Page 74 of The Scarred Duchess
Bennet extended a glass with port to the young man. “Please. For our sakes.” He took the glass and continued speaking.
“Once I could walk, I never knew a day without the feel of his heavy hand or the cruelty of his words. He thought me lacking as his heir—a pitiful, insipid son. To assuage his temper, I learnt subservience, placidity, and, when possible,invisibility. I whispered ten passive words rather than two or three direct ones. It was how I answered each angry bellow. I lived in fear, but I survived. Then one day, he beat me so badly, I awoke to find myself in the infirmary at Marylebone House.”
Bennet shook his head, disgusted and nauseated. He knew Josiah Collins had been a poor human being, but this was unconscionable. A sound from the doorway made all three men turn round. Mary stood with a tea tray in hand, her pale face attesting to the fact that she had heard Mr Collins’s recitation. Bennet stood and went to her at once. Gently taking the tea tray, he urged her to go back to her mother, whispering that Mr Collins no longer had anything to fear.
“How could such evil exist in the world, Papa?”
“I cannot answer that,” he replied, walking with her down the corridor. “I can only urge you to counter such badness with good deeds. We are lucky to know many who do just that.”
On his return to his study Philips informed him, “Collins has retired. He wished you a good evening.”
“I must speak to Franny. I am sure she would agree we should offer Mr Collins some assistance.”
Philips welcomed Bennet and Mr Collins into his office two days later. “Collins, we have much to review. This meeting is legal in nature and will matter to the Longbourn estate and its tenantry.”
Mr Collins sat back in his chair, appearing confused.
“Mr Collins, the Bennets desire to assist you in your chosen profession.”
“Cousin Bennet, that is not necessary,” the cleric replied immediately.
“Necessary it may not be, but desirous it is,” Bennet replied.
Philips read from the document to his front. “Mr William Collins will receive the following legacy in perpetuity until his death.” He glanced at Mr Collins, saying, “You are named grantee,” before looking back at the document to read aloud. “Grantee will receive the sum of a thirty-pound quarterly allowance to a future named account accessible to the grantee and any he deems as a surrogate.
“Grantee is not entitled to request advances upon the allowance nor to request additional financial assistance from the grantor. Grantee may not request restitution of any funds should he or a surrogate misplace, lose, or act errantly regarding the allowance.
“Grantee allowance will begin in the year of our Lord 1811 and be delivered each quarter day. Grantee allowance will end upon his death or upon his failure to withdraw funds three-quarters consecutively.
“Grantee will employ a local solicitor in his home county. The grantor’s legal representation must approve the grantee’s choice. Any communication between the grantor and the grantee regarding the allowance must transpire between the solicitors to be considered valid and binding.”
Philips looked at Mr Collins, who looked pensive. “Questions, young man?”
“The allowance is quite generous. I find it hard to accept such largesse.”
“Yet, you shall,” countered Bennet. “This is your family’s preference, and the estate can afford to support you in this manner.”
“This amount is more than adequate for the time being.Do you foresee a change in your circumstances?” queried Philips. “Do you foresee taking on a wife? Having children? Growing a family?”
“I believe that is a topic to be discussed in the future between myself and Cousin Bennet,” Mr Collins replied quietly. Bennet remained silent.
“Fine. Let us continue.” Philips nodded to Bennet before explaining the final terms of the legacy and again asking whether Mr Collins had questions.
“None.”
Bennet and Mr Collins signed the agreement. Philips completed the documentation and sanded all the signatures before rolling each document separately. “I shall produce two more copies for signatures in the morning,” he advised.
Bennet stood and nodded at Mr Collins. “We have completed our business. When we next meet, it would please me to know more of your life at Hunsford.”
Mr Collins stood as well. “Thank you, Cousin Bennet. I shall do just that. Mr Philips, I also thank you. Good day to you both.” He closed the door behind him.
Bennet sighed. “I believe the young man may have designs on one of my daughters.”
“He is an agreeable young man with a bright future and good connexions. Have you any objections?”
“I can think of none at this time.” Bennet extended his hand to Philips. “Thank you. I shall inform Franny we have met her wishes.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
