Charlotte - Pride and Prejudice Continues Page 6

  Charlotte noticed the great difference in dining with true friends and dining at Rosings. Here she was permitted a greater freedom in that she might express herself without being corrected or berated. She also gave opinions without fear of being wrong or belittled. Yes, Charlotte thought, this is how I would prefer to spend my evenings with true friends.

  Dinner was a simple affair and as there was no gentleman in residence, the men joined the ladies and together they all repaired back to the sitting room. Mrs Brown took the opportunity to open Mrs Thomas' spinet. The poor instrument was in need of a tune but all the same Mrs Brown played beautifully and Mrs Abbot joined her to sing duets.

  Louisa sat next to Charlotte and asked her if she would like to go with her into Westerham the next day to do some shopping. She replied that she would and this reminded Charlotte that she would like to enquire more into their discussion of the previous week. Charlotte realised with some dismay that in almost one year of being married she had never once been to Westerham on a shopping trip. She had of course been through Westerham by coach when travelling to Hertfordshire via Bromley. This thought surprised her and she wondered if she might also make a purchase or two.

  Mr Abbot overheard the ladies talking about shopping in Westerham and interrupted Mr Collins in his discourse to join in much to that gentleman’s surprise. “My dear ladies, why did you not say that you wished to shop in Westerham?” The ladies looked a little shocked at the idea of informing Mr Abbot at all of such a plan. “I will write you a note which I must insist on you taking with you to my son Mr Abbot junior. He will see to it that you are furnished with all that your hearts could desire and I might persuade him to offer a discount, eh?”

  Charlotte smiled and looked down at her hands and left Louisa to speak to him on their behalf, “Thank you Mr Abbot, but that is not necessary I assure you.”

  “Nonsense, nonsense my dear girl! What can an old man like myself do when he has no daughters to spoil, eh?” He laughed heartily and his belly moved with the action, “I will brook no refusal whatsoever. Miss Thomas, Mrs Collins, I insist! And if you might furnish me with pen and ink I will scribe a note this very instant!”

  Louisa reluctantly obliged him and led him to the writing table where he began to scratch and blot a note to his son. He was such a jolly kind fellow that Charlotte could not but feel grateful for such attentions although she noticed that Mr Collins looked red-faced and embarrassed.

  Mr Abbot signed his note with a flourish and handed it to Louisa, “There my dear, 'tis done. You have yourselves a wonderful day!” Louisa joined Charlotte once more and both smiled and blushed. “Anything we can do to please the ladies, eh Reverend?” Mr Collins merely simpered in response.

  Charlotte thought that her husband would not have been so generous nor did he seem comfortable with the idea that his wife was accepting a gift from a tradesman and not the advice of Lady Catherine who had more than once insisted that Charlotte use her milliner in London. That was something that Charlotte would not do, for one she had no occasion to wear such finery and would never be so frivolous with her pin money.

  * * *

  On their journey home from the Thomas’ house, as she had expected Mr Collins did indeed begin to chide her over accepting such a gift, “My dear Charlotte, I cannot begin to impress upon you the sovereign importance that we must place upon the advice and condescension of Lady Catherine. She would be in a fury if she were to learn that you had not only taken advice but accepted the offer of a discount from such a man as Mr Abbot, let alone that you intend to shop at his establishment and not the elegant boutiques which Lady Catherine herself patronises. Such importance cannot be over emphasised my dear, we must be acutely sensible at all times of doing all within our power to please her Ladyship.”

  Once more, her anger rose inside her at such a speech as this, when would he realise his folly? Charlotte knew that she would have to defend herself or cancel her arrangements with Louisa and partake of all the embarrassment of such an action and that if she did not go with her that Louisa would feel snubbed and their friendship would suffer.

  She was not prepared to allow Lady Catherine to dictate even the minutest parts of her life any longer, “William, I feel it only right to respond, to defend and explain my decision.”

  Mr Collins stared at his wife in disbelief and turned in his seat to express his disapproval at her once more. However, the gig hit a hole in the road and he was forced to return his gaze reluctantly to the matter of guiding their equipage, and she was free to continue to say her peace.

  “May I begin,” she continued, “by pointing out to you that you lay far too much importance upon the advice of Lady Catherine? I am a person with my own likes and dislikes Mr Collins, and I believe I may be prevailed upon to make appropriate choices when it comes to choosing the clothing I wish to wear, the merchants I wish to purchase from, and in which town I wish to do so.’ Mr Collins merely snorted, his brow knitted together, ‘You have expressed that Mr Abbot is not a man whose shop I ought to frequent. May I ask why you think this is?”

  She deliberately did not pause however to give him the opportunity of explain, “I know exactly why Mr Collins, because of Lady Catherine. Everything is because of Lady Catherine! And the only way in which Lady Catherine would find out that I indeed went against her wishes is if someone told her that was the case, and I would be heartily disappointed to find that you, my own husband, had degraded and injured your wife in such a way, sir!”

  She twisted her hands in her lap, endeavoured to master, and calm her temper, while Mr Collins remained too shocked to reply, “I might also remind you that you are merely a clergyman. We have only a clergyman’s income and were I in all honesty to patronise the boutiques in London of which Lady Catherine insists upon that you and I would be would be in the debtor’s prison before Easter Mr Collins!” she paused for breath, “I am not a imprudent woman. I have managed our household well this past year, and,” she added proudly, “I have managed to save a little.”

  He looked at her taking his eyes off the road again with an expression that showed he was surprised but not displeased by what she had said.

  “Therefore Mr Collins, let me keep within the sphere in which we truly are as Reverend and Mrs Collins. Allow me to keep the friends I am making who are also of the same rank as us and do me the honour of not chiding me like a child but accepting my decisions as those of a prudent and respectable woman.”

  Despite her initial anger at her husband, she had managed to speak her mind in a logical way but in her fury sat back staring at the road ahead silently daring him to retort.

  He could not respond, despite feeling deeply what he believed he owed to Lady Catherine. His conscience fought against his profound feeling of obligation to her Ladyship and his duty to his wife. He therefore remained silent the remainder of the way home and upon their arrival Charlotte repaired immediately to their room and to bed while he went to his book room to think.

  He settled into his easy chair and replayed her words in his mind, trying to find the slight, the flaw, or the point with which he could countermand her decision. It was approaching dawn when he finally fell asleep in the chair.

  10

  The next morning was again dry, Charlotte was unsurprised, although a little disappointed that Mr Collins had not come to bed last night. She dressed quietly, went into the breakfast room, and poured herself some coffee. Mrs Higgs came in presently to discuss the day with her and informed her that Mr Collins was still asleep in his book room.

  “Then pray, do not disturb him. Make up the fire but quietly. Then when he awakes, make sure that he has something hearty to eat. I am to Westerham today with Miss Thomas and I will return this evening before dinner.” She buttered some bread and reached for the jam, pausing with her had outstretched as she saw Mrs Higgs was still standing looking at her. “Yes Mrs Higgs?”

  “I just wondered Mrs Collins if everything was all right?”

  Charlotte ha
d acutely felt the awkwardness of the conversation in the kitchen the day before yesterday and also after the discussion with Mr Collins in the gig she was keenly aware of her rank and station this morning and knew she would have to conduct herself differently at home also.

  “Yes, of course Mrs Higgs. Mr Collins had a lot on his mind last night when we arrived home and stayed up to mull things over, he must have fallen asleep in so doing. That is all, but I fear he will catch a cold if Jenny does not light the fire in his book room soon.” Her meaning was clear; Mrs Higgs bobbed a curtsey and left Charlotte to her breakfast.

  * * *

  Upon her arrival at Louisa’s house, Charlotte noticed a carriage outside. She tentatively rang the bell wondering if their trip would be postponed due to an unexpected guest. This suspicion however proved to be groundless and after being ushered into the sitting room, Louisa breathlessly explained the carriage.

  It seemed that Mr and Mrs Abbot upon thinking of and talking about Charlotte and Louisa’s trip into Westerham that morning over breakfast had decided upon lending them the use of their carriage. They themselves did not need it for that day and Mrs Abbot had said that she would not have been comfortable or able to settle at anything the whole day long if she had had to worry about them going by coach into Westerham.

  Charlotte smiled at the thought, such a kind attention and truly made out of genuine affection and concern for their safety. Truly, these are kind and Christian people, she thought, if only her husband could also see them the same way as she did.

  So the two ladies departed on their shopping spree in comfort and style and Charlotte wondered what her husband would think if he could see her once more in a carriage that was very much like her father’s.

  They visited the cobblers where Louisa had her sister’s boots mended and purchased a new pair of slippers for herself. Amongst her own purchases, Charlotte bought a new pair of shoes for Mr Collins as a peace offering. The ladies then went to a seamstress who was recommended by Mrs Abbot as being not too expensive but with an excellent eye for the fashion and then they went on to Mr Abbot’s own establishment.

  The shop was far larger than Charlotte had anticipated and made the milliner's in Meryton look like a market stall in comparison. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by Mr Abbot junior and Louisa presented him with his father's note. His face changed and he smiled from ear to ear greatly resembling his father. He could not have been more obliging to them and Charlotte was shocked to see how much of a discount he was willing to give them that she almost lost herself in her purchases. She bought new muslin for some new walking and day gowns, her present one’s could be delegated to morning gowns. She also treated herself to some fine sheer linen for chemisettes and fichus. She bought some new gloves, a new more elegant and fashionable lace cap, and some ribbons to update her bonnets.

  Mr Abbot was loathe to have them leave and they informed him that they must take the muslins and linen to Mrs Owen the seamstress. However, upon hearing their reason for leaving so soon he exclaimed that he would have them delivered to Mrs Owen at once and called an assistant immediately. Charlotte felt giddy at such preferential treatment and was suddenly sure that she had overspent.

  She paled at the thought; Louisa did not miss this change in her friend’s countenance. “My dear Charlotte, are you well?” she asked taking her hand.

  “Yes I assure you. I am suddenly tired.” She drew her friend aside away from the hearing of Mr Abbot junior, “To own the truth my dear Louisa, I am a little concerned that I may have spent more than I had intended to.”

  “Oh Charlotte, do not mind that. Come, there is a tea shop not two minutes’ walk from here where you can sit in comfort and do your sums to reassure yourself. I know you have not been frivolous my dear.” They said thank you, bid adieu to Mr Abbot Jr., and set off in the direction of the teashop.

  Once suitable ensconced in the corner and furnished with tea and scones, Charlotte began to relax a little when she counted her change in her reticule. She realised that after the ample and generous discount, they had been given, and taking into account Mrs Owen's fee that she had indeed not overspent, and breathed an audible sigh of relief, which caused her friend to laugh.

  “Oh, what a wonderful thing it is to be away from Hunsford!” Louisa declared.

  “Indeed Louisa, although I think I carry some of our acquaintance with me in my head. At least I believe I can hear their censure at any rate.” It felt good to laugh freely and to speak so openly, and the two friends remained in the shop for some time.

  “Charlotte perhaps we should walk for a while?”

  Charlotte could think of no better end to their day than a walk around Westerham. They walked through the market street and paused to look at the construction of a fine house and Louisa told her about the Countess who was reportedly going to live there. They then walked to St. Mary's church and round the churchyard where they found a bench to rest on.

  “Ah, what a beautiful day!” exclaimed Louisa stretching out, “I am so glad that we have had this day to ourselves Charlotte.”

  “As am I Louisa. It is not often that I am permitted to take a whole day for myself and indulge in such activities. I find I am most contended with our day out.”

  “I for one will be sad to return home.”

  A shadow of sadness crossed her face and Charlotte grew concerned for her friend, “What is it Louisa?”

  Louisa took a moment to take a deep breath and then looked at her friend. “Today is what would have been my fifth wedding anniversary.”

  Charlotte’s faced showed her confusion, “I am afraid I do not have the pleasure of understanding you Louisa.”

  Again, she took a deep breath before speaking, “Five and a half years ago, more or less. I was courted by Mr Simmons of Oak Wood Farm.”

  Charlotte’s expression changed to one of surprise, “I know of the man, he is a gentleman farmer and is very kindly thought of.”

  Her friend smiled, “Indeed he is the best of men Charlotte.”

  “I still fail to understand. What happened?” She could see that Louisa was now having difficulty finding the words to express what she had begun to tell her friend. Charlotte took her hand to reassure her.

  “Everything was going along well.” She swallowed down the lump in her throat, “Until Lady Catherine heard of our engagement.”

  There it was again, Lady Catherine’s name popping up in the most unconnected circumstances.

  “Pray Louisa, what can this have to do with her Ladyship?”

  Louisa looked grave, “Oh you may well ask. Her Ladyship makes the entire neighbourhood her concern. I should have been stronger, I should have stood my ground, but I did not.” She burst into tears and Charlotte passed her own handkerchief to her, “You remember I told you that I was her Ladyship’s seamstress for small works? Well it seems her officiousness was at work even then. When the old minister informed her of his intention to read our banns that Sunday she flew into a rage. She immediately sought me out. I was at home with Henry and Mr Simmons was due to call within the hour. She scolded me like a fury Charlotte! She asked how I could be so heartless and so selfish as to deign to make the decision to marry without her permission.” She caught a tear with the handkerchief as it traced its way down her face.

  “I do not understand why you would need her Ladyship’s consent.”

  “Neither did I at the time. I told her that we were in love and we intended to marry in three weeks’ time and she replied angrily that she failed to see what love had to do with marriage and that I was only doing so to selfishly think of my own comfort and to spite her.” Her breathing was becoming ragged as the painful memories threatened to overwhelm her, “Lady Catherine said as I was in her employ I was under her jurisdiction and my decision to marry was hers to make and hers alone.”

  Charlotte squeezed her hand and sat with her own mouth open.

  “Henry then stood up and said that I was not in her employ, I worked for her on
a needs only basis, did not receive a retainer and therefore if I wished to marry the only consent I needed was his and his alone. Oh, Charlotte you should have seen Lady Catherine’s face when Henry spoke to her in such a manner! I thought she would have an apoplectic fit!”

  Charlotte instead of being amused by the thought of her Ladyship's face at that moment was becoming angrier at her overbearing self-importance.

  “It was then that I saw that George… Mr Simmons had arrived and was standing in shock in the doorway.”

  “Oh no!” Charlotte exclaimed and then winced at her outburst; she did not wish to interrupt her friend.

  Louisa merely nodded and continued her narration, “He looked mortified Charlotte. He stepped forward and declared that we were to be married whether she liked it or not. Lady Catherine face grew so red I was scared, she almost screamed at Georg… Mr Simmons. “I do not give my consent and I have refused to allow the banns to be read, you will not be married and certainly not in my church! And if you conspire to elope together and marry elsewhere I will see to it Mr Simmons, Mr Thomas that no one within my sphere of influence will ever do business with either of you again! Am I understood? I will not be treated in such an infamous manner, now let that be an end to it!” She turned on her heel and left.” It was then that Louisa gave into her distress and cried openly, “Henry kicked over a chair, Mr Simmons stood opening and closing his fists, his face so red that I thought he would strike something and I stood crying knowing that my only chance of happiness in life was slipping away from me. Mr Simmons bowed, took a long sorrowful look at me, oh such pain was in his eyes, and he departed. He never returned to visit me again.”

  Charlotte placed her arm around her friend’s shoulder and Louisa sobbed. It was a while before either of them could speak again.

  “But was not Mr Simmons married?” Charlotte asked.

  The look of pain in Louisa’s eyes made her immediately wish the question were unasked.