A Letter From Mr Collins

The Collins's Parsonage

"Ah... cousin Mary! I see you have obliged to joining the Lucas's to visit! I should look forward to this -" Mr Collins began.

"I too, cousin... I have longed for this trip." Mary paused. "I hope we shall spend our time together without squander." She breathed haughtily.

"Indeed... indeed. I see the next few days filled with positive prospect." His grin would have looked repulsive towards the average person; yet Mary found it somewhat pleasing.

And then Mr Collins called to the Lucas's. "Now, let us walk to the house! Come!" He gestured fervently.

The family walked in a group towards the house. The wide, stoney path was dusting the bottom of Mary's boots white with chalk. She walked in tow with Charlotte behind Mr Collins who was having a one-sided discussion with Sir Lucas about Lady Catherine De Bourgh's architectural input towards the building's window ledges.

Sir Lucas was mild with interest, however Mr Collins was leaving no space for him to comment as his sheer enthusiasm was having a fluent effect on his speech.

"And now we arrive at the door! Have you ever beheld such a door knock, I ask you! I find this brass to be moulded so artfully it proves a most satisfactory entrance announcer, I dare say... and the mahogany -" Mr Collins was briskly interrupted by Mrs Collins.

"Shall we go inside now?" She attempted gently.

"Why, yes. I - indeed!" He bumbled.

They all stepped through the porch to a landing.

"Come through to the sitting room, I trust you are all quite tired." Charlotte suggested warmly. "May we have some refreshments." She gestured to the housemaid after they had entered.

"Of course," she nodded and left the room.

Mary took a comfortable seat near the mantlepiece, scanning the book shelves while listening to the family chatter subconsciously. Occasionally glancing at Mr Collins.