Pride and Prejudice

AU

No Common Lady

Pride and Prejudice

Previously

"No, she is not." Father Browning smiled. "And if anyone is claiming such thing?" His mouth fell flat. "They are lying through their teeth and, as mean and Un Christlike as it is, I hope they will burn and rot for it." He did not have to ask who the letter was from; to him, that was obvious.

Visit with Charlotte

Ch. 9

Elizabeth had heard that Lydia wished to introduce Mrs. Fletcher to Mrs. Collins, but she was also aware that Mr. Collins was most likely to be at home during the time her father's housekeeper and Lydia would be calling. Therefore, Mrs. Darcy had contrived to be on the same road as her sister and Mrs. Fletcher on their way to the Reverend's house.

"Hello, sister, what a pleasant surprise," Lydia exclaimed. "Are you also going to visit Mrs. Collins?"

"Yes, it seems we are paying her a visit at the same time as you."

Mrs. Fletcher was neither blind nor deaf. The rumors she had heard concerning Mr. Collins must be true, or Elizabeth would not have "accidentally" met them on their way to his house. Thus, the lady chose to regard it as a blessing that Lydia's sister had the generosity of spirit to make such an unnecessary visit.

"Lydia tells me you have been acquainted with Charlotte since your infancy."

"Yes, we have always been on good terms, except for when she accepted my cousin's offer of marriage. He is a cousin I abhor. But we have overcome that." Elizabeth smiled. "I bear with him now for her sake."

The three strolled along a well-trodden path, conversing about the books Lydia was currently perusing, some of which Elizabeth had perused as a child, exchanging needlework advice and even the cookery lessons Jane no longer as taking.

"Your sister was improving remarkably. Though I am certain Mr. Bingley is extremely pleased to find out his books were not as bad off as he feared and that he is nowhere near broke. And, I dare say, your sister is thrilled to have all her servants back and not to be cooking anymore." Mrs. Fletcher remarked as they arrived at the Collins' house.

"I perceive my amiable cousin has returned early from his duties." Elizabeth's sarcasm escaped Lydia's notice, but not Mrs. Fletcher's. She had to restrain herself from laughing out loud, as Elizabeth detected the sound of muffled mirth when she uttered it.

"I suppose," Mrs. Fletcher said with difficulty, "we ought to concentrate on our call on Mrs. Collins."

Charlotte had come out to throw away the last of the dirty water as the small party approached her home. She was overjoyed to see Elizabeth and the others, though she apprehended what her husband might utter concerning a 'simple' housekeeper joining the ladies on their visit.

"Mrs. Fletcher, how delightful to see you in the company of my husband's relations." Charlotte's tone was sincere, but she could not conceal her anxiety about her husband as her eyes glanced back to where he sat in a chair near their hearth.

Elizabeth's own eyes conveyed a message of "I will handle him if he behaves improperly" that made Mr. Collins's wife's face brighten. "Pray, come in and make yourselves comfortable." With that, she set aside the pan, brought out some playthings for the boys and her own, along with tidying up a few things she had neglected to attend to before joining the adults for conversation.

"What have I missed?" Charlotte was confused as she saw Mrs. Fletcher through the window sitting on a bench holding Lydia, who was crying and Elizbeth standing as if she wished she had a sword in her hand; preferably one aimed at Mr. Collins.

"For one, he accused my sister of faking her repentance for attention." Elizabeth was managing not to yell though her eyes blazed and she felt herself seething with rage, "My sister has done no such thing. The poor lady has been giving her heart and soul into living a better life than before she left for Brighton. And now he sits there, a man claiming to be of God, condemning her when your husband has not made the slightest attempt to come to our home for a simple thing such as a visit. Which brings me to the second subject of what you have missed." Elizabeth took a deep breath, more like couple. "For someone who is supposed to think of all of the Lord's children as equal it seems to me, he cares more about social status than a man of God should. It should not matter to us how, or why, Mrs. Fletcher's parents lost their money before their deaths. Nor should it matter how her husband lost his. And why he seems to think we should turn our backs on her is beyond me." With that she started to turn around to leave only she paused and looked at her cousin who had his chin stuck up just enough as if to say, 'I am not going to apologize, your father really should let her go'. The air in his sails left as soon as her next words came out, and Charlotte cringed. "Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley and my father will go elsewhere for our Sabbath services I am sure of it as soon as they hear of this." With that she, and her boys, made their exist.

"How could you, Mr. Collins?" Charlotte asked as she watched all their visitors leave through the parlor's window. "Lydia has been changed long enough surely you can see it is no act. And Mrs. Fletcher? To blame her for her parents, and late husband, falling on hard times? That is harsh."

"I may have been wrong on Lydia." Mr. Collins stood up and adjusted his jacket. "But Mrs. Fletcher I am not. My source is reliable."

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"Relax, Lizzie." Mr. Bennet was in his study with his second offspring as she had come back with Mrs. Fletcher and Lydia, who were now keeping an eye on Elizabeth's boys. "We all know Mr. Collin's is a man of very little brains." He then lifted a letter. "Most likely he has received the same letter as I received a little while ago; one of which I have already replied to and stated I wish no further communications from. I have also sent word to your husband, and Mr. Bingley as well." Thomas handed Elizabeth the letter and she sat down.

"Who is Ambrose Preston?"

"A cousin of Mrs. Fletcher's." Mr. Bennet shook his head. "I am not at liberty to say what little I know, but this absurd letter." He waved it in the air. "Puts my money on him definitely being the cause of her parents' financial downfall as well as her late husband's."

"She once had money?"

"More than she does now." Mr. Bennet was unwilling to divulge just how much figuring it was simply a guess at best, would constitute breaking confidence and, if nothing else, be right down gossiping as it was not his place to give what few details he did have to his daughter.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Continue supporting Mrs. Fletcher and make sure you steer clear of advice, or association from this Mr. Preston -even if it is simply by letter form."

"Will do."