve more and more quickly.'

Elizabeth gave Collins a long considering look while he waited patiently. The fact that he did not push but gave her the time to make up her own mind decided her. 'A truce it is.'

Collins and Elizabeth spent much of the week visiting the tenants, inspecting the estate and discussing the best ways to improve Longbourn.

By Saturday morning, when Collins made ready to travel to Rosings, the two of them come to a grudging respect for each other.

~MoL~

A/N:

Dear Readers

I will respond to the comments about Elizabeth this once.

In previous stories, when I have portrayed E in a very positive light, people complained that I turned her into a Mary-Sue. When I portray her as an imperfect human being, people accuse me of being horrible to the poor girl (even though she is merely a fictional character). I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't.

I have not watched any of the movies, so I don't know how she is portrayed there but please consider how JA portrayed E.

E delighted to eviscerate Caroline and Darcy – with arch sweetness and in such a way that Caroline does not realise she has been insulted and Darcy thinks she is flirting with him - "but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner". Also E says – "Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can." E likes to laugh at people, and it is she who decides what is funny.

She is also blindly stubborn when she refuses to admit that D could have some good qualities because he hurt her precious vanity – once.

And of course, she has a vicious temper – as we see when she rejects Darcy. If you think that Collins was really horrible to her in chapter 9, check the words he used. That was exactly what E said to D at Hunsford.

In the book, she eventually has a wakeup call when she reads Darcy's letter, at which point she grows up.

Now when my story starts, E is only 18 (instead of 20) – a teenager who adores her father. She emulates his behaviour (as per usual) but since he is worse (by 21st century standards), naturally so is she. But she has time to learn and grow up. After all, that is the point of the story – at least part of it.

~MoL~