Page 3 of Gold and Good Sense

Though he never truly stopped missing England’s rolling hills or his brother’s cynical humor, Collin went on to build an entirely happy, and surprisingly prosperous, life with Emilia and their son, Bertram.

Part One

Chapter 1

February 1, 1811

London, England

Dear Thomas,

After living a perfectly wonderful life in North Carolina for the last twenty years, I have finally returned to England’s shores. My wife and son both passed on in the influenza epidemic that swept through our neighborhood last winter, and I found that life lost all its sparkle once they were gone. So, here I am, back in England, looking for the comfort that a child would seek from a familiar blanket.

I was hoping you would allow me to return to Longbourn for a time. If you are still angry with me, I can stay out of sight. I would just like to see the old, familiar landscape, since I hope it can soothe my bruised soul.

Please respond as quickly as possible. Though I have business here in London, I will not be staying in the city any longer than necessary.

Your Brother Always,

Collin Bennet

For the first time Thomas could remember, he was truly grateful he had opened this particular letter as soon as it was placed in his hands.

Usually, he hated dealing with correspondence, and he always put it off as long as he could. This one, however, could not be ignored since it was sent express, and Thomas was glad of it.

Collin was in England, just a few hours away. Finally, after two decades or more of separation he would get to see his brother. He was confused at the reference to Thomas being still angry. He had never felt any anger toward Collin, only disappointment that he had disappeared never to be heard from again.

Regardless of the situation or sentiments held by either party, this letter required an immediate response.

Thomas sat down at his desk to compose an invitation for Collin to come to Longbourn and stay as long as he liked. He then sent it off to London by express to ensure the letter was in Collin’s hands before the end of the day.

Two days later, he received a letter in the regular mail stating that Collin would arrive around noon on the fifth of February.

~~~~~

Thomas’ nervous anticipation was finally rewarded when he heard carriage wheels on the gravel drive. He jumped up from his armchair, threw on his greatcoat, and headed outside to greet his brother.

A hired carriage pulled up, and the driver hopped down to open the door. Thomas expected Collin to jump down with all the energy he used to have.

Instead, a frail, thin man with fever spots on his cheeks practically fell out of the carriage. Thomas rushed over to him to steady him, and he barely made it in time to prevent Collin from falling to the ground.

“Hello, Thomas,” said Collin weakly, though this short declaration was followed by a fit of raspy, wet sounding coughs which only ended when Collin spit bloody mucous onto the ground.

The world spun in confusion around Thomas. This was not what he had expected in the least, and for a moment he was stunned, not knowing what to do. Collin’s weight in his arms helped him to pull himself together though. This was not a time to panic. Collin needed him, and it was high time he acted the big brother that he should have been from the beginning.

“Welcome home, Collin,” Thomas said. “Now, let’s get you inside. I set aside your old bedroom for you so you could have a familiar view out the window.”

The room had belonged to Mary for nearly five years now, but she had willingly given it up when Thomas explained who would be using it and why.

“Can you manage the stairs with my help, or should I call my footmen to carry you?” asked Thomas.

Collin did not answer, but the way he slumped heavily against Thomas spoke for him. While the driver began the process of unlatching the luggage from the back, the two brothers slowly made their way inside. Once there, Thomas immediately yelled for his footmen.

The yelling brought more than the footmen into the hall. It also brought Mrs. Bennet and three of his daughters, none of whom were used to hearing him raise his voice.

“Mr. Bennet, what is this?” asked his wife.

“This is my brother, Collin,” said Thomas with some asperity as he shifted Collin’s weight over to the footmen. Once Collin was on his way up the stairs, he added, “I believe he has a fever, so it would be wisest for no one to visit him in his rooms until I know more.”