AN: About why Mrs Bennet would do something so crazy.

To me, she desperately wanted Collins as a son in law, and she sees Mary as her most undeserving child - so the best Mary can probably do is to keep the family house. When Mary first refused to answer Collins' letters, she started answering, in the hopes that if Mary saw that he didn't desist in his attentions, she could be brought to love him in time. Of course, it would be a bit fabricated as Collins would be in reality be answering Mrs Bennet's letters, but Mary wouldn't know that.

The problem: Collins starts answering her letters and escalating. I mean, to start off with, it's quite scandalous for a young lady to exchange letters with a young man at that time, and quite surprisingly for a clergyman, Collins makes things get steamy, fast. Mrs Bennet is actually trying to calm him down in her letters, but she still wants to encourage him, so in the end in a few months she has effectively written herself into an impasse, and she doesn't know what else to do but read the banns. If Mr Bennet hadn't passed when he did, she would probably have expected Mary's friends or sisters in Meryton to write to her about her engagement, which would draw Mary back to Longbourn, and then Mrs Bennet would convince Mr Bennet to make Mary and Collins marry for propriety's sake. Mr Bennet dying is actually quite a thorn in her side. Of course, this plan has glaring holes in it but when you only see what you want to, you can convince yourself that things will work out pretty well..

Also: sorry for the delay in posting, I've been busy busy busy!

The next morning, I set out to explain the situation to Mr Collins, and make him see reason. It's not as easy as I had hoped.

"But you love me! You told me so in your letters!"

"Mr Collins," I sigh, "those letters were not from me. I was in London! Your letters came from Hertfordshire! Please accept that you have been deceived in this."

He grumbles a bit, then sighs. "It is exceedingly shocking, indeed, and not at all the sort of behaviour I would expect from your esteemed mother. I suspect some other forces are behind this. In any case, the nature of your feelings does not matter. I hope they will change, in time, of course, but now that the banns have been read, we really must marry. I do not wish for my arrival in this parish to be tainted by such a scandal. And I'm sure Lady Catherine would heartily disapprove."

"I don't care what Lady Catherine, or the parish, would think!" I exclaim. "I never made this commitment, and I. Do. Not. Wish. To. Marry!" Especially not him.

"Well, what about your reputation? Your sister's reputation? You would jeopardize theirs as well?"

He's smiling at me, smug as can be. He thinks he's got me with Lydia and Kitty's reputations. But I won't let this happen.

"Mr Collins, I love my sisters dearly, but I hold my own happiness a bit higher than their reputation in this town. They can move to London and be nicely anonymous if they want. Please, be reasonable. The banns were read once, only once! And on the day of my father's death. We need not tell everyone about the fake letters, but simply that I was so distraught I broke off the engagement. I should be in mourning for the near future, not planning a wedding and even less marrying someone! People will understand."

"No, my dear, in this you must trust me, as your guardian and as your betrothed. I insist that we be wed by next month! My mind is made, you shall not make me change it. Consider the virtues of our union - you shall be the mistress of your childhood home. Think of the comfort it would be for your poor ailing mother! And I think I myself am a pretty good prospect for any young lady, especially now that - but on that topic I shall stay silent. Considering your situation; you have no money, no father, no connections, my offer is generous, indeed! I can even be brought to consider placing some money on your younger sisters for their dowries. Please, be reasonable. "

I'd like to think I'm a reasonable person. But I don't think I've ever been quite so tempted to slap someone in the face. Deep breaths, Mary.

I'm saved from my own savage impulses by the arrival of Jane. She is alone, as Mr Bingley didn't want to disturb us in our bereavement. It's a shame; I could have done with his happy manners to distract me for a bit.

I immediately bring her to the parlour, and close the doors with a resounding snap in Mr Collins' face.

Telling Jane of all the recent developments is cathartic. I feel much better after having vented for a bit - although the same can't be said for poor Jane, who is quite pale.

"It is all so very shocking," she breathes. "How could Mama act so improperly? I cannot believe it. Perhaps there is some misunderstanding?"

I shake my head. "I have tried to straighten things out with Mama and with Mr Collins, to no avail. For my part, I know I will never marry Mr Collins, even under these circumstances."

Jane purses her lips. "This will be a blow to Kitty and Lydia. I worry about their reputations."

I sigh. "It is what displeases me the most in the whole sordid tale. But I won't sacrifice my life just to save them from some slights in town, which will probably blow over in a few weeks or months."

Jane is silent for a bit, then acquiesces. "I suppose you are right. After all, you are not to blame for this situation, although you are so very involved. I shall ask Mama, Kitty and Lydia to come stay at Netherfield for a while. Hopefully that will tide most of the gossip."

"I was going to ask you just that. I'm afraid I will not be able to stay for much longer in Longbourn. I shall probably return to London. One thing is still worrying me in this whole affair: who is our guardian? Mr Collins says that since he has inherited the estate, he is, but I can't think that is right."

Jane adopts a pensive look. "I believe - Uncle Gardiner. Or perhaps Uncle Philips? I am not sure. Uncle Philips should know. I am glad that Mr Bingley and I are settled so close by - I am glad I can be of such help to my sisters in this dreadful time." I think I can glimpse some tears in her eyes - she's probably reminiscing about Mr Bennet.

"Oh, Jane," I murmur, as I draw her into a tight hug. She sniffles a bit but mostly keeps her composure. For myself, unfortunately I have never truly considered Mr and Mrs Bennet as my parents, and to be honest I have little respect for Mr or Mrs Bennet, so his passing doesn't affect me as much as it should.

We stay in silence for a while. I can't help myself - my brain goes back to what's next for me. "Mr Collins is convinced he is our guardian now, but I think it has no legal standing. He has already tried to order me to marry him. I shall accompany everyone when they move to Netherfield, and return to London the same day. I think it's best to create some distance."

"You are right. This is good -," Jane agrees, then interrupts herself. She makes a strange face, convulses, then grabs the embroidery basket and vomits in it.

I have to say, I wasn't expecting that.

"Urgh," Jane complains, wiping her mouth. "I've been feeling queasy every morning for two weeks now, and this has happened three times already. I am so sorry for Mary and Kitty's work! I shall try to see if I can't wash this out."

"Oh don't worry, I don't think they will even realize anything is gone," I soothe her. Then, it dawns on me. Jane and Bingley were married on the 29th of January, and we are mid April, and she has just admitted to regularly feeling ill.

"Oh my God," I whisper, shocked. "Is - I mean, are you?"

Jane turns to look at me with a radiant smile. "I think so."

I squeal, and grab her in a tight hug. My Jane is going to have a baby!

Naturally, the rest of the visit is all about our new little Bennet nugget.

The rest of the day passes in a flurry of packing, and by the next morning we are all ready to leave Longbourn for good - except Mrs Bennet, that is. When told of the plan to move to Netherfield she screeches like a banshee and swears up and down that she wouldn't be made to leave her home. So she stays. She and Mr Collins dedicate their day to trying to convince me to stay at Longbourne instead.

Jane arrives, with Mr Bingley's carriage and a small contingent of footmen. Kitty and Lydia load their things in (I didn't have anything left to pack - I had more or less emptied my room when I left for London and everything which is left can easily fit in a small carrier bag), then we all go to take our leave from Mr Collins. Kitty and Lydia stop by Mrs Bennet's room. I wonder how long Collins will put up with her.

As it happens, he is with Mr Philips.

"Ah, good. Uncle, Cousin. I've come to take my leave, I shall accompany Kitty and Lydia to Netherfield then return to London to my Uncle's house."

Mr Collins' eyes widen dramatically. He looks almost cartoonish. "You cannot think to leave, so close to our wedding!" He protests.

"Indeed, Mary, that is quite strange - you cannot be serious." Mr Philips chimes in.

"You know my position on this whole business, Mr Collins. I will not marry you. Uncle Philips, you have probably heard the banns read on Sunday, but this is all just a misunderstanding. Mr Collins and I are not engaged. Besides, with my father's death I am in mourning with no wish to wed."

"I have had enough of your hard headedness!" Mr Collins exclaims. "Mr Philips has just confirmed to me that I am your legal guardian, and you shall do as I say!"

I turn to Mr Philips. "Really? Papa didn't mention us at all in his will?"

Mr Philips turns a pretty shade of pink. I'm sorry, my dear, but I've looked through all the papers your father left me, and none mention a guardian. That leaves his legal heir. Even if I tried to refute the claim, but Mr Collins is your cousin by blood, and I am but your uncle through marriage. I'm afraid the courts would favour him if you try to challenge this."

I really shouldn't be surprised Mr Bennet was so careless. But I am.

"Exactly. And as your guardian, I order you to stay here," Mr Collins says smugly.

I roll my eyes. Sure. I'm leaving, now.

"Kitty, Lydia!" I call as I return downstairs. "We're leaving. Hurry up!"

Mr Collins and Mr Philips follow me down. "My dear, I'm sure you are jesting, but you should not alarm your Uncle Philips so by contesting my authority," Mr Collins is in full simpering mode. "I know you are a good girl. I order you to stay in Longbourn!"

Jane, Bingley, Kitty and Lydia join us in the entrance. Jane and Bingley seem rather surprised at Collin's outburst, but they say nothing.

"And I will not obey that order, because I give you no authority over me. Kitty, Lydia, let's go."

Mr Collins looks positively livid, as he heads back inside screeching for "Hill!"

I beckon to the girls, and they get in the carriage. By the time they are properly arranged, I can clearly see there's no space for me - unless if we want to make Jane ride. But she is pregnant.

"I shall ride," I decide, and slip my bag among the rest of the girls' stuff. "Jane, get in."

By then, Mr Collins is out again, with Hill behind him.

"Hill," Mr Collins orders. "Please prevent Miss Mary from leaving Longbourn grounds."

I turn to Collins, ready to give him a piece of my mind. Just behind him, I see Hill, looking torn. Should he stay loyal to the family he has served for years, or obey his new master?

I can't drag any more people than I must in this mess, least of all a loyal man who I've known for most of my life here. Mr Hill was always a quiet sort of fellow, but I always knew I could count on him when I needed him. Like when he helped fend off Mr Worthington when Jane was but sixteen.

"I've changed my mind!" I blurt out. "I'll stay, only if Kitty and Lydia go."

Mr Collins beams at me, and reaches out towards me. I half heartedly take his hand, but he seems mollified. "Very well," he concedes.

Jane, and even Bingley, to his credit, shoot me uncertain looks, but I make shooing motions at them. I'd rather secure Kitty and Lydia for now. I think Jane understands me - she enters the carriage, but I can see in the way that she is turning to me that she is torn.

Kitty and Lydia look shocked, as well, and I admit seeing their gobsmacked faces almost makes me want to wink at them, although I watch them leave with a heavy heart. What am I going to do?