This tide of words carried both men into the front parlour, where Charlotte joined them, deeply curious as to what brought Mr Darcy to their neighbourhood. After the bows and curtseys were performed, compliments exchanged, news of Mrs Darcy given, and enquiries as to the health of the Misses Collins made, their visitor explained that he had business in town, but had heard news concerning Longbourn he wished to have explained to him in person.

‘Is it true, Mr Collins, that you are deferring taking possession of the estate for the time being? My wife received a somewhat unclear account from her sister Mary, in which she indicated that by your good graces, she, her mother, and her sister Kitty are to remain in occupancy as tenants, with the bailiff to continue the management of the farm now that Mr Bennet has died. I confess I might not have given this puzzling story too much credit had I not received a short note from Lady Catherine conveying similar information. May I enquire, as one deeply engaged in the well-being of my wife’s family, as to its veracity?’

Charlotte held her breath. This indeed was a test of her husband’s resolve. Fortunately, Lady Catherine’s assent to the plan, and indeed her speeches on the nobility and magnanimity thereof, had fortified Mr Collins to the extent that his enthusiasm for it now matched his wife’s. ‘Indeed, sir, every word of it is true. There is no need to turn a grieving widow and her daughters out of their home just yet. Let us allow some time to pass.’

‘But Mr Collins, legally, Longbourn is now your home. Possession of the estate would allow you the life of a gentleman; your family would rise in standing and ease.’

Now Mr Collins looked a little crestfallen, so Charlotte thought it time to slip into the conversation: ‘Mr Darcy, all you say is true. But the income from Longbourn will come to us, and it is not forever, you know. Mary and Kitty might marry soon, and who knows how long Mrs Bennet may yet live? Besides, we are not so discontented with our lot here – the attentions of your aunt, the work of the parish and stewardship of our Parsonage – as to wish to quit it at the first opportunity.’

‘But you are uniformly gracious to concern yourself with such small matters, sir,’ cried Mr Collins. ‘We are grateful for your attention and advice.’