Mrs Collins' Lover

by Bronwen Chisholm

  A short time later, they drew to a stop in front of her childhood home. So much had changed in her life, but not Longbourn. The ivy might cover a larger portion, but the stone steadfastness of the house was ever what it was. The first warmth of healing seemed to touch her soul and she sighed.

  “It is good to be home,” Mary whispered.

  “It will be good to get before a warm fire and have something hot to drink,” Mr. Bennet said as he wrapped a scarf about William’s neck and cheeks.

  The door opened and Mr. Bennet exited before handing out Elizabeth and then Mary who turned back to take William in her arms. “Come, William,” she whispered loudly. “Let us go see Grandmama. Aunt Kitty, and Aunt Lydia, and then we shall explore your new room.”

  Elizabeth leaned upon her father’s arm as she approached the front door which opened when they were within a step or two. Mrs. Hill stood within, motioning them to hurry inside. The door closed soundly behind them and outerwear was quickly gathered before they were ushered toward her mother’s favourite winter sitting room. It was smaller than the more formal drawing-room, making it easier to heat.

  Mrs. Hill opened the door for them, revealing Mrs. Bennet by the window wringing her hands. “Oh, I was so beset. We expected you hours ago. I feared an accident of some sort.” She rushed forward and briefly embraced Elizabeth before moving toward her grandson. “We mustn’t allow any misfortune to come to this dear little man,” she cried as she pinched his cheeks.

  William frowned and attempted to pull away from her. His nose crinkled and he buried his face in his aunt’s shoulder.

  “Mama,” Elizabeth warned, “you are frightening him.”

  “Of course, he is afraid of me, Lizzy. He has never seen me.” Mrs. Bennet made another attempt to gather William to her, but he clung tighter to Mary.

  “Perhaps we should all have a seat and William can become more comfortable with his surroundings,” Mr. Bennet suggested as he seated Elizabeth near the fireplace.

  “Oh, yes, yes, of course.” Mrs. Bennet returned to her seat. “Hill will bring tea.”

  Mary joined Elizabeth on the sofa and placed William between them. Noise from the hall announced the approach of their younger sisters. It appeared little had changed at Longbourn. The door burst open and Lydia entered followed closely by Kitty.

  “Oh, they are come at last!” Lydia rushed forward. “He is adorable!”

  Mr. Bennet cleared his throat and his youngest daughter slowed her pace. Dropping into a proper curtsey before her older sisters. “Welcome home, Lizzy, Mary. Did you have a pleasant trip?”

  It took Elizabeth a moment to respond as she was not prepared for the nearly proper comportment. “Yes, as pleasant as it can be travelling at this time of year.”

  Kitty stepped past Lydia and also curtseyed. “Welcome home, Lizzy. I hope you do not mind; I have taken your room since we did not anticipate Mr. Collins’ passing.” She bit her lip. “Forgive me, I should not have mentioned it, but … Oh, I am pleased that you are home.” She leaned forward and embraced Elizabeth.

  “I understand,” Elizabeth replied as she returned the embrace. “Your old room better suits my needs as it places me closer to the nursery.” She sat back and ran a hand through her son’s hair as he pressed his face against her belly.

  Lydia crouched before the seat. “Hello, William,” she said softly. “I am your Aunt Lydia, the merriest aunt. Would you like to play?”

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Lydia, you are nearly eighteen. Will you ever behave?”

  Giving her sister a mischievous smile, Lydia shook her head. “I think not. It seems so boring.” She held out a hand to the little boy who shrank back tighter against his mother.

  “Perhaps you could accompany Mary when she shows him the nursery.” Elizabeth suggested, hoping everyone would back away and allow William to become accustomed to them and the new sounds. In many ways, he was like his father, disliking loud voices and crowds of people. However, once he was accustomed to his new surroundings, she expected he would be content as he had been at Hunsford, Rosings, and Abernathy House.

  Luckily, Mrs. Hill entered with the tea tray and everyone settled back to enjoy the refreshments. Mary assisted William with a bit of milk and a biscuit, covering him and the seat with serviettes to keep them both clean.

  Elizabeth could feel her father’s eyes upon her and sipped the tea when it was handed to her. She even managed to eat a biscuit before declaring herself fatigued. Mary, Lydia, and Kitty followed her as she left the room with her son, the younger girls telling William how much he would love his new room. She was pleased that William had taken to Mary so well; it made her life a bit easier.

  William’s eyes opened wide as she stepped into the nursery. It had been recently cleaned and all the feminine objects removed. In their place were more toys than the boy had ever seen.

  “What is all of this?” Elizabeth asked as she wandered about.

  “Mama had us purchase whatever we thought William might like,” Lydia replied as she bounced on her toes. “Did we do well, Lizzy?”

  “It is a bit much.” Elizabeth bit her lip. “There are few books.”

  “I told you she would want more books.” Kitty held her head higher and looked down her nose at her younger but taller sister.

  “Pah!” Lydia cried. “He is less than two; he cannot read.” She moved toward the shelves of toys. “Look, William, what Auntie Lydia picked for you.”

  Holding tight to Mary’s hand, William took a tentative step toward the toy soldier Lydia held in her hand. When he reached her, he continued past. “Hus!” he cried as he reached for a wooden horse on the same shelf as the matching soldiers.

  Lydia smiled as she kneeled beside the child. “Yes, that is a horse, William. Do you like horses?”

  The boy nodded as he stroked a hand over the animal. Tucking it under one arm, he moved to the next shelf where he found a ball. It would not remain under his arm and began bouncing across the room as he scurried after it.

  Clapping her hands as she squealed with delight, Lydia chased after him. The two were soon bouncing or rolling the ball between them and William was delighted with his new companion.

  “I did tell her to buy books, Lizzy,” Kitty whined beside Elizabeth. “She would not listen.” She pointed toward a small stack beside the bed. “I managed to purchase those when she was not with me.”

  “Thank you, Kitty.” Elizabeth slipped an arm about her sister. “I know she and Mama meant well, but I do not wish for William to expect too much. He has never had this many toys and does not need them. Perhaps we will give some to the tenants’ children.”

  Kitty frowned. “Mama will not be pleased.”

  “But Mama does not frequent the nursery. She will never know.” Elizabeth covered her mouth as she yawned. “If you will excuse me, since William is content, I will take this time to rest.”

  She turned to leave, but Kitty followed her. “I am pleased you are home, Lizzy. I …” She motioned toward the door across the hall. “I hope you like the way I decorated for you.”

  “I am certain I will like anything you have done, Kitty.” Elizabeth moved toward the door, Kitty close at her side. It appeared she would have to wait a bit longer to be alone.

  The door opened and Elizabeth’s hand flew to her mouth. The curtains were drawn so sunlight flooded the room revealing all the little trinkets Elizabeth had been forced to leave behind when she moved to Hunsford. They had been lovingly moved from her previous room to this and arranged in a manner which showed great forethought. Though Kitty could not know the memory each held, she had grouped them in complimentary settings. Elizabeth turned about the room but stopped when her eyes fell upon a painting she had never seen before. The view from Oakham Mount captured the sun as it rose and was Elizabeth’s favourite sight. Tears filled her eyes.

  “Since it is winter and you are with child, I knew you would not be able to climb the mount, so I decided to bring it to you.”


  “Oh, Kitty,” Elizabeth cried as she embraced her sister. “However …? You did not climb there in this weather …?”

  “No,” Kitty shook her head. “I began this last summer and meant to give it to you for Christmas, but you did not come home, and Mama said it was too large to send to you.”

  Elizabeth wiped her handkerchief across her eyes and blew her nose. “It is lovely.” She hugged her sister again. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Kitty smiled, her cheeks coloured a pretty pink. “You should rest. We will care for William until you wake.”

  “He will need a nap soon, also.”

  “Do not worry, Lizzy. You are home and we will help you.” Kitty kissed her cheek and hurried from the room, closing the door behind her.

  “I am home,” Elizabeth whispered to the empty room. “I am truly home,” she repeated with forced confidence.

  Dragging a hand along the edge of the furniture, she made her way about the room until she found herself beside the bed. Her earlier fatigue bowed her shoulders and she laid down, succumbing to her tears as she drifted off to sleep.

  *CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN*

  Elizabeth walked as quickly as she was able from the drawing-room but paused at the bottom of the stairs to gather her skirts.

  “Lizzy?”

  She looked up to see her father approaching from his bookroom, his brow pinched and his lips pursed.

  “Yes, Papa?” Her tone was more confrontational than she had intended causing the line between his brows to deepen.

  “May I speak with you?” He motioned toward his room and stood to the side for her to pass.

  Releasing a frustrated sigh, she did as he desired and took her normal seat before his desk. Knowing her expression was sullen, she stared at her stomach and hoped he would not notice.

  Mr. Bennet did not wait to be seated to approach the issue before them. “I can only imagine, after being the mistress of your own household, it would be difficult returning to your mother’s home.”

  “There is nothing in the running of Longbourn with which I take issue, Papa.” Elizabeth ran a hand over her stomach and breathed deeply.

  “Yet you and your mother argue daily.” He sat back in his seat and steepled his fingers before him. “What do you find wanting, Elizabeth?”

  She lowered her head further and spoke softly. “Her treatment of my son.”

  “I do not understand. Your mother adores William. She sees him as her salvation.”

  “Precisely!” Elizabeth cried out as she lifted her head and met his gaze directly. “She will not correct him when he is obviously at fault. I will not have my child growing up proud and believing he is above others like his … “ She bit her lip and glanced toward the window. “He will be humble and loving, not selfish and stubborn. I have no desire for my son to become like my mother and youngest sister.” She sat back and breathed deeply hoping to calm herself as she ran a hand over her stomach and met his gaze yet again.

  Mr. Bennet watched her closely, but she did not look away. Finally, he nodded. “Jane believes she is with child again.”

  All the anger drained from her and Elizabeth leaned forward. “For how long?”

  “Less than three months.” He placed his hands upon the desk. “I believe it would do both you and Jane well for you to enter your confinement at Netherfield.”

  Elizabeth bit her lip. “Papa, Jane –- “

  “There is much the two of you have to discuss and you have barely spoken since you returned home. Having a child about might allow Jane to relax and being away from your mother might give you the same opportunity. I fear for your well-being giving birth in this house, Lizzy. You and your mother have always reacted poorly to each other. At this time, you require peace and I believe Jane can provide that. Jane needs to remember the girl she once was. You are her connection to her past.

  “I have spoken to Bingley and he must travel again. Jane refuses to go with him, fearing for the baby, and he agrees. He was pleased that you would be with her to alleviate his concerns. He will not be gone long, perhaps a fortnight.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “Will Mother not simply visit Netherfield?”

  “Though it is warmer now, the weather is still displeasing enough for her to require a carriage to travel and I simply cannot spare the horses.” Mr. Bennet winked at his daughter as his lips twisted upward on one side.

  “Of course,” Elizabeth replied as she, too, smiled. “The fields must be prepared for planting soon.”

  “We will tell Mrs. Bennet this evening, though I believe it best that we not mention Jane’s condition.” Mr. Bennet‘s smile slipped away.

  “I agree, Papa.” Elizabeth stood and rounded his desk. She placed a kiss upon his forehead and whispered, “Thank you.”

  Mr. Bennet patted her hand. “Perhaps being with your sister will help return the spark to your eyes.”

  “I fear …” Elizabeth began but stopped. “Perhaps.” She kissed his forehead once more and left the room to begin packing.

  ***********

  “You mustn’t be a bother to your sister,” Mrs. Bennet said for the hundredth time as the carriage rolled up Netherfield’s drive several days later. “And do not be boastful of your condition. Jane is very sensitive regarding children. Oh!” she turned toward her husband. “I fear this is a terrible idea.”

  “No,” Mr. Bennet replied in a soft voice. “It is precisely what both girls require, Mrs. Bennet.” He patted Elizabeth’s hand. “Charles has invited us to dinner, but we will not stay long afterward. He will be leaving in the morning and they will wish some time together without us hovering about.”

  Mrs. Bennet squeezed William to her bosom. “But I will miss my dear little Willie. Can he not remain at Longbourn?”

  “No!” Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet replied in unison.

  “We have discussed this, Mrs. Bennet,” her husband said in his metered tone. “He must be with his mother so that he becomes accustomed to his new sibling and does not resent her.”

  Mrs. Bennet huffed. “You and Lizzy are so certain it is to be a girl. Perhaps she carries another son, a playmate for Willie.”

  “Mother, his name is William.” Elizabeth pinched the bridge of her nose.

  “That is far too grown a name for such a playful child.”

  “But I will not have a grown man being called Willie.” Elizabeth had tried not to argue with the woman, but she had become increasingly vexed with her mother.

  Mary, who had sat quietly until now, asked, “When he is grown, will he not be called Collins?”

  “Never!” Elizabeth cried causing everyone in the carriage to stare at her. She smoothed a hand over her pelisse and lowered her voice. “Forgive me; I had only hoped that when William is older, he might decide to take the name Bennet.”

  “Oh, that would be lovely,” Mrs. Bennet replied. “To think another generation, and perhaps many after that, of Bennets at Longbourn.” She wiped a tear from her eye. “Yes, then he would be Bennet when he grew up.”

  “I think that a perfect idea,” Mr. Bennet added after he cleared his throat.

  The carriage drew to a stop and the footman opened the door to reveal Bingley hurrying down the steps toward them. Mr. Bennet handed his wife, Elizabeth, and Mary out of the coach, then wrapped Mrs. Bennet’s hand about his arm and allowed Bingley to escort his second daughter inside while Mary carried William.

  “I am so pleased the weather has broken and the ground dried sufficiently that your skirts would not be muddied.” Bingley said as they climbed the steps.

  “Yes,” Elizabeth laughed as she remembered her appearance on his doorstep with her petticoat six inches deep in mud those many years ago. “I would not want to appear so wild and uncaring regarding my appearance.”

  Bingley coloured. “I meant no insult, Mrs. Collins.”

  Elizabeth laid her other hand upon his arm and stopped walking as they entered the house. “Mr. Bingley, we are brother and sister now. I beg of you, pleas
e call me Elizabeth or Lizzy.” Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at him and she had to blink rapidly and turn away.

  “Forgive me, Elizabeth. May I ask in turn that you call me Charles?” he bowed over her hand.

  “It would be my pleasure, Charles.”

  He smiled. “Right then,” he replaced her hand upon his arm. “The others have left us behind, and my wife is surely expecting us. She will scold me for delaying you.”

  “Should I not first remove my outerwear, sir?” Elizabeth asked. Her lips twitched as she attempted to hide her amusement.

  Charles blushed again. “Shall I always be begging your forgiveness, Elizabeth?”

  “I doubt it,” she replied as he assisted her with her pelisse and gloves, handing them to a waiting maid.

  When they entered the drawing-room, Jane was settled on the sofa with William between her and Mrs. Bennet. The boy stared at Jane; his mouth partially open as though he saw an angel. Even at such a young age, he was mesmerized by her sister.

  “There you are,” Jane said, her lips pulled tight. “I had feared you had lost your way, Charles.”

  “I was being corrected by our sister, my dear, for being too formal. Elizabeth pointed out that we are siblings now and should address each other accordingly.” He escorted her to the closest seat and then went to kiss his wife’s cheek before taking up position beside Mr. Bennet at the fireplace.

  “I like the colours you selected for this room, Jane,” Elizabeth said as she took in their surroundings. Though there were several shades of blue, they were all complimentary, and the accents showed the owner to be well off without being vulgar and boastful. “Yes, this room reflects you completely; elegant and refined.”

  “There are those who would like more finery, but I prefer it this way.” Jane blushed as she looked about.

  “I heartily agree,” Elizabeth replied with a smile as she saw her mother purse her lips. It appeared decorating had been a topic much discussed in the past, so she decided to say no more until she was alone with her sister.