Chapter 35 #2
Realising this, Jane began to do far more for Longbourn, working with Mr. Collins for the betterment of the estate.
She took an active role in overseeing the welfare of the tenants and ensuring that their needs were met and their grievances heard.
Jane overcame her selfishness and began to display kindness and empathy toward the tenants, which quickly endeared her to them.
They had not expected any of the Bennet ladies to help with Mary gone, so they appreciated this new concern for their well-being and prayed it was genuine.
One afternoon, as Mr. Collins was reviewing the accounts in the study, Jane came in to ask a question and happened to note a discrepancy in the records.
"Mr. Collins, it seems that the entry for Mr. Thompson's payment has been recorded twice," she noted gently, as she scanned the ledger while she waited for Mr. Collins to finish.
Among other things she had been doing that autumn, she had been working with both Mrs. Hill and Mr. Collins to learn about the accounts.
Mr. Collins peered over at the ledger she was looking at, squinting at the handwriting there.
"Indeed, Miss Jane, you are correct. I am most grateful for your careful eye.
Such an error might have gone unnoticed and caused no end of trouble when I attempted to reconcile my accounts at the end of the quarter. "
Jane smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "I am happy to help. Perhaps I could assist you by double-checking the rest of the entries for similar mistakes while you take a brief respite. It is very tedious work, is it not?"
"An excellent idea," Mr. Collins agreed. "Your assistance has already been invaluable. I must admit, I would be quite overwhelmed without your help. When Cousin Mary left, I had not thought you would be interested in assisting, or I would have invited you to do so before now."
As she immersed herself in the management of Longbourn, Jane found a new sense of purpose and fulfilment.
She no longer felt defined by her beauty or her prospects for marriage.
Instead, she discovered a deep satisfaction in contributing to the well-being of the estate and its tenants, and a growing tenderness toward her cousin.
Despite his awkwardness and tendency to ramble, Jane saw his genuine effort to manage the estate responsibly and unfailing kindness toward others.
One evening late in the autumn, after the other two girls had been away at school for some time, Jane sat with Mr. Collins in the drawing room chatting while Mrs. Bennet sat in one corner of the room, working on her sewing.
"I think it would be beneficial to establish a small school for the tenant children," Jane suggested.
"A little education, at least knowing how to read and write, could greatly improve their futures.
Mrs. Allen mentioned it was a need in the area. "
Mr. Collins nodded thoughtfully. "It would be a worthy endeavour, Cousin Jane.
I believe we can allocate some funds for that purpose in the spring.
The partnership with the Darcys has enabled me to get our stables up and running, and we have brought on a few additional workers to help.
There are several new families who have come to replace some of the older tenants, and a school would be a worthwhile investment in the community. "
Mrs. Bennet, overhearing their conversation, put down her sewing and looked up. "A school? For the tenants' children? What an odd idea, Jane. You should not waste your time on such an endeavour."
"Not so odd, Mama," Jane replied gently.
"Educating them could help improve their lives and, in turn, benefit the estate. Literate tenants can manage their affairs better and contribute more effectively. Mrs. Darcy has written to me of the school at Pemberley for their tenants that was started by her husband’s mother. "
Mrs. Bennet huffed softly but returned to her sewing, muttering something about Jane spending too much time on such matters, especially if they were suggested by ‘that ungrateful girl.’ Jane and Mr. Collins exchanged a glance, and Jane gave him an encouraging smile.
"Cousin Jane," Mr. Collins began, "your compassion and forward-thinking are truly admirable. I must confess, your influence has greatly benefited Longbourn these last months."
Jane blushed at the praise. "Thank you, Mr. Collins. I believe we make a good team."
Over the next few months, they spoke of their plans for establishing a school in the spring once the planting was finished.
One afternoon, as they walked through Longbourn village to check on a few of the new families who were setting in, Mr. Collins turned to Jane.
"Cousin Jane, I cannot express how much your presence and assistance have meant to me and to Longbourn.
You have a rare gift for bringing people together and inspiring them. "
Jane smiled warmly. "I have simply followed my heart, Mr. Collins. I am glad to be of service."
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke with uncharacteristic sincerity. "Jane, I must admit that my feelings for you have grown beyond mere gratitude. Your kindness, intelligence, and beauty have deeply affected me. I would be honoured if you would consider ... perhaps, a closer partnership."
Jane was taken aback by his candour but felt a warmth in her heart. "Mr. Collins, I am touched by your words. Let us continue our work together and see where our path leads. I value our partnership greatly."