Pride and Prejudice

Fan Fiction

I am My Father's Daughter

Previously:

"If that is the case, I wish them well. As to my own mate, time will tell on that one." Anne walked away truly wishing Richard and Lady Janet well. Though, once again this 'chance' meeting had her mother written all over it. This particular gardener never walked home. If she had not come out herself, ten to one he would have come to the guest house with a 'reason' to be there - and then used the same tone which had just been used with that last sentence being delivered for her mother and Jason Chance.

Anne pushed all that aside, determined to enjoy the rest of her walk and the food she had brought with her.

Collin Comes Calling

Ch. 13

Anne had been in the dower home for a week, and one person or another had come to visit. However, some had come by the hand of her mother, though they appeared to assume her daughter did not have enough brains to figure it out. This morning, Lady Catherine's daughter had gone to town to do some shopping. If anyone wanted to harass her, at least she would get some fresh air.

Hence, Anne had spent most of the day in town. The streets were crowded with people and carriages. A few children were also be seen racing through the fields.

Anne could hear the vendors shouting their wares, the horses neighing, and other children laughing. The fragrance of flowers and the smell of smoke filled the air. She could see the fabrics of various colors and patterns, books with leather covers, gilt titles, and the jewelry with sparkling gems. It did not take long for it to really sink in that her budget would not allow for much. And, if she were anyone else, or were not so determined to make it on her own, it would have sent the lady running back to Rosings Park- even if it meant marrying Jason Crane. However, all it did for Anne was to remember Charlotte Collins's words and cement them in. Hence most of her 'shopping' was mostly done simply by looking through windows.

Anne had been received with mixed emotions. 'Good for you, about time someone stood up to that mother of yours', 'I am so happy to see you in such fine health', 'Are you up to a visit?' Those had been the type of greetings, and conversations that had buoyed her up.

'How could you? She has given you everything. And you do this to her? How dare you move out?" "What an ungrateful child you are. Turing your back on your mother in her hour of need." One lady had wagged a finger at her expecting Anne to slink back only to have her eyes wide as Anne remained immovable and firmly replied back. "Hour of need? Last time I checked my mother is still of very sound mind and body with plenty of servants to help her, though her pocketbook would do better if she were to let some of them go."

It was the second type of conversation which made it a huge relief to shut the cottage door behind her and for Anne to sit down on the sofa. Reaching down she stroked the top of Jake's head. Jake was an old servant's dog; she had left the mutt for Anne as they both knew the dog would not last too much longer and would not survive the trip her family was now making to Italy. "Be glad you did not have to go to town. Some of those people really do need to mind their own business."

Anne did not lounge around long as she needed to get her meal started. Therefore, she stood up intending to go make a basic meal similar to the one Mrs. Barnett had taught her during her first cooking lesson only a knock came at the door. Opening the door the lady groaned inside as she saw the Reverend Collins on her doorstep.

"And how may I help you?"

"Your mother sent me; she is most concerned about you." Well, well, Anne had to give Mr. Collins credit. As pompous as the man could be at times, the first thing out of his mouth gave credit to his puppet master - that was more honesty than the others had given her. The parson continued, "… and so are my wife and I, dear cousin. It grieves us to see you living in this modest guest house, away from the many comforts and splendors of the home of your childhood. Surely, you know of the handsome offer that has been extended to you by the honorable Jason Chance, the son of Lord Chance? A gentleman of a vast fortune and distinction far beyond anyone around here. He is here and has expressed his ardent desire to court and marry you. He has obtained your mother's consent who has condescended to take an interest in your welfare. I, when I heard of your refusal to move back home, have come to persuade you, in the name of duty and gratitude for all your noble mother has ever done for you, to accept this gentleman's offer without delay. We are convinced you could not find a more eligible match, Miss Anne. And I am most certain he could not be a more devoted husband, than anyone else you could ever meet."

Anne listened to Mr. Collins's words with a mixture of emotions, none of which included delight. Though - strangely- the lady could not help but admire his honesty in what he believed - even if the poor man was missing the mark. She knew that-in reality- Collins did not realize he was only being a parrot, and that her mother had put words into his mouth. It was something that would probably not change until her mother passed away. At that moment... Anne doubted either of them truly cared for her happiness or her opinion. It had not taken long to deduce Mr. Chance was a vain and shallow man. If she had considered allowing him to put his last name to hers, the idea of marrying him had quickly been squelched.

Anne had hoped by having some space between her and her mother that it would allow Lady Catherine to see that her daughter was serious about living on her own, and that she was capable of doing so. The last thing Anne needed was a husband such as the likes his 'honorable' Jason Chance.

"Thank you, Mr. Collins, for your concern and your advice," Anne said politely, but firmly. "But I must decline your offer. I have already made up my mind, and nothing you or anyone else can say will change it. I do not wish to marry Mr. Chance, or anyone else. I do not need my mother's permission to marry should I desire, nor does a man need to ask her as I am well above any age to be vested. I am perfectly happy and content with my situation, and I do not require any alteration in it. I hope you will respect my decision, and convey it to my mother, as well as to that...man...visiting mother...I am sure they will soon find another object for their attentions."

Mr. Collins was, for once, left speechless. The man had not expected such a defiant answer from Anne, whom he had always seen as a meek and non-aggressive creature. His mind could not wrap itself around the idea she could reject such a splendid opportunity. Nor could he comprehend how Anne could ignore the wishes of Lady Catherine. He definitely did not realize Lady Catherine had no real authority over Anne who, in spite of what his patroness had claimed, had never signed any papers giving her a legal hold onto Anne like popular belief claimed.

Therefore, Mr. Collins attempted again to reason with Anne, to appeal to her sense of duty, gratitude, and prudence, but to no avail. She remained firm and calm, and repeated her refusal with polite but unyielding words.

"Colonel Fitzwilliams, Lady Janet." Miss Anne turned away from Mr. Collins relieved, and excited, to see them. "Mr. Collins was just leaving. Please, come in."

"We would love to." The colonel had not intended to visit, they had simply been walking by. However, neither he or Lady Janet were blind and stupid. So, they went in, and Mr. Collins left feeling dejected in that he had failed in his mission to bring Anne to her senses.

"I need you to come with me up to Rosings Park, and then get word to Mr. Darcy as quickly as possible." Anne spoke as soon as Mr. Collins was out of earshot.

"What is going on?"

"It is like this." Anne explained what her mother had been pulling, her own thought process, where she needed to go, and what needed to be done. "Are you willing to help me?"