As she could not find a man who was interested in a woman with her disdainful attitude, especially since there was not one who measured up to her exacting standards, she became bored.
Eventually when her need for a challenge as well as exquisite gowns became too much for her, she opened her own business where her taste and attitude stood her in good stead. She became the most fashionable modiste in York, where she never lacked for customers.
~T~
Eventually, Mr Bennet passed away peacefully in his sleep.
After forty years of marriage Mrs Bennet mourned the passing of her husband despite how irritating he had been at times. To keep from brooding she and the servants went through the house packing up her personal belongings to move into Aunt Mary’s cottage.
This had the added advantage that she would not have to deal with Mr Collins who was sure to attend the funeral and she expected that he would want the pleasure of evicting her from her home. She was determined not to give him that satisfaction.
Her brother Phillips arrived at Longbourn with several lists of items which he had the servants pack, and which were sent to Mrs Bennet’s new home, awaiting distribution to the beneficiaries of Mr Bennet’s will.
Mrs Bennet received messages from Kitty and Lydia, one saying that she could not travel at that time as she was expecting her third child soon, the other because she was keeping her sister company.
Mr Collins did arrive the day before the funeral and was most put out that he would not be admitted to Longbourn until after the reading of the will. He was travelling alone as his wife and two daughters had succumbed to a flue epidemic two years previously.
On the morning of the funeral, Mrs Bennet, accompanied by her sister, left her home only minutes after her husband took his final journey to the cemetery, and she was taken to her new home, where they would meet for the reading of the will immediately after Mr Bennet was interred.
As Mrs Bennet looked out of the carriage window, she exclaimed, ‘This cannot be right. Why are we going to Netherfield?’
‘Because that is the cottage Aunt Mary wanted you to have as your home,’ Mrs Phillips explained with a small smile.
Mrs Bennet could not help a slightly hysterical chuckle as tears streamed down her face. ‘Dear Aunt Mary. That is some cottage,’ she murmured.
~T~
When Mrs Bennet stepped out of her carriage, she was greeted by her three oldest daughters.
‘I am sorry, mama, that we did not come to see you, but we only arrived late last night, and Uncle Phillips informed us that he had made arrangements for us to stay here,’ Jane said while she enfolded her mother in her arms.
‘I am glad that you are here now. Did you know that Aunt Mary arranged for me to live at Netherfield?’
As Elizabeth took her turn at hugging her mother she said, ‘We only found out last night. Uncle Phillips had left a note for us.’
Mary too would not be denied embracing her mother. ‘We are very pleased that you have such a comfortable home.’
The sisters greeted their Aunt warmly and led the ladies into the house, where they were greeted by Mrs Nicholls.
‘Welcome to Netherfield Park, Mrs Bennet. I have the mistress’s suite ready for you. I hope that you will be comfortable in your new home.’
~T~
While Mr Collins was impressed by the honour bestowed on Mr Bennet to have the Duke of Barrington, Mr Darcy, and Mr Fitzwilliam present at his funeral, he was not impressed afterwards when the reading of the will was delayed.
As he accompanied Mr Phillips in his carriage, he noticed that they were not going to Longbourn. When he queried their destination, all he was told was, ‘All will be explained in due time.’
All the gentlemen of the extended family entered the drawing room at Netherfield, to find the ladies were waiting for them. When Collins recognised Mrs Bennet, he addressed her with disdain. ‘Mrs Bennet, we only buried your husband just now. I think it most inappropriate for you to be gadding about and visiting friends.’
‘Collins, shut up and sit down,’ growled Phillips and pointed to a chair. ‘My sister is here for the reading of the will, which I will only proceed with if you keep quiet.’
Collins looked offended but he did sit down… quietly.
While the younger gentlemen all took seats next to their wives, Phillips sat down at a table which had been set up for him, on which he placed the folder of documents which he had brought.
After reading the standard opening phrases of Mr Bennet’s will, he came to the pertinent points.
As per the entail on Longbourn, the estate and the associated structures, fittings, and equipment, as well as the money in the estate account will become the property of the legal heir, whoever he may be.
