Charlotte - Pride and Prejudice Continues Read online

  He sat agog listening to his wife.

  She did not want to say these things, she knew they would hurt his pride but did not have the will power now to prevent herself. “Do you not realise that the blessed events which we witnessed at Longbourn this past week might not have taken place because of gossip and the damage arising from that gossip Mr Collins?” A tear escaped down her cheek much to her embarrassment, which she quickly wiped away.

  “I see what you are endeavouring to do. You mean to put me on my guard.” he blushed greatly humiliated by his wife’s scolding but refusing to take her words seriously and making light of the situation, “But my dear, what is done is done and no harm has come of it. Truly, no harm I am sure can ever come from relating any events or circumstances whatsoever to Lady Catherine.” Charlotte looked at the man she had married and watched in disbelief as he continued to ignore her remonstrance and persisted in praising Lady Catherine. “Indeed there is no greater woman in all of England with such a kind, generous heart. She would never act out of selfishness or malice. Dearest Charlotte, you must not make yourself uneasy on behalf of the Bennets, indeed, you must not, I insist upon it. Come let us make ourselves ready to go to Rosings.” And with that, he rose from the sofa and quitted the room leaving his wife to weep desperately.

  She knew that crying in such a way would give her a headache but was glad of it. She was a little ashamed of the way she had spoken to her husband, even though she had told him only the truths she thought he needed to hear, she knew she could have done so in a more sensitive manner. The headache when it came, she was glad of; it gave her an excuse not to be part of the conversation that evening at tea.

  * * *

  She needed not have been anxious, Colonel Fitzwilliam had also returned into Kent and was not in any mood to relate the details of the wedding either. He sat close to Charlotte and asked her about her family while Lady Catherine spoke loudly so all present could benefit from her wisdom and conversation.

  “My nephew Colonel Fitzwilliam has not provided me with any of the particulars of the wedding Mr Collins. A man like my nephew is seldom wont to remember or to convey the details of flowers, lace, etc. But you, I am sure Mr Collins, will be able to furnish me with all the information I desire.’ She paused to allow her meaning to be understood. ‘It could not, however have been an elaborate affair, of course not, I am sure the Bennets have not the income for such extravagance.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam saw Charlotte stiffen and purse her lips together to prevent herself from speaking out, he poured her another cup of tea to calm her nerves. “Here Mrs Collins, drink this, it will make you feel better.”

  * * *

  The next morning Charlotte awoke late to the sound of Mr Collins entering the bedroom, he placed a small posy of flowers on the counterpane. She picked them up and smiled.

  “You have been out of sorts of late and these Christmas roses are flowering early this year, I thought they would make you smile.” He made to leave and before closing the door, he popped his head back into the room. “Will you join me for breakfast?”

  “Yes and thank you.” She stared down at the flowers her mind reeling. To how much of the conversations of late had, he actually listened and paid attention? He had never considered her feelings before, let alone presented her with flowers because he deemed her 'out of sorts'. What could he mean by this? Could what I had said truly be impressing on him? She asked herself.

  * * *

  Christmas was one week away and Charlotte had finished embroidering the Psalter cover to commemorate their first Christmas together as a present for him and was making him a bookmark with a nativity scene. She knew they would be finished in time and so decided to enjoy the break in the weather and take a walk. She took her usual route through the avenue of trees at Rosings and then intended to take the way back through the lanes from Hunsford, when she came across Colonel Fitzwilliam approaching in the opposite direction.

  “Mrs Collins, Good afternoon!” he bowed.

  “Good afternoon Colonel.” she curtseyed back.

  “I see you had the same excellent idea that I had, of enjoying the break in the weather to get out of doors.”

  “Yes, there is only so long a person can be trapped within doors.”

  “Oh indeed, especially when one has my aunt and her hearty conversation for company.” His eyes twinkled with amusement and she smiled at him. She knew him little; however, she had at least discerned his dissatisfaction with his aunt on more than one occasion. “I hope you have recovered from your headache?”

  “Yes, thank you for asking Colonel.”

  “Shall we walk together, which way were you headed?”

  “I was about to walk back towards the parsonage through the lanes.”

  “Splendid. I shall join you if you do not mind?”

  “Not at all.” She smiled thinking he was walking back the way he had come simply to join her and they set off down the lanes together.

  5

  Charlotte had no idea at all what the arrangements were at Rosings for Christmas and did not wish to ask her husband about their own arrangements. For she was sure to ask in such a way that would send him off immediately to Rosings to ask permission to celebrate the blessed day at his own home, and then end up returning with an invitation to dine there instead. She wanted only to have their Christmas dinner in the evening after church together, quietly and alone.

  She chose her words carefully when informing her husband that she was off out on errands. “My dear, I am to visit the butcher this morning to order the goose, and then to go and buy the ingredients for our plum pudding. I confess myself to be quite excited at the prospect of celebrating our first Christmas alone in our home, my dear.” She stressed the word 'alone' and hoped he caught it. “And then I will visit the Misses Thomas and begin the decoration of the church.” She kissed him lightly on the head and left before he could utter a word.

  * * *

  Charlotte always enjoyed visiting with the Misses Thomas and with Mrs Brown, but today was special as they were cutting holly-sprigs from the hedgerows to decorate the church. Week by week their friendships were growing and Charlotte was very glad to find new friends in Hunsford as she missed Meryton and Longbourn deeply.

  Mr Collins who had opened the church up especially for them met them at the church door. “Good morning Ladies.” he nodded his head to them.

  “Good morning Reverend. How are you today?”

  “Why thank you for asking Mrs Brown, I am well as you see. And I am glad to see you are well also judging by how many sprigs the neighbourhood holly trees have obligingly bestowed upon you all!” He led them to the front of the church and to the altar where they were to decorate.

  The church was a typical one of Norman design and the De Bourghs had added wooden pews, which had been heavily polished leaving a heady scent in the air. The church was cold and their breath lingered in the air in front of them as they worked. Mr Collins flitted amongst the ladies offering little pieces of unwanted advice on flower arranging. He had no knowledge whatsoever on the topic and was beginning to get underfoot and be more of a hindrance than help.

  “My dear,” said Charlotte turning to Mr Collins, “I expect we will be some minutes in arranging so I wondered if you would be so kind as to head back home and instruct Mrs Higgs to prepare a warm luncheon for us all? And I am sure upon your return we will have finished and be ready for you to escort us.”

  He acquiesced and as soon as he had left the church, the ladies all visibly heaved a sigh of relief. They smiled at each other and left their thoughts on Mr Collins and his behaviour unspoken. His attentions were kindly meant; he simply had no real knowledge and no true discernment of the feelings of others to prevent him from either upsetting someone or insulting them.

  Charlotte broke the silence and expressed such thoughts; “My husband’s advice is often like his dancing… he is liable to tread on many toes in so doing.”

  The ladies looked at he
r wide-eyed but were relieved to see the glint in her eyes and the corners of her mouth twitching to restrain a smile. They all laughed and the tension was abated. Therefore, they were glad to continue their task together without hindrance and fell into silence as each of them busied themselves and after some minutes thus the youngest Miss Thomas began to sing “Come thou long expected Jesus”.

  Mrs Brown smiled as she listened, “Oh I do love Charles Wesley’s hymns.” and then she joined her voice to that of her friend’s and soon all four of them lifted up their voices in worship as they decorated the church in readiness for Christmas Day.

  * * *

  The next morning dawned bright and fair although dark clouds on the horizon threatened to ruin the day and therefore Charlotte set off for her walk before breakfast. It seemed also that Colonel Fitzwilliam had had the same idea as well and they met once again in the avenue of trees that ran along the edge of the Park.

  He laughed when he saw her. “Good morning Mrs Collins, I see that great minds have once again thought alike!”

  “Indeed they have Colonel. I hope you are well?”

  “Tolerably so, and you?”

  “Yes I am very well indeed; I love this time of year. However, you said 'tolerably', what mean you by that? Are you unwell?”

  “Not at all, I assure you Mrs Collins.”

  “Good, I am heartily glad of it. It would be a shame to be ill during the Christmas period. Especially when we are in need of male voices when we go carolling and wassailing.”

  His eyes grew wide at the thought, “Oh, I am required to join in, am I? I had thought being a member of the Rosings family that I could just stay at home and be visited by the singers.”

  “Oh for shame!” she teased, “And miss out on all the fun! Indeed I am sure you would not!”

  He laughed, yes she was pleasant enough company and witty too, and he was glad of it. “May I be impertinent and say that I am glad to find you pleasant company?” It was Charlotte’s turn to stare wide-eyed. “Forgive me if I insult you, it was meant as a compliment. I seldom come into Kent with the hope of finding good company let alone finding someone with whom I can converse. Yet, I am most pleased to find in you, Mrs Collins, an amiable woman with wit and vivacity.”

  The corners of Charlotte's mouth twitched and her eyes sparkled as she retorted, “I suppose you had known my husband before our marriage and therefore from what he is lacking concluded that the new Mrs Collins must also be wanting? Am I right Colonel?” She laughed at his red face and embarrassment.

  “Now I see I should have kept my comment to myself!”

  “Indeed no! I am glad to find that you are pleased with my company and for my part it is also refreshing to have someone to converse with who does not have an obsession with Lady Catherine.” A fit of giggles forced them to stop walking until they could compose themselves once again, it felt good to Charlotte to laugh like that again, that was one thing she missed most about Lizzy; how heartily they would laugh together, she rarely laughed these days.

  “It feels good to be frank and honest for once, without the risk of injuring anyone.”

  “I agree Colonel, it does!” They continued for some time in silence. “So, are you going to explain the “tolerably”?”

  “Oh yes, that.” He paused to collect his thoughts and his face grew serious, “Well, I received an unpleasant express this morning. I won’t bore you with the details but I am afraid that I may have to cut my leave short and depart on Boxing Day for London.”

  “Nothing too grave I hope?”

  He looked sad and she saw a dark shadow pass across his eyes. “I am afraid it could well be.”

  * * *

  The day before Christmas Eve arrived with all the usual excitement and the delivery of a parcel heightened the excitement within the parsonage. It turned out to be a package from Charlotte’s parents with instructions to open the attached letter first. Charlotte was so happy to receive something from her parents, especially as it was her first Christmas away from them and she was beginning to miss them greatly. The letter informed her that all were well, that they were not to open the package until Christmas morning and wished them a joyous celebration of the season and many blessings for the coming New Year. She was overjoyed and knew if she put pen to paper immediately that her epistle would reach her parents at Lucas Lodge that very afternoon. She had left them gifts when they had visited, in the care of Maria, and smiled to think of her mother’s delight on Christmas morn upon seeing the lovely lace she had worked for her. Charlotte was determined this was going to be a good Christmas and Lady Catherine was not going to spoil it.

  It was with some irritation then, that in the afternoon a message was delivered from Rosings Park requesting the pleasure of Mr and Mrs Collins for Christmas dinner at the great house. This is the consideration we are to be given. Only one single days’ notice! This is typical of Her Ladyship, so inconsiderate!

  Charlotte marched into the sitting room and opened her writing desk and immediately began to inform Lady Catherine that her invitation had arrived too late to be accepted and that they had other plans. She also gently reminded Lady Catherine that the three days of the Christmas festival were very busy for a clergyman and his duties were comparable to the many he needed to perform at Easter. She signed the note with great cordiality and then asked the maid to have it delivered to Rosings. There, she had done it. A deliberate act of defiance, but also a deliberate act of independence. She breathed an unsteady sigh. She was heartily glad her husband was not at home or her own plans and dinner would have been spoilt and money wasted upon his certain acceptance of such an invitation.

  That evening, however, Mr Collins received a note from Lady Catherine but unfortunately, this time he was at home to receive it. Charlotte’s stomach knotted with fear that all her plans would be over and she would be spending Christmas at Rosings.

  “My dear Charlotte,” Mr Collins turned to his wife and looked most perplexed, “Did we receive an invitation from Rosings this morning?”

  She had to think quickly, “Why yes William, we did and I replied to it. Is there a problem?”

  “It seems you declined the invitation to dine at Rosings on Christmas Day.”

  “Well of course I did my dear!”

  “My dear Charlotte, I cannot think what would have induced you to do such a thing!”

  “Mr Collins, can you not?” He stood perplexed at this answer. Again, he had played into her hands and she knew she could now manoeuvre the situation. “My dear, I was thinking of us. It is our first Christmas together, and who knows how many years it will be before we have that opportunity again? It has been almost one year since we wed and perhaps we can expect our family to grow within this next year.” She carefully watched his reaction, his face certainly changed with the thought of children, he blushed, and a smile played at the corner of his mouth.

  “Well, my dear Charlotte, yes perhaps you are right!”

  “And my dear I was thinking of you especially, you work so very hard and Christmas is the busiest time for you, except for Easter, and I thought you would like the tranquillity of home on such a tiring and sacred day.” She spoke carefully watching his reactions, “Therefore it was with you in mind that I have prepared roast goose and plum pudding and for that reason also I declined the invitation.” She paused and waited for his response.

  Mr Collins thought about what his wife had said and was immensely proud of her and her thinking about him in such a way. “You are indeed a good wife and I am prodigiously proud of you. Yes, I believe once I write to Lady Catherine, beg her forgiveness, and leave it will all be well. You have acted as is best I believe.”

  Charlotte was in shock at the ease of which she achieved her objective and rang the bell for tea to hide her jubilant grin.

  6

  Christmas Eve arrived, cold, frosty but with glorious sunshine that flooded through the windows. Perfect! Charlotte thought as she climbed out of bed. Nothing could blight her
day, not even the complaining of Lady Catherine, which she was sure to endure that evening at church.

  After breakfast she helped the cook to prepare the potage for the evening guests, as she expected most of the carollers to begin the evening with them for potage and hot chocolate, and then to go to sing around the village and at Rosings, and then onto church for the eleven o’clock service, then hurry home to warm beds.

  Charlotte loved Christmas, it seemed to be filled with a magical beauty all of its own. Even Mr Collins was in high spirits and he could be heard singing “Hark! The herald Angels sing”, and humming the many words he could not remember. She laughed at the scene in her house and it was not long before she was cajoling Mrs Higgs, Mrs Jones the cook and Jenny the maid into joining in with Mr Collins’ carol.

  He heard the ladies singing in the kitchen and entered that scene of festive domesticity waving his hands as a conductor much to the amusement of the womenfolk. For the first time in months, Charlotte looked at her husband and saw a man she could at least learn to like and no longer felt so negative towards him. Was it the Christmas spirit? Alternatively, was it the hot chocolate warming her belly? She did not know but she was indeed glad that it was so, she wanted to be happy in her marriage, and so for now she enjoyed the feeling. It was with this sensation of contentment that she began to sing another carol, “Good Christian men rejoice!” and once again, they all joined in. If only it was always this happy, she thought as she sang.

  * * *

  It had started to snow as the carollers made their way to the rectory to begin the evening’s festivities. Hot chocolate was passed round, potage was eaten, some spilt, and there was a great deal of laughter, especially from Mr Collins, who appeared to only become nervous when potage or chocolate was spilt on his carpet. Candles were handed out and old Jim Harvey tuned his fiddle in readiness. Charlotte had gone carolling in Meryton many times over the years but Meryton was much larger than Hunsford and she felt a wonderful sense of acceptance as she was welcomed into the group of villagers and they readied themselves for the cold night air.