Page 79 of May I Have the Pleasure
“He theorises that both your ancestor, and his solicitor, were either heavy drinkers, opium eaters, or barking mad. It is the only explanation for some of the clauses in one more legal document. That is why it took two months to manage the will.”
“Pray, enlighten me!”
“Apparently, since Mr Collins was the very last of the Bennet males,youinherit Longbourn on your father’s demise, rather than your mother and sisters.”
“ME?”
“Yes, you. Mrs Elizabeth Collins, heiress to Longbourn.”
“That makes no sense.”
“Hence the heavy drinker theory, though in some ways, there is a sort of rationality to their madness. Your ancestors would not want the estate broken up. If you had a son, he would be the heir, but since you do not, the estate would go to you as the wife of the last living male. Otherwise, it would have to be split between your mother and sisters. It is very unusual—practically unheard of—but apparently legal.”
“I can see your solicitor’s heavy drinker theory has merit.”
“Just to be certain, there will be no children, will there?”
“No, my lady. As I am certain you can appreciate, I did not anticipate my vows and will be in mourning for a year. I am perfectly safe on that score. William Collins will have no offspring, male or otherwise.”
“The world will thank you for that. When will you notify your father and your family?”
“Is there any hurry? I would just as soon remain a penniless beggar in the eyes of the world for a while if you do not mind.”
“There is no hurry, as long as you have a way to know when your father dies.”
“I will let them know when he dies, or I quit being furious. My friend Charlotte will keep me appraised of the gossip from Meryton so I will know of his death. Neither his death nor my relenting is likely to happen any time soon.”
“Sensible enough. Now I can see Anne straining at the leash for your phaeton ride, so you had best get to it.”
“I shall see you at supper then.”
“Enjoy your ride, Elizabeth, and try to keep Anne out of trouble!”
“I always do, my lady… well… most of the time, anyway.”
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Rosings—April 1812
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“Elizabeth, I see you received more letters from Hertfordshire. Are you planning to answer these any more readily than those that preceded them?”
“Do you have an opinion about whether I should or not, my lady?”
“Not particularly. I am simply curious.”
“And you, Anne.”
“I am also curious.”
“The latest batch proceeded along the same path as the previous. I mostly read and burned them, but not necessarily in that order. My father even exerted himself to write this time.”
“Did he say anything interesting?”
“Not in the first half of the letter. I could not read the rest as it was burning too quickly.”
“Still angry I see.”
