To Refuse Such a Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by P. O. Dixon

Author:P. O. Dixon [Dixon, P. O.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Regents and Cotswold Book Group
Published: 2015-07-26T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7 – Must Now Reconsider

Mr. Collins, having petitioned for and received a private audience with Mr. Bennet, took a seat in the chair on the opposite side of the large, rather cluttered desk that he would one day call his own.

The thought that his future father-in-law might allow him to assume the role as head of Longbourn even prior to the former’s passing did cross his mind once or twice in the hours since he asked for Elizabeth’s hand. He did not wish to get too far ahead of himself. For the immediate future, he was more than happy to bring his bride to live with him in Hunsford. His position as Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s vicar afforded him status and connections the likes of which he was not eager to relinquish.

“I understand you wished to speak to me in privacy, sir,” said the older man, “the floor is all yours.”

The floor, the ceiling, the walls, the windows, all of this will be mine soon enough, the younger man thought but did not voice aloud. He had far more urgent matters to discuss. Clearing his throat, Mr. Collins said, “Sir, I could not help noticing that your second eldest daughter was nowhere to be found this morning. I sorely missed her presence at breakfast. Pray does she make a habit of going unaccounted for?”

Unwilling to answer the question directly, Mr. Bennet said, “Is there a particular reason for your interest in my second eldest daughter’s comings and goings?”

“Sir, you cannot possibly be a stranger to the fact that soon after my arrival, I singled your second eldest daughter—Cousin Elizabeth—out as the object of my most ardent fascination. Acting upon my profound admiration and esteem for your daughter, I offered her my hand in marriage and, in keeping with my character as a gentleman, I allowed her the additional time she requested before making me the happiest man in the world.”

Mr. Bennet sat back in his winged armchair and steepled his hands before his face. He said not a word.

“Surely Mrs. Bennet will have spoken to you about my plans for Cousin Elizabeth. Under any other circumstances, I would exercise more patience in awaiting my fair lady’s reply, but it appears my time here in Hertfordshire is drawing to a close. My noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, will want me to return to my duties as originally planned.”

“Mr. Collins, I am afraid you will not be pleased with what I am about to tell you. It has to do with my daughter. It seems that there has been a new development since the two of you spoke.”

The younger man’s expression bore out his concern. He tugged at his collar. “A new development,” he protested. “What manner of development?”

“Calm yourself, Mr. Collins. Is it not enough that you shall have all of this as soon as I am no longer of this earth? I have no say over any of that, nor do I have any say over whom my second eldest daughter chooses to marry.

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