Chapter Fifty-Four
When a messenger from London came for Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley was floating on a cloud, singing the praises of his intended to anyone who might listen, and so he scarcely noticed when Mr. Darcy excused himself to see what Mr. Stanley had to say.
Mr. Darcy,
Mr. William Collins’ father, George Collins, is not the son of Joshua Collins. The lad was adopted at six weeks of age in the year seventeen fifty-six. William was born to George in the year seventeen eighty-six. He may very well not know that his father was not a Collins.
As you know, adopted sons may not inherit through an entail. The baptism records are clear; in addition, the rector of the church at Atherstone is old enough to recall the adoption, and is willing to so testify if necessary.
In summary, Mr. Darcy, this entail was broken when Joshua Collins died with no male issue of his body.
I await your instructions.
Your obedient servant,
Mr. Albion Stanley
Mr. Darcy closed his eyes and leaned his head back. This news changed everything. There was no need to proceed with the common recovery process; instead, Mr. Bennet could simply go to court with the information that Mr. Stanley had uncovered and have the entail legally dissolved.
Mr. Stanley,
Well done! Begin proceedings to have the Longbourn entail ended; when you have a Court of Chancery date, inform me and I will bring Bennet.
Arrange to have the rector present as well; I wish to leave nothing to chance.
Promise him a sizable donation to his church if he shows any reluctance to travel.
With my most sincere gratitude,
Fitzwilliam Darcy