“Oh, yes, of course! Although my mother would have never allowed it in a large city like here, it was in the country and I was seen by only a few people. There was a large tree on the green by the smithy that was perfect for my own adventures, and only when I found myself fancying a young boy in Lambton that I decided dresses were fine. My days as a boy lasted me one week but it was a very liberating time, to be sure.” She beamed brightly as she told her story.
“And this boy you fancied,” Mr. Gardiner possessively embraced her and smiled, “what happened to him?”
“He was a sixteen-year-old butcher’s son and I thought he was so strong and handsome,” she laughed, “but when I grew the courage to finally talk to him, I found out that he had terrible teeth and was as dim-witted as a doorknob, and he did not know how to read and was a frequent drunkard at an early age.” She kissed him tenderly, “I prefer to have a husband who is intelligent and handsome and diligent to care for his growing family.”
Mr. Gardiner affectionately caressed her cheek, “I will be all that for you and more, my love. I will trust your judgment regarding Lizzy and if you wish for me to take back the boy clothes, I will do so. You are a wonderful aunt to her and I could not be prouder.”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled, “She will be well. She is certainly more stubborn than I had been so I give her a month until she decides for herself. As long as it is not made public and one of us can keep a close eye on her, I agree with you that it is a good education for her. We still must shield her from activities that are not fit for a young girl, Edward. I know how crass boys can be and although Lizzy has been exposed to more transgressions through books than most girls her age, it is different to hear and see in reality.”
“We will be vigilant, Madeline. I believe we have more important things to do right now than speak of my tomboy niece. Let us go and find some respite until dinnertime.” Mr. Gardiner winked. “The girls are resting and Jane will watch over Lizzy when she awakens from her nap. She spent too much of her energy during our outing and was positively worn out!”
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled at each other and immensely looked forward to their own family in the near future.
Chapter 2
March 1805
“Thank you for your invitation, Mr. Bennet. It was most kind of you to invite us for Christmas and although we could not make the trip at that time, we are pleased to be here now with you.” The man bowed several times.
Mr. Bennet observed him closely to see if he could detect any duplicity and was pleased to find none. “I hope you find Longbourn comfortable, Mr. Collins.” He turned to the young man next to him and spoke kindly. “You are older than I had expected, Master Collins. You are now seventeen?”
The younger man nodded, “Yes, sir. Eighteen in the fall, sir.”
Mrs. Bennet and the four girls who were sitting with them in the drawing room giggled to see the shy young man colour with so many females in the same room. “As you can see,” Mrs. Bennet commented, “we have our daughters from fourteen to six years in range and they are only here for the introductions. My second daughter is at her friend’s home and will return soon.” She turned to the governess, “If you will take the girls upstairs, Mrs. Porter, I thank you.”
The governess did as instructed and left the drawing room.
“Mr. Bennet, I hope you will forgive me of my prior offences when I last visited Longbourn and I would like to share with you my true intent for our visit. I wished to make a proposal of a kind, unrelated to marriage, of course, and wondered if we could speak privately in your study. If Mrs. Bennet might stay with him or if you would like for my son to retire to his rooms...” Mr. Collins could not continue when Lizzy walked into the drawing room.
“Papa, mama, I’ve brought Charlo...” Lizzy stopped when she saw the guests. “I apologise. I forgot we were expecting visitors.”
Mr. Bennet made the introductions. “Mr. Collins, Master Collins, my second daughter Elizabeth. The lady behind is our neighbour’s daughter, Charlotte Lucas. Lizzy, my cousin and his son.” He looked at the older gentleman, “If you please, we can go to my study while the young people make their acquaintance.”
Lizzy was curious to what business her father and Mr. Collins had while young Mr. Collins and Charlotte conversed cordially with Mrs. Bennet asking several questions.
~*~
“I cannot regret more of my terrible behaviours in the past, Mr. Bennet.” Mr. Collins began. “I had been banished from Longbourn by your father after my indiscretions and I left very angry, as I believed I was wronged, but it was my arrogance that led me to behave badly and I quickly learned my lesson when I met the most wonderful woman in London a few months later. She refused courtship with me because she thought me dissolute and I had to prove to her that I would be faithful to her for nearly six months before she agreed to courtship.” He sighed, “We married another six months later and were very happy to welcome our son into the world, but Alice became ill and she passed five years ago. I did the best I could for my son and felt that I had done well but I have discovered... I am dying, Mr. Bennet. My son is seventeen and he will be left all alone and I have no one to turn to. You, as much as you might despise me, are
