Disclaimer: Much of the plot and most of the characters herein belong to our dearest Jane, not myself. I am simply amusing myself (and hopefully my readers) with a few tweaks to Miss Austen's beloved work, Pride and Prejudice.

A/N: (8/16/16 – Updated with some suggested edits)

Hello, dear readers! Please enjoy this, the (rather short) opening chapter of this work in progress, tentatively titled "The Hunsford Living". This is my first attempt at fan fiction (and my first fiction work of any kind since I inhabited a desk in Miss Parker's junior high creative writing class … it's been awhile!). I am in the beginning stages of working through an outline and getting a general idea of where the diversions from Miss Austen's plot will take our beloved characters, so updates will not be terribly frequent to start (I would expect one chapter roughly every two weeks as a conservative estimate).

We pick up with the Bennet family in Chapter 13 of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, with Elizabeth and Jane having just returned from their prolonged stay at Netherfield the day prior. As you will see from his letter and arrival at Longbourn, Mr. Collins in quite OOC in this work. Think more along the lines of Henry Tilney of Northanger Abbey fame (in fact, along the lines of actor JJ Feild who played Henry Tilney in the Masterpiece adaptation of that film) than the decidedly skeevy Mr. Collins of the 1995 or 2005 Pride and Prejudice film adaptations (::shudders at the thought of that creepy fellow:: ). This will ultimately lead us off canon in the plot as well.

Please review – both encouragement and constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated.

Elizabeth Bennet quietly made her way downstairs to the dining room to break her fast the morning following her and her sister Jane's return from Netherfield. She hoped that her mother's strictures on their – in her estimation – untimely departure from that great house were exhausted the evening prior so that she might eat breakfast in peace, finally free of the ever critical gazes of Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley. She added a few selections to her plate from the modest spread laid out on the sideboard and slipped into a seat next to Jane.

Once all of his daughters had taken their seats, Mr. Bennet addressed his wife, "I hope, my dear that you have ordered a good dinner to-day, because I have reason to expect an addition to our family party."

"Who do you mean, my dear? I know of nobody that is coming, I am sure, unless Charlotte Lucas should happen to call in; and I hope my dinners are good enough for her. I do not believe she often sees such at home."

"The person of whom I speak is a gentleman and a stranger." Mrs. Bennet's eyes sparkled. "A gentleman and a stranger! It is Mr. Bingley, I am sure. Why, Jane – you never dropped a word of this – you sly thing! Well, I am sure I shall be extremely glad to see Mr. Bingley. But – good Lord! how unlucky! there is not a bit of fish to be got to-day. Lydia, my love, ring the bell. I must speak to Hill this moment."

"It is not Mr. Bingley," said her husband; "it is a person whom I never saw in the whole course of my life."

This roused a general astonishment; and he had the pleasure of being eagerly questioned by his wife and five daughters at once.

After amusing himself for some time with their curiosity, he thus explained: - "About a month ago I received this letter, and about a fortnight ago I answered it; for I thought it a case of some delicacy, and requiring early attention. It is from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases."

"Oh, my dear," cried his wife, "I cannot bear to hear that mentioned. Pray do not talk of that odious man. I do think it the hardest thing in the world, that your estate should be entailed away from your own children; and I am sure, if I had been you, I should have tried long ago to do something or other about it."

Jane and Elizabeth attempted to explain to her the nature of an entail. They had often attempted it before: but it was a subject on which Mrs. Bennet was beyond the reach of reason; and she continued to rail bitterly against the cruelty of settling an estate away from a family of five daughters, in favour of a man whom nobody cared anything about.

"It certainly is a most iniquitous affair," said Mr. Bennet; "and nothing can clear Mr. Collins from the guilt of inheriting Longbourn. But if you will listen to his letter, you may, perhaps, be a little softened by his manner of expressing himself."

"No, that I am sure I shall not; and I think it was very impertinent of him to write to you at all, and very hypocritical. I hate such false friends. Why could not he keep on quarreling with you, as his father did before him?"

"Why, indeed, he does seem to have some filial scruples on that head, as you will hear."

"Hunsford, Near Westerham, Kent

15th October

Dear Sir,

The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honoured father always gave me much uneasiness. Though bound by honour to respect his wishes during his lifetime, it is my desire that the disagreement that resulted in this breach in familial connections be laid to rest along with my dear father. I have recently received my ordination and have been distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh. Though I suspect Lady Catherine intends to have greater role in my parish duties and personal affairs than I am wont to allow, I am grateful for her patronage. It is a valuable living, and I am hopeful of making some small difference in the local parish. Lady Catherine has been kind enough to give me leave to visit should you be willing to extend an invitation. I would be most grateful for the opportunity to better acquaint myself with you and your family. Would Monday, November 18th by four o'clock be agreeable? I would hope to trespass on your kindness for a se'night following, possibly longer if I am able to engage another clergyman to cover Sunday services for a longer period. I hope to receive your reply forthwith as I am eager to reestablish our connection. With my sincerest regard for you, your wife, and daughters, I am ever your servant,

William Collins"

"At four o'clock therefore, we may expect this peacemaking gentleman," said Mr. Bennet, as he folded up the letter. "He seems a most conscientious and polite young man, upon my word; and I doubt not, will prove a valuable acquaintance, especially if Lady Catherine should be so indulgent as to let him come to us again."

Mrs. Bennet fidgeted at the opposite end of the table, not at all pleased with the news of their guest. "What can he mean by coming here? I cannot fathom a reason to visit us unless he means to survey his future estate and lord over us. Such impertinence cannot be borne."

"Perhaps he wishes to establish the location of the nearest hedgerows," Elizabeth whispered just loud enough for Jane to hear, prompting Jane to kick her underneath the table and shoot her a warning glance.

Wishing to steer the conversation in a more cheerful direction, Jane then turned and smiled softly at her mother, replying, "Mama, I am sure Mr. Collins has good intentions. We cannot hold him responsible for our misfortune, however he may benefit from the situation. Surely an amiable acquaintance with him is much to be desired over one of hostility?"

"Oh Jane, perhaps you are right, but I cannot like it," their mother sighed.

Elizabeth stifled a laugh and shook her head. Only dear Jane could have elicited such acquiescence from mama. She would have scolded me soundly for the very same sentiments she mused.

Mary Bennet offered a number of moralizing statements in support of Jane's assertion, much to Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth's amusement. Kitty and Lydia could not be bothered to attend the conversation at all. Their thoughts and conspiratorial whispers were ensconced in subjects lying several miles off in Meryton, adorned in scarlet coats. A clergyman held no such amusement for them, even if he was to inherit.

Curious at her father's unusual lack of commentary on their soon-to-arrive guest, Elizabeth inquired of him, "And what do you think father? Can he be a sensible man given your knowledge of his father?"

"I confess I am disappointed by his letter, my dear. He does seem as though he might be a man of some sense. I had hoped to find some amusement in the young man as his father was quite the reverse," Mr. Bennet paused, smirked, and then resumed in a more jovial tone, "But perhaps at length he may prove to be just as ridiculous as his father before him and we may make sport of him after all."

Elizabeth chuckled and after a moment of thought, countered him, "Indeed, Papa, but perhaps we might be glad of him being a man of sense. One does not always like the idea of being judged by one's closest relatives." At this she nodded significantly toward her mother whose shrill tones and fretful manner were threatening to unravel the nerves of their beloved housekeeper, Mrs. Hill, who had just arrived to receive instructions for preparations for receiving their guest.

Mr. Bennet could not help agreeing with his favorite daughter, but nonetheless replied, "Yes, yes, Lizzy, but I will not have you wishing away a fresh source of amusement for your dear Papa."

And so it was that Mr. Bennet, his wife, and all his daughters found themselves outside awaiting their guest's arrival that afternoon. Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was received by great politeness by the whole family. Mr. Bennet indeed said little; but the ladies were ready enough to talk. Mr. Collins himself seemed eager to engage in conversation, though Elizabeth detected a hint of awkwardness. He was a tall, trim young man of five-and-twenty. Having been so accustomed to think ill of him, the Bennets were surprised to find him handsome in person and address. He had a pleasing air and his manners were decidedly those of a gentleman. He thanked Mrs. Bennet for her warm welcome and complimented her on her charming home. At this, Mrs. Bennet bristled, no doubt thinking her earlier sentiments regarding his desire to survey his future estate confirmed, and offered a curt reply.

Elizabeth noted a slight blush on Mr. Collins cheeks following this exchange. Is he embarrassed at what might be construed as a reference to the entail? Perhaps he has more sense than Papa thought possible.