Page 62

William broke the seal and unfolded the page.

26 November 1811

Netherfield Park

Collins,

The men you asked me about arrived here yester-evening.

Inform the groom when you are able to come meet them and see if they are the kind of men you had in mind. If it can only be after the ball, I will understand.

If that be the case, we will keep them occupied here at this estate until Wednesday.

RF

After asking the butler to tell the groom he would be on his way to Netherfield Park within twenty minutes, William asked that Vulcan be saddled and went up to his chamber to change into riding clothes. He saw Mary in the hall on the first floor and, in sotto voce, explained where he was off to and why.

Mary’s eyebrows shot up, but she said nothing.

Once he was dressed in his riding attire, William made his way down stairs. He felt a tinge of sadness at not seeing Mary on the first floor again. Mr Hill was ready with his hat, coat, and gloves. When William exited the house, the groom was holding Vulcan’s reins. In one fluid motion, he mounted his stallion and was off to Netherfield Park.

It took less than ten minutes to reach Mr Bingley’s leased estate. He handed Vulcan’s reins to a groom and was soon at the front door. The butler, Mr Nichols, relieved him of his coat, hat, and gloves and reported that Colonel Fitzwilliam was waiting for him in a parlour on the ground level.

On entering, William Collins stopped in his tracks. Fitzwilliam was grinning at his reaction to seeing two of the biggest men he had ever beheld. They were some inches taller than Mr Darcy and broader in the shoulders than Fitzwilliam. The other four men were not small, but nothing like the two giants. If these were the men who would guard his cousins, no miscreant would dare approach them. In Cousin Lydia’s case, they would be protecting her from herself.

“Welcome, Collins,” Fitzwilliam boomed. “I present former Lieutenant Biggs and former Sergeant-Major Johns. The four small men are some of those who used to serve under them when we were all in the dragoons together. Gentlemen, the Reverend Collins of Hunsford in Kent.”

“We understand you have some females in your family who are a touch too liberal with their favours around members of the militia,” Biggs said. “I think Johns, the men, and I are able to discourage any man from meddling with them.”

“I do not doubt you can do that,” Collins agreed. “For now, you work for me, but on the morrow, I intend to speak to my cousin, the master of Longbourn, and convince him he needs you in his employ to make sure none of his daughters ruin themselves and the rest of her sisters.

Biggs conferred with Johns and the rest of the men.

While the six men were speaking softly, Fitzwilliam leaned towards Collins. “They are all excellent men,” he stated in sotto voce. “There are too many like them who have served king and country to return home on half pay and find it is not enough to live on. There are far more men than there is work available.”

“Then, we should work together to try to find employment for those who want it,” William responded. He said no more as he noted the men had completed their discussion.

“We accept, but will this be for a few days or weeks or a longer term of employment?” Biggs enquired.

“Whether it be at Longbourn, my parsonage in Hunsford, or at the estate of Rosings Park, you men will have stable and constant employment,” William promised. “Not only that, but Colonel Fitzwilliam and I will work together to try to find employment for as many returning soldiers, navy men, and marines as we are able. I am not sure how many we will be able to assist, but we will do what we can.”

The looks of gratitude from the six hardened soldiers were easy to see.

“I think we can begin this evening at the ball. The officers of the local militia have been invited. Unfortunately, my two youngest cousins run after officers without restraint,” William related. “You gentlemen have your uniforms with you, do you not?”

There were nods all around.

“Perfect!” William exclaimed. “With the way these two youngest Bennets chase after officers, you men will be able to ensure they do not get into trouble. I understand from the older sisters that the two youngest like to partake of the punch more than is good for them. If several of you can distract them before they have too much to drink and thereby embarrass their family, it would be appreciated. If one of you will station himself in the drive at the foot of the stairs leading up to the veranda, when I arrive with the Bennets, I will indicate who the two are who you are to watch tonight. That man will identify them for the rest of you.”

As soon as he saw nods of agreement from his men, Biggs told Mr Collins they would be happy to assist at the ball. With the business complete, the butler led the men to chambers used by senior staff and personal servants of guests.

“Are they big enough for you, Collins?” Fitzwilliam smirked once the former soldiers had left the parlour.

“I would say so.” William shook his head.

“Biggs and Johns were both sergeants when they fought at Roliça,” Fitzwilliam relayed. “Biggs received a battlefield commission after his fool of a lieutenant was killed when he refused to follow his sergeant-major’s advice during the battle. Like so many, the fool thought that he did not need to pay heed to one of a lesser rank because, of course, he knew better than men who had been in the army for five times longer than himself. Unfortunately, the sergeant-major fell trying to save the lieutenant. Johns was battlefield-promoted to sergeant major. Those two and their families are as close as any by blood.”

“I look forward to seeing how my two youngest cousins behave with these men inhibiting their actions. The truth is neither of them should be out, but that is a fight for another day,” William said.