PP FF
AU NON-Canon GENERAL REGENCY
Longbourn's Secret
NOTE: Yes, I know the real state of Mr. Collins in the book. And I know he had no brothers, but I gave him one here.
Previously:
"From what you tell me, I doubt she will hold it against you, and I am most positive -if your cousin has mentioned the subject, she has been corrected on the matter." Richard grinned. "I suggest your bigger issue is what they will think of your other idea." He finished as the carriage drew closer to Netherfield.
William's Tongue Lashing
CH. 8
The drawing room at Longbourn showed signs of how long the estate had been standing. Heavy drapes framed the tall windows, their light burgundy fabric contrasting with the dark wood paneling that lined the walls. The room was filled with an assortment of antique furniture, each piece carefully chosen to reflect the family's heritage, or more as if to shout 'look at me, I am better than anyone around me'. A large fireplace dominated one wall, its mantel adorned with family portraits and a collection of glass figurines.
Mr. Collins Sr. paced back and forth across the room with his hands behind his back, his footsteps muffled by the thick Persian rug that covered the floor. His face was flushed with frustration. Seated in a high-backed armchair near the door which lead out towards the hallway, his father, Mr. Collins Sr. watched him with a cold, stern, expression.
"William," Mr. Collins Sr. began, his voice laced heavy with disappointment, "I do not understand why you cannot secure a suitable match. You are the heir to Longbourn, plenty of wealth to back you up, and yet you have failed to convince any respectable young lady to marry you."
William Jr. -who had was doing his own share of walking back and forth, stopped and faced his father. "Sir, I have tried, done everything you told me to. But the women in this town are either already spoken for or have no interest in marrying a man of my station."
Mr. Collins Sr. shook his head, his eyes narrowing. "That is no excuse. We had ways to ...persuade... Charlotte to our way of thinking though she be plain, her father is a knight. But you slipped and now she is married to a baron." He ignored Lord Bryce was not only not from the area but was from Scotland but only continued his rant. "And what about that girl up in London? What was her name? Miss Thompson?"
William's face reddened further. "Miss Thompson made it clear she had no intention of marrying me. And besides, I found out she was already promised to another. It was all rather embarrassing."
Mr. Collins Sr. leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the portraits on the mantel. "Firsts, watch what tone you use with me; it, and all of your actions are unacceptable, William. Longbourn needs an heir, and it is your duty to provide one. If you cannot find a wife soon, we may have to consider other options."
William's eyes widened in alarm. "What do you mean? I am the oldest. I am the heir apparent."
His father fixed him with a steely gaze. "Your younger brother, Andrew, is of age. If you cannot fulfill your responsibilities, we may have to arrange for him to take your place as the heir to Longbourn. He has plenty of women following him around."
William's heart sank at the mention of his brother. Andrew excelled in everything he did, nor did he have trouble conversing with those around him. The thought of losing his inheritance to him made the elder Collin brother sick to his stomach.
"Father, please," William pleaded, "give me more time. I know I can find a suitable match; I promise."
Mr. Collins Sr. regarded his son for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Very well. But you must act quickly. I will not-and cannot- wait forever."
William nodded, relief flooding through him. "Thank you, Father."
As he turned to leave the room, his father called after him. "And William, one more thing. I have heard that there is a Miss Olivia Hendricks who has arrived over in Netherfield. I heard she comes from a respectable family up north. Her dowery is extremely high. I am sure that the lady would make an excellent match. I suggest you make her acquaintance." It was not a request; it was an order and his son knew it.
William paused at the door, his mind racing. Olivia Hendricks was known to be a beautiful and intelligent young woman, but she also had a strong mind of her own. Winning her over would not be an easy task. He had met her before up north, and she had turned him down flat -in spite of immense pressure from her mother. The memory of that rejection still stung, but he couldn't let his father see his frustration.
"I will do my best, Father," he said, his voice determined.
Mr. Collins Sr. nodded in approval. "See that you do."
As William left the drawing room, he could not help but feel a sense of urgency. The future of his time at Longbourn rested on his ability to find a woman who would accept him. He still could not believe Charlotte was nowhere in sight. Had she truly run off, William Sr. seemed to think she had slipped through his fingers, her own mother was convinced Miss Lucas had run off.
"I will have no choice; I have to act quickly if I am to secure my place as heir to Longbourn; if not who knows what my father will do.
The hallway outside the drawing room was dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. William made his way to the grand staircase, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The house was eerily quiet, the only sound the distant ticking of the grandfather clock in the foyer.
Reaching the top of the stairs, William made his way to his chambers. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a large four-poster bed dominating the center. Heavy curtains hung at the windows, and a fire burned low in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room.
William crossed to the writing desk that stood against one wall and sat down, his mind racing with plans and strategies. He would need to be careful, to play his cards right if he was to win Olivia's favor, unlike last time. But he was determined to succeed.
As he began to draft a letter to Olivia, inviting her to a private dinner at Longbourn, he could not help but feel a sense of hope. Perhaps, with her by his side, he could secure not only his inheritance but also a future filled with promise and possibility. He then decided it would be better to go make the invitation himself; last time a letter had done no good.
Downstairs, Mr. Collins Sr. remained in the drawing room, his thoughts heavy with extreme concern. He had always wanted the best for his sons, more like the man had wanted to ensure Longbourn did not slip out of the Collin family line. However, William's failure to secure a match had left him more than a little worried. Longbourn needed an heir, and he was determined to see that it had one, even if it meant making difficult decisions.
He glanced at the portrait of his late wife that hung above the mantel, her serene expression a stark contrast to the turmoil he felt inside. "I will do what I must," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "For the sake of our family and the future of Longbourn."
As the fire crackled in the hearth and the shadows lengthened, Mr. Collins Sr. resolved to take whatever steps were necessary to secure the estate's future. Longbourn would have an heir, and the Collins family would continue to hold their place in society.
He stood and walked to the window, looking out over the expansive grounds of Longbourn. The estate had been in the family for generations, something that had been drilled into his head by his father. However, Mr. Collins knew there were those who would challenge their claim. The Bennet family, in particular, had always been a thorn in his side. Though it was never openly discussed, Mr. Collins Sr. was acutely aware of the questionable circumstances under which Longbourn had come into their possession. He would not allow the past to resurface and threaten their future.
With a determined set to his jaw, he turned back to the room. "William must succeed," he thought. "For the sake of Longbourn and our family's legacy. If not, I have no choice but to take matters into my own hands."