“As I intend to inform Reggie of that fact,” Lady Elaine added.
The two ladies sought out their husbands, who were in the study with Lewis. Neither man argued when his wife told them they would be stopping in Town first.
Chapter8
“Would you like to know what I did so we are rid of the girls your cousin gave me?” Fanny asked when she was alone with Clem after all the men from neighbouring estates had withdrawn.
“I would not. That way, when I am asked, I can truthfully deny knowledge of where they are,” Collins replied.“We should marry soon. That way I can begin to protect you.” ‘And you cannot change your mind and refuse me,’Collins added silently. He was not about to allow this comely woman to escape.
“I will marry you as soon as may be. I suggest you see Mr Pierce at the Longbourn Village Church for a common licence. As I am a widow, I need permission from no one,” Fanny responded happily.‘Once I am Mrs Collins and as soon ashiswill is read, I will be the mistress, and I will sack every single servant who was ever disrespectful to me or did not do what I wanted,’ she thought.
Not allowing the grass to grow under his feet, Collins made the short walk to St Hugh’s Church. He would have ridden his late cousin’s gelding; except he had never learnt how to ride. It was not far enough for a carriage, and because the infernal will had not been read, he was not allowed to use it.
“Mr Collins, how may I be of service?” Pierce asked when the man called at the parsonage.
“I want a common licence,” Collins demanded.
“It had not come to my notice that you are engaged. Who is thefortunatelady?” Pierce asked. He had heard enough from his late patron to know what sort of man this was who stood before him.
“My betrothed is Fanny Bennet, and we want to marry as soon as possible,” Collins revealed.
“Mr Collins, that is unseemly. It has not even been a fortnight since her husband went to his eternal reward. It is the custom in this society for a spouse to mourn the lost one for one year. Flout that, and you will both be shunned if you marry with such haste after Mr Bennet was called home,” Pierce stated. He was not surprised by this, as he was fully aware of just how selfish Mrs Bennet was. She was making sure she would have a secure home. Pierce could not but suspect—even though he had no proof—that the disappearance of the Bennet sisters was connected to this hasty marriage.
“I will soon be your patron. You would do well not to anger me, or I will sack you and replace you with a more agreeable man,” Collins threatened.
“You may not be awareof this fact, but a living is for life. I can only be removed by my bishop, and then only for proven misconduct,” Pierce retorted. He was not surprised to see the bully emerge. He and Bennet had spoken of this very thing.“You should know that if you interfere in my parish or withhold the wages stated in the contract, not only will the church remove this living from your advowson, but you will also face the ecclesiastical court.”
Collins hated it when he intimidated someone and it did not work. However, he did what he always did in those cases; he backed down.“Is it against the law to marry now?” Collins queried.
“It is not, as I said; it is a custom. I have no legal grounds to deny your request.As far as I know,neither of you has committed a grievous sin which would preclude your marriage in the church. If I am to proceed and issue the licence, you must be sure you are willing to brave society’s censure,” Pierce explained.
“Yes, Fanny and I wish to marry as soon as the morrow,” Collins confirmed.
Pierce shook his head. He suspected Collins thought what he said was bluster. He and his new wife would discover the truth soon enough.“Return in two hours with Mrs Bennet. If I see she understands what will happen, I will have the licence ready and hand it to you. It will cost you fifteen pounds.”
As he intended to take what he paid for the licence from Fanny’s interest, Collins cared not about the cost. He made the walk back to the manor house.
Two hours later, Collins arrived back at the church with Fanny.
As he spoke to Mrs Bennet, Pierce could not but notice that the feigned grief about her daughters being taken was replaced with glee at the prospect of marrying Collins. He was sure she had not heard what he said about being shunned when she answered that she understood, and yes, she wanted to marry Mr Collins at the first opportunity.
Pierce handed Collins the licence. They set the wedding for nine in the morning on the morrow.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Agatha and Frank Phillips were enjoying their time in Marazion, a coastal town in Cornwall, along Mount’s Bay and reputed to be the oldest town in the county, dating back to 1257.
They had a suite at the Marazion Hotel. They had ten days left before they began the journey back to first Beech Hill in Devonshire and then Meryton. Into this blissful solitude, an express arrived. They were both aware that Agatha’s parents were the only ones who knew where the newlyweds were residing and that they would not have sent the express had it not been absolutely necessary.
As it was addressed to him, Phillips opened the missive from his father-in-law. It explained that the enclosed epistle had been received via express. Phillips read it right away.
He identified the writing as that of Jamison, his head clerk. As he unfolded the unsealed letter—it had been addressed to his father-in-law—he felt great trepidation.
6 April 1792
Mr Morris, when you read this epistle, I am sure you will see that it needs to reach Mr Phillips with all speed.
WJ
