It had not been since his parents were called home that Bennet had allowed himself to cry like he did after receivingthe letter telling him that Melissa was in heaven.
His beloved Melissa’s death reminded him that he could not allow himself to marry another. He donned a black armband and mourned his lost love for a full three months. He had considered mourning a full year like he would have for a wife, but Bennet decided that was too far beyond the pale.
As it was, how would he explain the black armband to his inquisitive daughters when they asked about it, as he fully expected they would.
Lizzy was the first to enquire about the armband. Bennet told them the truth, but at the ages his daughters were, it was not the full truth. He told them that a very good friend who used to be a neighbour had gone to heaven, and he was mourning her. His daughters were intelligent enough not to ask any more.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
In May a reply to Bennet’s letter to his distant cousin was received.
6 May 1802
Mrs Katniss’s Boarding House
14 Lankton Road
Westerham
Kent
Mr Bennet!
Nothing you wrote about my birthright or my position of heir was true.
In addition, I forbid you to marry another woman and sire a son in order to cheat me out of my birthright. You are no gentleman. How dare you slander my father like you did. I should go to a solicitor and have you charged for slander.
My father was correct in being at variance with you.
I send you no compliments, and do not wish you and your family well for the future.
Mr Collins
Bennet almost hoped the clodpole would be stupid enough to bring suit. He had all the proof he needed to win, and then he would bring his own countersuit. He would wait to see what if anything Collins did.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
As much as Collins wanted to have his cousin charged with slander, after reading Mr Davidson’s letter, he grudgingly decided not to.
7 May 1802
Parsonage
St Peter’s Church
Faversham
Mr Collins,
I strongly suggest that you do not attempt what you wrote in your past letter to me.
I read Mr Bennet’s letter that you enclosed, and I am afraid there is nothing there which is slanderous. You may not know that I used to read and write letters for your late father before you took the office.
What your cousin said about your father’s words regarding the death of his parents, and it was Mr Bennet who broke with your father is nothing but the truth.
I pray this helps you. Regards,
F Davidson
