Charlotte - Pride and Prejudice Continues Page 2
He flopped down onto the sofa and continued, “My dear, Lady Catherine was in such a rage of temper when I informed her of our decision.” He withdrew his kerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead with it. “But of course such an unsurpassed, amiable, Christian person as she is, she could not but understand our predicament when I pointed out to her that although we are duty bound to her, indeed we are eternally grateful to her, but that we ought to attend my cousin’s wedding, as I am the heir to the Longbourn estate. “Mr Collins,” she said, “I am most disappointed by your decision and feel it acutely as a slight against my person.”” He wiped the perspiration from his top lip. “My dear, you cannot imagine my agitation at her consternation. I beseeched her not to think too severely of us and to contemplate how affected we are too by the marriage.” He paused to catch his breath, “You have the right my dear Charlotte of being proud of your husband as I lead her to understand by stages, and by the compliments that I know a woman of her standing to deserve to enable her to see that we ought to attend. She was most charitable indeed, I wish you could have seen how graciously she bore it,” he looked dreamily out of the window and Charlotte could not restrain a smile. “Such condescension, such affability.” he collected himself and came back to the subject. “Oh my dear Charlotte, I have no doubt you will be astounded by her generosity of spirit as much as I am, she has also deigned to offer us the use of her carriage as far as London. What do you say to that Mrs Collins?”
Charlotte was of course speechless, which her husband took to mean that she was awestruck at the beneficence of Lady Catherine but really she was disappointed that her husband had felt the need to implore Lady Catherine to permit them to go to a family wedding and to not be angry with them in wishing to do so.
Sometimes the close position that they enjoyed and relied upon with Rosings tried her patience, today was one of those times, and she went for a walk before dinner to clear her head.
Mr Collins having received his instructions for the following day’s sermon from Lady Catherine retired to his book room to work.
3
Colonel Fitzwilliam visited Mr and Mrs Collins at the parsonage after church on Sunday to take his leave of them, he conveyed how glad he was that they were to attend the wedding of his cousin and that they had not felt compelled and obliged to stay at home in Hunsford. He had never had time before to become truly acquainted with Mr and Mrs Collins but now studying them in their sitting room, he expressed a desire to do so. He knew that Mr Collins was an odd, sycophantic kind of man but wondered what kind of woman his wife could possibly be and had been greatly surprised to discover her to be a woman of sense and bright conversation. He was on leave and not required to be back on the continent immediately and hoped to winter at his aunt’s house, he was glad to find that Mrs Collins would be pleasant enough company and sincerely hoped that Mr Collins would improve upon further acquaintance.
* * *
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s visit had however highlighted to Charlotte that they had a very limited acquaintance in Hunsford and that Lady Catherine had disapproved of her even visiting with some families within the Parish. She did however see Lord and Lady Metcalf’s governess Miss Pope occasionally in the village, she was a bright young woman whom Charlotte liked very much and wished they could meet more frequently. Her Ladyship’s interference had confined their society and secured it for her pleasure alone and Charlotte looked happily upon the return of Colonel Fitzwilliam over the winter months.
She intended to form more friendships without the knowledge of her Ladyship since she felt that the presence of the minister’s wife was in much need within their parish. There were two spinsters; the Misses Thomas, who lived close by and their neighbour the widow Mrs Brown whom she met with frequently to do needle and crochet work for the poor. She enjoyed Tuesday mornings with those ladies and felt a deep desire to become closer friends with them. She was also strongly of the opinion that because of his devotion to Rosings her husband was neglecting his pastoral duties and she resolved to endeavour to do something about that upon their return as well. She knew that he would be mortified to discover that he was not perhaps the personification of what a clergyman ought to be and knew she could successfully persuade him in that area.
Her eagerness in the beginning of their marriage to encourage him to visit Rosings and to be out of the house as often as possible was perhaps to blame for the fact that his outings took him thither more frequently than they did to the wider Parish where he could possibly be of use. His parochial duties were not irksome nor were they many. However, a man in his position who was fortunate enough to enjoy the condescension and patronage of The Right Honourable Lady Catherine De Bourgh ought not to be remiss of his duties in other quarter. Charlotte smiled at the thought.
She was beginning to know how exactly to appeal to her husband's sensibilities. If only I could be such a mistress of my own feelings as I used to be, she thought.
* * *
The drive into London was peaceful and uneventful having had the luxury of Lady Catherine’s carriage but from thence onward things took a different turn. They had stayed only long enough to take refreshment and change to the Post Coach at Bromley. Then they were approximately three miles past Cheshunt when the Post Coach they were travelling in hit a rock in the road and one of the rear wheels broke. It was only because of the skill of the coachman and the fact they were not carrying too many passengers that they did not overturn completely. A young woman and her son had joined them at Cheshunt making the party of passengers four, and seemed deeply shaken by the event.
However, Charlotte was mortified when Mr Collins began to berate the poor coachman for his actions, as though it was entirely his fault. “I say, do you have any idea of the importunity and distress which you have caused? I cannot stress enough the importance of my lady wife and myself arriving on time at our destination, and in once piece, I might add. I am most displeased at this turn of events, what on earth possessed you to do such a thing?”
“What?” replied the astounded coachman.
Charlotte was mortified and hurried to help the young woman and her child alight.
“Indeed I am sure this could have been avoided if you had just taken care. Exactly what do you propose to do now? Hmm…?”
Mr Collins did not at all realise his folly or the possible danger of speaking so to such a seasoned coachman as the one standing before him then. The man had dealt with drunkards and highwaymen and here was Mr Collins, a mere clergyman attempting to scold him. The coachman and the mail guard did indeed think about teaching Mr Collins a lesson; the thought passed between them as they looked at each other in disbelief but instead they both shook their heads and just laughed at him. The coachman un-hitched one of the horses and set off riding bareback in the direction of Cheshunt to fetch a blacksmith and the mail guard began to unload the trunks and bags.
This gave Mr Collins time to recover his composure and to Charlotte’s dismay, he continued speaking in much the same vein as before. “I am not accustomed to such behaviour as this, indeed not, such a man as I, who is so fortunate to enjoy the patronage and condescension of The Right Honourable Lady Catherine De Bourgh of Rosings Park…” he proudly boasted.
The mail guard simply turned to face him from his position atop the coach and interrupted; “I couldn’t care less if you enjoy the patronage and condescension of The King of England! You’ll keep your trap shut if you want to continue your journey onwards and know what’s good for you!” he went back to the task in hand whilst pointedly moving his livery coat to show his pistols and patting his flintlock he added, “Sir.”
Mr Collins’ consternation one can imagine, he was discomfited, and perspiring more than usual but Charlotte’s humiliation was evident. Her face was so red that it reached to her ears and tears welled in her eyes.
She implored her husband, “My dear, perhaps you ought to help to place the luggage by the side of the road?”
Mr Collins consider
ed objecting but thought better of it and did as his wife had suggested much to his own chagrin.
They did not have long to wait before they saw, on the road heading towards them the blacksmith’s cart and the coachman. Charlotte knew that most of London’s blacksmiths kept a spare Post Coach wheel knowing the fines the guards and coachmen were likely to incur if they were late in delivering the mail and the blacksmith’s desire not to lose Post Office business made certain of such things.
Charlotte was relieved to see the wheel changed in a relatively short period and they were soon able to continue their journey once more. She was eager to get her husband back into the coach before he caused yet another scene embarrassing to more than himself, but he seemed strangely quieter than it was customary for him to be. They gave their grateful thanks to the Blacksmith and boarded, continuing their journey further into Hertfordshire and towards Meryton at a much greater pace than previously to make up time and consequently in much greater discomfort.
* * *
Finally, they rounded the last bend in the road that led to Longbourn Village and then onto the market town of Meryton. Charlotte lowered the window to see if she could spy anyone of her acquaintance as the carriage passed by the residence of her friends but could not see anyone. They came after another mile to Meryton where the guard blew his horn and they knew they had arrived. The joy with which Charlotte alighted from the carriage showed on her face as clearly as daylight. It certainly felt good to her to be back at her former home.
“Charlotte!”
She turned to see her sister, Maria waving and heading in their direction. “Maria, I am heartily glad to see you.”
She could hardly contain nor believe herself, the joy that the sight of her sister afforded brought her to the brink of tears. She felt such felicity in her embrace and then felt the arms of her mother enfold her and from that, she drew the strength to steel herself against such an outpouring of emotion.
Lucas Lodge was then further mile to travel out the opposite side of Meryton and Lady Lucas had brought her carriage to convey her daughter and son-in-law thence. While Mr Collins and Lady Lucas chatted away, Charlotte paid them little attention, she was watching her former hometown as it passed by, familiarising herself with every house, window, door, tree and bush anew. She held Maria’s hands tightly while latter rested her head against her sister’s shoulder; she too had acutely felt their separation.
They alighted at Lucas Lodge at the right time to coincide with Sir William’s arrival home.
“My dear daughter, home again! I am glad you are come!” He kissed her lightly on the forehead and bowed to Mr Collins.
“My dear sir, it gives me great joy to be welcomed into your home once again. Great joy! Indeed I cannot express how irksome our journey here was.” Declared Mr Collins.
“Aye,” interjected Lady Lucas, “The Post Coach lost a wheel! What do you say to that? Our dear Charlotte and our Son-in-law could have been killed.”
“Mama, it was not as grave as that. The Coachman behaved very well, I believe it was his skill that did certainly prevent the situation from being much more serious.” she stated pointedly, avoiding her husband’s eyes.
Mr Collins laughed indulgently at his wife, “My dear, I see what you are doing. You are endeavouring to prevent your dear beloved parents from suffering too much from the thought of our mishap. Your sensitivity to their feelings does you credit.” He turned back to Sir William as they went into the house, “But indeed I shall certainly be writing a strong letter of censure to the Post Office about this, indeed I shall!”
* * *
The double wedding of Mr Charles Bingley to Miss Jane Bennet, and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy to Miss Elizabeth Bennet was to take place the day following their arrival at Lucas Lodge. The morning dawned bright but bitterly cold. There was a hard frost on the ground, which gave an elegant beauty to the surrounding countryside. The village church at Longbourn was filled to capacity and the guests felt the love, pleasure, and felicity of the couples exceedingly. The whole party walked the short distance in jubilation from the church to Longbourn house, the home of the Bennets, which allowed the villagers to see the brides, as the couples departed for Netherfield Hall and from thence to celebrate the wedding breakfast.
Charlotte was understandably unable to spend more than a few minutes in the company of her dearest friend but was heartily glad to see her looking so happy. Their embrace in the reception line was of true friendship and filled with deep emotion but as the day wore on these emotions once again threatened to overpower Charlotte. She danced as little as possible with Mr Collins preferring instead to save her own feet the pain of being crushed repeatedly and sat alternatively with her mother and watched the dancers, especially Elizabeth. Charlotte was concerned at how little she could control her emotions, when upon seeing Elizabeth and Mr Darcy in intimate conversation her feelings were joined by a new one, so wholly new and unfelt by her ever before; that of jealousy. What nonsense, she rebuked herself, I am not jealous of Lizzy and Mr Darcy! Nevertheless, the realisation then dawned upon her, that she was in truth jealous of their intimacy and love.
Her reverie was broken by the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam asking her to dance. She was glad of the distraction and the chance to talk and as she overheard, her husband was proud the nephew of his Patroness had singled out his wife with whom to dance.
* * *
The week in Hertfordshire passed more quickly than Charlotte would have liked it to. They attended a party given by the Phillipses in Meryton and dined at Longbourn. Maria and Charlotte had resumed their long walks and she was astonished to see how much more grown up her little sister seemed. They had visited all their friends, and she took much pleasure in shopping at the local merchants with her mother, as Lady Lucas had said, “it was just like old times.”
Therefore, it was with a heavy heart indeed that she supervised the loading of their luggage into the carriage for their return journey home. Sir William had prevailed upon Mr Collins to take the slower and therefore, he assumed, safer Stagecoach on their return.
The drive was uneventful and Charlotte slept all the way into London while Mr Collins read, and then she was surprised that after changing at Bromley once more to have also slept the remainder of the journey home. Her husband awoke her as they drew near to Hunsford Village.
4
Mr and Mrs Collins certainly felt that it was good to be home. They were both tired from the long journey so ate a quiet collation and then retired early.
Despite having slept, the majority of the way home from Hertfordshire Charlotte was surprised to sleep the entire night through and awaking as the maid opened the curtains to light the fire in their room.
Mr Collins rose first, went to his book room to pray, and left Charlotte to wash and dress in peace and solitude. She would walk into Hunsford village before breakfast today and then knew that they would be required to take tea at Rosings that afternoon.
It was such a beautiful crisp frosty morning that Charlotte felt her spirits lift as she walked into Hunsford. She called at the Inn and enquired of the keeper if the post had been, but there were no letters to take back home with her and she arrived home to find breakfast being laid in the dining room.
The day passed with the usual occupations of having returned from a journey and soon the bell rang and Mr Collins was brought the expected invitation from Rosings in his book room. With the arrival of the invitation, Charlotte’s spirits sank and she found she could not abide the thought of taking tea at Rosings that day.
“My dear Charlotte,” Mr Collins declared happily as he came out of his room to find her, “Lady Catherine is never remiss in giving little attentions to those of her acquaintance that are deserving, we are greatly honoured. Indeed we are. Just as I expected, it has arrived not too soon and not a minute too late. You see,” he waved the invite at her; “an invitation has arrived from Rosings asking us to take tea with Her Ladyship. What say you to that?”
&n
bsp; Charlotte really had no desire to go to Rosings to deliver a minute account of the entire proceedings of the wedding of her nephew. She stated as much to her husband.
“My dear, surely you are unwell. Indeed you must be for I cannot believe you would be so unkind or unjust to our cherished patroness!”
The term cherished irritated her and she gave her tongue free rein, “Indeed I am not unwell. I just believe if she was so interested in the goings on of Mr Darcy and his bride then she should have attended his wedding herself. I do not like gossip, I do not like gossips, and I will not ruin the memory of such a wonderful event and week as we have just enjoyed by giving into such activities. Please, William, you must see it is not becoming.”
“My dear Charlotte I cannot see that any fault or injury should arise from informing Lady Catherine of the happenings of a wedding! There is nothing of gossip there!” Charlotte was not to be placated, she sat down heavily on the sofa, and he seeing her distress joined her. “Charlotte, you are not convinced, indeed you are discomfited.” He was uncomfortable too now, he was not used to his wife countering him in this manner, and it disconcerted him greatly.
“William, it has been borne into me of late that our behaviour could be seen as wanting.”
Mr Collins was mortified, “Wanting? Whatever could you mean! Honestly Charlotte.”
“A family of our close acquaintance suffered a tragedy; a daughter eloped and then was found and fortunately then married.”
“Yes, a terrible situation, stupid thoughtless girl!”
His statement piqued her even more, “I would have said the same thing about the conduct of the clergyman who related the entire situation to someone wholly unconnected with the family. Someone, I might add, who had no rights whatsoever to know such information. Had the information been withheld then the matter would have been resolved with little or no damage to the family in question. However, the said clergyman having told the greatest gossip in all England the very facts of the matter did more damage than he could have imagined to that family’s reputation.”