Page 43 of Regrets

“I believe it to be some six hundred acres.”

“And Longbourn is only about one hundred and fifty acres. Do you see?”

“I do; nonetheless, Mr. Bennet, I confess that I wonder about your priorities.”

“My priorities?”

“Indeed; not only have you no steward, but the parlour has evidently not been updated for many years, and my own room is rather shabby. The house is in great need of an entire refurbishment.”

Mr. Bennet stared at his cousin. “And so you would spend your money on such things?”

“I would indeed, for Lady Catherine insists that it is the duty of the upper classes to set the example for those below us.”

“And you think you are of the upper classes, do you?”

“If I am to be an estate owner, then certainly. And everything must be in the finest taste and the newest fashion. Lady Catherine is always very clear on this subject.”

Mr. Bennet shook his head. “Mr. Collins, there is a good deal more –“

But Mr. Collins was not done. “And do not think that I did not understand the hint you gave me last evening, for I am sensitive to such undercurrents of conversation!”

“Hint?” Mr. Bennet was baffled.

“Yes; when you spoke of sewing and the stillroom and the like. Of course, the right thing to do is for me to marry your eldest daughter, and she shall manage those tasks.”

Mr. Bennet rose and shook his head at his cousin. “You shall not marry any of my daughters, Mr. Collins.”

“I assure you that this has been my intention –“

“Yes; I read the letter and hoped for the best, but then I met you and my hopes were dashed. None of my daughters will marry you.”

“Are you saying that –“

“I am saying that you are not good enough for any of my girls, sir, and that is the end of it. Please leave me in peace now, so that I might meditate on the ill fortune that has made you my heir.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

The next day, Mr. Collins left before breakfast without so much as a word to anyone. His departure was witnessed only by Kitty, who had crept downstairs for a drink of water just as Mr. Collins was walking out the front door with his valise in hand. She ran at once to the front window and watched him walk down the drive and turn left, evidently headed toward Meryton. When she crawled back into bed, Lydia whispered, sleepily, “Did I hear the front door open?”

“You did,” Kitty whispered back. “Mr. Collins left.”

“Thank God,” Lydia murmured and promptly fell back to sleep.

***

When the family gathered for breakfast, Kitty was able to tell everyone why their guest was absent from the table. Mr. Bennet thanked her and then announced, “Now that we have met Mr. Collins, I am more concerned than ever for the future of Longbourn.”

“But the entail cannot be altered, can it?” Jane asked.

Mr. Bennet shook his head. “Everything I have learned tells me that it can only end with the consent of the heir.”

Mary said, “He is a fool, but I suspect not so much of a fool that he would willingly sign away his inheritance.”

“You have spoken with solicitors, I take it?” Elizabeth asked, curtly.

Mr. Bennet nodded. “I have consulted several by letter, as your Uncle Gardiner advised me; but I think that now I will travel to London and speak with someone directly.”

Elizabeth considered this. “Perhaps Mr. Darcy can help you find the best solicitor to speak to. At this point, surely cost is not an issue.”