Pride and Prejudice

Fan Fiction

Curtains Fly Up

"I know I am different! But excuse me, if I do not feel as if I should be biting the hand that feeds my family!" Mr. Collins snapped as he finally let his curtains fly open, in a manner of speaking, upon meeting Elizabeth on the outskirts of town as he and Mrs. Collins had been out for an evening drive. What exchange of words had occurred during their conversation did not matter; what did was the vicar had finally got tired of hiding behind his books and routine. And, while he was extremely loyal to his patroness, Lady Catherine, the vicar had even grown tired of being blamed of having no backbone when it came to his benefactor. "I have never truly fit in with those around me my whole life, from the time I could walk. Have you felt out of place? I mean really out of place. So much you wish you could hide from all of society, even your family? Your whole family? And not just your mother?" He glared hard at his cousin who he knew still did not get along with Mrs. Bennet.

"I have wished to hide, but not that hard." Elizabeth was stunned; this was a side of her cousin she had not ever seen, and he was doing it with no promptings from Charlotte who was sitting next to him. It was that which propelled her next question. "Why would you want to hide from your whole family? One, or two, I understand, but all?"

"I could not, still cannot seem to pick up on what society tells me is normal. My parents would tell me others were sending me cues that I was supposed to act upon, but I had no idea what they were talking about. I am only beginning to grasp what they were referring to because of my wife. If it were not for Lady Catherine and Charlotte's patience in teaching me, I would still be clueless."

'Well, that explains the outburst. I probably deserve him yelling at me.' Elizabeth asked him what had made him decide to become a vicar if he could not pick up on others' cues, and she made sure she was as polite as she knew how while asking as Mr. Collins was truly visibly stung by her earlier remarks and, for the first time, really did not seem full of vanity as he had upon first arriving at Longbourn.

"I wanted to connect with people because I cared about them. I knew I was good at keeping a routine, and organization. Yes, I seem to need far more structured routine than most around me; therefore, I thought I could easily handle a rectory. I had an extremely skilled tutor who worked one on one with me. I was able to learn far more than what people were telling my parents I was capable of. I am not a simpleton; I am actually quite complex. And, no, I am not being arrogant by saying that." Mr. Collins swallowed hard and sat straight up and then did his best to loosen up; helped by the promptings of his wife. "Mrs. Darcy, I may give more respect to those in authority than you, or others might. It might be seen as excessive, but it does not make me an imbecile incapable of supporting a wife and family."

"I never said ..." Elizabeth's sentence was cut off by Charlotte's muscle above her eye twitching just a little. "Okay, I guess, in a way, I have. But, in my defense, no matter what I said you kept refusing to see what I was saying." There was no way Mrs. Darcy was going to point out she was referring to his marriage proposal, not with Mrs. Collins sitting right next to him. However, it mattered little she had kept quiet on it; he -shockingly- had seen it in her eyes this time and addressed it.

"I heard, but I had also been taught I had a duty by my father to take care of your family. I thought, surely, it was the one sure way I could fulfill that duty and not cause embarrassment to anyone. And I was under the impression at the time your parents were in agreement; your mother made it sound as if you were open to the idea; hence, my refusal - that day- to back down. I admit what I said did not put me in a good light, but I was attempting to do my duty. Can you honestly fault me for that?"

"No, I guess not. Though I dare say, for you, Charlotte makes a far better wife than I."

"Of that, there is no question." Mr. Collins' reply made brought broad smiles upon both lady's faces and, then because of a comment made about Lady Catherine earlier in their conversation the vicar added. "I am fully aware you, and others, see me as a flatterer, who only praises her to impress others. That is hardly the case."

"Then why do you do it?"

. "I truly admire and respect Lady Catherine, not only for her rank and wealth, but for her character and wisdom. She has been very kind and generous to me and has given me many opportunities and advantages many others refused to give me; still do if the truth were to be told. She has is also helpful and supportive in my personal and professional growth. It was she who suggested I go to Charlotte after you turned me down."

"I had no idea." Collins ignored ELizabeth's interjection and went on.

"Lady Catherine -along with my wife- have helped teach me many things."

"Like what?"

"How to behave properly in society, how to manage my household, how to perform my duties as a clergyman, and how to be a good husband to Charlotte. She has been like mother to me, a better one than my own -though you did not hear me just say that- and I owe her a great deal of gratitude and loyalty. That is why I always speak of her with reverence and affection, and that is why I always follow her advice and wishes. I hope you can understand that, and not judge me harshly for it."

"I owe you both a sincere apology. You are far more intellectual than I ever gave you credit for, and with the right teachers, your intelligent mind is being allowed to grow. Please forgive my foolish, judgmental pride."

"I will forgive you," Mr. Collins picked up the reins. "Be prepared, dear cousin, do it again and I will blast again."

"No doubt," Elizabeth nodded, and they both headed their own ways.

HEADS UP The next story I will be posting will be AU AND it WILL be based on REAL COUPLES I have met who have May/Dec age gap plus how the marriage comes about is sensitive; so, I am warning people ahead of time and will warn again in summary of actual story..