Charlotte - Pride and Prejudice Continues Page 20

  He leant towards her and began to kiss her, she responded with equal feeling and he nodded towards the door. She blushed, nodded, took his hand in hers, and led him upstairs to their room, where they spent the rest of the afternoon.

  * * *

  Despite having rushed to church the previous evening under the protection of an umbrella and having driven to Rosings on the following morning in the gig, Mr Collins returned that lunchtime full of cold and sneezing. He was immediately dispatched to bed and was cosseted by Charlotte and fussed about by Mrs Higgs who were both fearful the whole house might become infected from his violent sneezes, coughs, and splutters. The medicine chest was fetched and Mr Collins was dosed up with as many remedies as they had.

  However, on the Tuesday morning they realised all their precautions had been to no avail when Charlotte awoke with a thick head, sore throat and began to sneeze also.

  She was glad to stay in bed and in the warm, but disliked the feeling of being unwell. Her head was thumping and she slept a lot. She was vaguely aware of Mrs Higgs’ presence and her ministrations to the sick couple.

  On the Wednesday Mr Collins was able to get out of bed, despite still sniffling and having a terribly runny nose. Charlotte however, stayed where she was when a thought occurred to her; Colonel Fitzwilliam would be back from his errands by now and she was then glad to have a cold and happy not to have to meet him. She was not ignorant of the attraction between them and she freely admitted to herself that part of her wanted to be enfolded in his arms again and feel his hot mouth against hers kissing her, but the stark reality was that she was another man’s wife. There could be no liaison between them without scandal; she would have to leave her home and all her family and friends to be with him. He also would suffer from such impropriety. She imagined that there would be none amongst his acquaintance who would associate with him, if he were to elope with a married woman. She was convinced that he would not be so foolhardy, so what was his intention in kissing her? Did he wish to make her his mistress? Did he think that she was so miserable in her life and marriage that she would sink so low as to accept to be his mistress? Moreover, what of Mr Collins, what was he expected to do? Would he be forced to stand by and raise any bastards that came along as his own offspring? No. Charlotte would never accept that. She was not a proud woman but she would never sink so low for a moment of passion. Yet, she reminded herself of her impotence when he touched her or kissed her. She would have to be strong in refusing his advances or he would be able to take what he wanted with very little resistance from her. The very thought made her groan and sink further under the covers, pulling them over her head. She prayed for a way out.

  * * *

  On Saturday, Charlotte was able to move about the house but she still laboured under a lethargy that had her dosing off frequently, and had a terrible sore red nose from continually blowing it. Mr Collins was almost back to his normal self, which boded well for her that she would not be suffering the cold for much longer.

  Mr Collins attended church alone on Sunday morning and returned with many messages from the parishioners wishing her a speedy recovery.

  Mr Collins was glad to see she was up and in the sitting room when he returned from church.

  “Are you feeling recovered my dear?” he asked her.

  “Somewhat, yes thank you for asking. How was church this morning?”

  “You would not believe how many well-wishers you have Charlotte my dear. Indeed, had I not insisted that you need rest I believe they would have all followed me home this morning.” He laughed.

  She smiled at him and asked him to sit with her and tell her all about the service, which of course he was more than willing to do. As he talked, she moved closer to him on the sofa and he put his arm around her. This was something that was new to them also. She rested her head against his chest and remained silent as he talked, listening to his heart beating. When he had finished they remained as they were, silent, and enjoying the feeling of being so close.

  Charlotte knew they would be happy and she could look forward to a successful marriage. She knew he was working hard at removing the ridiculousness from his character and at being a better man, and she was glad of it. She had been fortunate in her husband, there was no grand passion, but there was a love forming. A love, which would grow and deepen over time to become something steadfast and strong. She began to dose off to sleep in his arms and not for the first time she wished that her troubles would all disappear.

  Mr Collins reluctantly left Charlotte to go to church that evening but she reassured him that she was content to sit and read on the sofa, and that she was feeling much better.

  Upon his return, he was pleased to see that her appetite was returning too and she ate enough to satisfy him that she was truly on the mend, “I am glad you are recovered, I would not wish you to miss the wedding on Wednesday.”

  Throughout her illness, Charlotte had forgotten about the wedding, “Oh yes! I completely forgot. I will endeavour to sit in the sun, in the garden of course, tomorrow and take the air.”

  He smiled at her, “Then I will join you, if you wish.”

  She said she would like that and they continued to eat their dinner, talking over what they might do on the days before the wedding.

  * * *

  As Charlotte recovered, Mr Collins encouraged her to take advantage of the sun and to walk around the garden. Under any other circumstance this would have bored her senseless, but she found herself weak after being in bed for almost a sennight and was glad finally to be able to move her limbs. Together they walked up and down the vegetable garden and around the flowerbeds. The day of the wedding was looming and Charlotte wanted to be able to stand for the service without becoming weak and drawing attention to herself.

  Mr Collins had recovered quickly from the cold and apart from having a chapped nose, showed no signs that he had been ill. Charlotte was fortunate in that she did not bear an unsightly chapped nose for long but the weakness in her legs frustrated her. She was fond of walking and wished to resume her walks along the lanes and through Rosings Park, alone if that were possible. She leaned heavily on Mr Collins’ arm and was grateful for his assistance.

  After lunch, Charlotte slept and Mr Collins set to work in his book room, working on the sermon notes Lady Catherine had dictated to him that morning at Rosings. No matter how many times he read and reread his notes there still remained a tone in them he did not approve of. He had studied at Oxford to become a clergyman and she had not. He had learnt under some of the best scholars in the land and she had not. However, he was expected to take and agree with her interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. In this instance, he could not. In this instance, the meaning of the text was clear to him. He searched his reference books on the subject, cross-referenced, and prayed. However, he still came to the same conclusion. The text he wished to use, that he was inspired to use by Mr Simmons’ generosity to them in giving them the pianoforte, stated the same thing in all his books. That it was good to give of oneself, of one’s worldly goods, time, and skills as needed.

  He straightened up in his chair, “No matter how arduous, how inconvenient, we ought to serve and help one another,” he said to himself. “How on earth do I write this sermon about the right attitude to our fellow man without ignoring Lady Catherine? How do I stay true to the text, encourage my congregants to give freely of themselves and not make her Ladyship feel I am pointing the finger at her?”

  He bowed his head to pray for wisdom and the strength to do what was right.

  He had struggled more than once with this problem, Lady Catherine knew best and would not let the Bible tell her otherwise, especially when she was wrong. He knew that in order to maintain his integrity and to be a good minister he would have to start pushing and fight his corner. However, the fact remained that he was still little in awe of her Ladyship but also he was scared of her. The inimitable Grande Dame of Rosings was terrifying when she was at her worst. He also knew the only reaso
n she could rescind on their contract was if he did not suit as a clergyman. Going against her opinions on the given text, would definitely be classed as not suiting. He had to tread carefully and to be very gentle if he wished to break out of his servitude. He knew it was the right thing to do, but he was reluctant all the same.

  He thought about what Charlotte would advise him to do. She would say that for Lady Catherine his black and white view of the world would not do, it would insult her. He knew she would suggest that he then grey the edges, be gentle in his approach so that he could deliver the message and her Ladyship would neither be offended nor realise what he had done. He prayed that in time Lady Catherine might take heed of some of the lessons he wished to deliver from the pulpit.

  * * *

  The day of the wedding arrived. Charlotte felt well and the sun was shining. All boded well for the happy couple.

  Mr Collins had been early to open up the church so that the flower arrangers could set to work and had arrived home in time to have a bite to eat to prevent his stomach from rumbling during the service.

  Excitement filled the air at the parsonage and Charlotte and Mr Collins were ready too early to go to the church. Therefore, they sat in the sitting room, looking at each other and listened while Mrs Higgs complimented them on how they looked. Charlotte was very pleased with her turban and Mr Collins was exceptionally happy in his new clothing, although he was glad that initially he would be covered in his cassock and would have time to accustom himself to wearing them out in public.

  Together they took a slow walk to the church and arrived to see the arch over the gate to the churchyard was covered in flowers and there were ribbons adorning the doors.

  The church was transformed by flowers, greenery, and ribbons. Charlotte was sure that Louisa had been very specific about how she had wanted the church to look and she was sure not to be disappointed. Mr Collins left Charlotte and went out to the back where he would change and prepare to perform the service and Charlotte helped by placing songbooks on the pews, then she went outside to greet people as the congregation, family and friends began to arrive.

  Mr Simmons arrived soon thereafter just as Mr Collins came out of the church wearing his cassock and a special chasuble that he reserved for christenings, first communions, weddings, and funerals.

  Mr Simmons greeted them both heartily although he looked a little pale.

  “You have a lovely day for it Mr Simmons.” Mr Collins reassured him.

  “Aye, indeed.” he replied looking up at the sky as if noticing for the first time that day that the weather was fine.

  A gentleman at his side cleared his throat and drew attention to his presence.

  “Oh, I am terribly sorry!” Mr Simmons laughed nervously, “Mr and Mrs Collins please allow me to introduce you to my younger brother Edward.”

  Edward Simmons, although younger than his brother was stouter and had the appearance of being older, bowed to them both.

  “I am pleased to make your acquaintance Mr Simmons. This is my wife Charlotte,” Mr Collins proudly turned towards her, “who is a dear friend of your soon-to-be sister-in-law.”

  “I am very pleased to meet you. My wife will be along shortly with Miss Thomas as she is to act as matron of honour, and our two boys are acting as pages.”

  Mr Collins led them to the front of the church and they sat to await the arrival of the bride.

  Soon the church began to fill, Charlotte took her place, and smiled at Mr Simmons encouragingly, he had turned whiter than he had been on arrival.

  Mr Collins was stationed at the entrance to the church and kept smiling back at Charlotte each time she looked his way. She was very well pleased with how things were improving with him. She heard him declare the arrival of Colonel Fitzwilliam and she immediately snapped her attention back to the front of the church. She closed her eyes, stayed very still, and silently prayed to be invisible.

  It was to no avail, however, as he sought her out and spoke to her from the end of the pew, “Good day to you Mrs Collins. Would you mind if I sat with you?”

  She turned her face towards him, how could she not accept when he had been overheard asking politely, to refuse would draw attention to them, “Of course you may Colonel.”

  He sat down a little closer to her than was necessary and she moved to her left to allow him some room. He would not have been able to move again without being seen. They sat for some moments looking straight ahead of themselves.

  When he could bear the silence no longer he spoke, “I was sorry to hear you have been un-well Mrs Collins,” he said frustrated that he had to adhere to such formalities.

  “Thank you.”

  “I trust you are much recovered?” he asked while he moved the toe of his left boot over to touch her slipper.

  She stiffened involuntarily, “Indeed I am Colonel, thank you for asking.”

  “I expect you will be glad to get back out into the fresh air after being cooped up indoors for so long.” it was a statement designed to disconcert her and he could not resist.

  She took a deep breath, determined to resist him, “In actual fact Colonel, I walked with Mr Collins in the garden, while I regained my strength.”

  “Indeed?” he smiled impishly; “I am sure that satisfied you greatly.” the sting in his voice was clear.

  “Yes it did.”

  She plainly cut him and was pleased to hear a fuss at the entrance and the organist began to play.

  Mr Collins walked solemnly to his place at the front of the church after speaking a few words on encouragement to the bride. The organist taking his cue from Mr Collins then began to play and Louisa began her walk up the aisle on the arm of Mrs Thomas’ brother, Mr Frederick Fields as everyone stood.

  She looked beautiful, her happiness radiating out from her and felt by all present. Charlotte smiled upon seeing the beautiful pink dress Louisa had dreamed of wearing and as she drew level with her, they smiled at each other. As the bride passed her Charlotte looked at Mr Simmons’ face, he was beaming with pride, he was finally to marry his sweetheart, the love that had been denied years ago finally expressed in the ceremony about to be performed.

  Mr Collins smiled down at the bride before him and began to say the words the couple had feared they would never hear together, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony…”

  * * *

  The wedding breakfast was to take place at The Bell Inn in Hunsford and the guests made their way there after the ceremony had taken place.

  The Bride and Groom greeted each guest as they arrived and accepted their congratulations and then the feasting began. They all sat down to the usual wedding breakfast of bread, buttered toast, tongue, and eggs. Hot chocolate was also served, and in the centre of a table to the side was the wedding cake.

  Once the guests hunger was sated, they moved into the larger hall, which was usually used for balls where a quartet of musicians had begun to play. Some guests lingered to pick at the food and hoped for some cake but the majority wished to dance.

  Mr Collins still had not learnt how to dance well but was now more aware of that fact and stuck to a dance he was familiar with when dancing with Charlotte. They took their places in the set and he managed to crush Charlotte’s toes only three times, and she declared with a grin that that was an improvement. They sat out the next dance and Charlotte teased Mr Collins by telling him that the feeling was returning to her toes.

  When the call came that the couple were to cut the cake there was such a crush to be near the front that Charlotte and Mr Collins were lost in the throng, however, Charlotte did manage to see the event by standing on tiptoes. She withdrew to the corridor while Mr Collins fetched her a slice of cake. She looked around her and saw that Colonel Fitzwilliam had been cornered by three unmarried ladies of the town and was glad that they were keeping him distracted so that she might enjoy the day. Mr Collins return
ed and they stood eating their cake at the entrance to the dancing hall and listening to the quartet who were still playing.

  The day continued happily and Charlotte danced again with Mr Collins who this time improved and stepped on her toes only twice and she also had the pleasure of dancing with Mr Abbot. Mr Collins knew she would tease him again over stepping on her toes and laughed as he confessed as much to Mrs Abbot, however, despite his apologising to Charlotte he welcomed her teasing. Charlotte was pleased to be asked to dance by Mr Simmons himself and Mr Collins asked Louisa to dance too. Charlotte giggled and apologised to Mr Simmons for his new bride’s soon to be bruised toes and she threw a warning look at Mr Collins who took extra care with the new Mrs Simmons feet during that dance.

  Charlotte was vexed that the next dance she was obliged to stand up with Colonel Fitzwilliam, whom she had been glad to avoid for most of the day.

  “I think you have been avoiding me Mrs Collins.” he grinned at her.

  “Whatever gave you that impression Colonel?” she tried to avoid his gaze and concentrate on the dance.

  “Oh, it is simply the fact that you have been avoiding me, Mrs Collins.”

  She laughed at him, making light of the conversation, “Honestly Colonel, how funny you are!”

  However, he was not being funny and as they passed each other again he glared at her, he was not amused.

  “Come Colonel, what did you expect?” she whispered as they do-si-doed.

  “You know what I expect.” he whispered back with venom.

  She shot a look at him, remembered herself, and smiled at the couple with whom they were dancing, “Whatever do you mean?” she smiled at him but her eyes hard with anger.

  He did not have a chance to respond as the dance ended and he led her back to her husband but as they neared Mr Collins, he whispered, “I suggest we meet tomorrow to discuss it, Charlotte.”

  She ignored his comment as he handed her back into her husband’s care, she curtseyed and thanked him for the dance and deliberately looked off towards the musicians. Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed to Mr Collins and departed the Inn, his fury written across his face as he mounted his horse and galloped out of Hunsford.