Charlotte - Pride and Prejudice Continues Page 8

  It was a minute or two before they had calmed and then Mrs Abbot addressed them all once again, “Now ladies, one thing remains for us to contemplate and discuss.” She looked at each one of them in turn most seriously, “What are we going to do about it?”

  * * *

  The visit with Mrs Abbot, Mrs Thomas, and Louisa had lifted Charlotte’s spirits and she felt renewed in her courage to withstand her punishment. However, the next day brought more pain to her heart. A letter arrived from Lady Catherine.

  Dear Mrs Collins,

  You can madam, have no doubt whatsoever of the reason for my writing to you this morning. I refer of course to your obvious and hurtful slight against my person and complete disregard for my well-meaning advice and attention to you.

  You have by now endured, most painfully, I am sure, one week’s castigation and silence from your husband and me and exile from our society. We deemed this necessary Mrs Collins to tame your wayward and opinionated behaviour. Such conduct in a woman is intolerable and unpardonable and we, Mr Collins and I, wish to cure you of it before you inflict injury upon other persons less forgiving than myself.

  For my part I cannot believe that this is in your true nature, but I am sure is from a faulty lack of discipline as a child and the abominable and detrimental connection you have had with my unfortunate nephew’s wife. I am sure her influence has swayed you. I will not say I am oblivious to the part in which your husband is to blame for his indulgence of you, I have made myself perfectly clear to Mr Collins, and he understands me entirely. Indeed, we are of one accord in this matter and we both deem it necessary to correct this faulty step in you, one so inexperienced with the ways of the world and the proper behaviour of the wife of a clergyman whose living is wholly within my gift. I would consider it beneath me however to renege upon the contract into which I have committed myself with Mr Collins and the living will remain his for the duration of my life as agreed upon before your marriage, you may rest assured on that point at least.

  However, I must insist on endeavouring to aid you in correcting the faults in your own behaviour. Faults which are not only injurious to myself but to the impeccable character of your husband. I am sure I need not impress upon you the imprudence of injuring his character by his having a wayward wife Mrs Collins. I am sure that by now you have also begun to see the error of your ways, are remorseful, and indeed wish to improve yourself.

  Now Mrs Collins, let me advise you further, adhere to propriety, listen to the counsel of your betters, and do not force yourself or your opinions where they are not wanted nor needed. Learn humility of spirit, calmness of character and be contented to accept the generous condescension and help which is in my power to give. I am deeply wounded by your disregarding my advice and going expressly against my wishes but I am, to be sure such a kind-hearted person, that I will of course forgive you after you have suffered sufficiently from your impropriety of behaviour and our excluding you from our society. After a sufficient time has passed, I will write again to inform you that you may visit with me to beg my pardon and receive my forgiveness. Do endeavour Mrs Collins to learn from these mistakes and to put them behind you!

  I trust this will not happen again Mrs Collins, and may God open your eyes to your folly.

  Yours faithfully,

  Lady Catherine De Bourgh

  Charlotte sat in stunned silence after reading the letter, her eyes fixed upon the words but unseeing. Her mind reeling from them and her heart bursting with frustration and anger. She wanted to cry, but would not give in to such self-pity, she burned with the injustice of the letter. She wanted Elizabeth and her counsel, she wanted to write to her and tell her what she was being forced to endure but she knew that would be improper and she must be strong and stand and fight her own battles. It seemed to her that in actuality that there were merely two options open to her at present, to give in to Lady Catherine and live a life of subjugation to her will or to rebel against Lady Catherine and make her own decisions about her life. Each had merits in its favour and each had its disadvantages. She certainly did not wish to be the means of injuring her husband.

  “He may be a silly man,” she spoke aloud to herself, “but he is not deserving of humiliation and degradation. I must make him see that my actions were and are not foolishness but are solely from a desire to be the mistress of my own life and to be the minister’s wife as I ought.”

  She began to pace the room as she continued to think aloud, “I am not oblivious to the deference owed to Lady Catherine but surely he can see that above that she has no and ought to have no authority on how we manage our daily lives. I must somehow devise a way to demonstrate this to Mr Collins or surrender my will entirely to Lady Catherine for as long as she lives.”

  This last thought brought the gravity of her current situation crashing down upon her, she sat down heavily on the easy chair and gave into the grief which she could withhold no longer, how long she remained thus she did not know.

  13

  Mrs Abbot visited Charlotte the following morning to check up on her and to lend her support. They talked in hushed tones, fully aware that Mr Collins was in his book room and might occasion to overhear a word or two. Mrs Abbot had decided that the best way to deal with Mr Collins, who felt it necessary to exclude his wife from his society, was therefore to bring society to them.

  She had with Charlotte’s consent arranged a card party for that evening. Mr Collins however was oblivious to the fact, and this particular day had been chosen for the soiree as Lady Catherine was visiting the Metcalf’s at their estate and Mr Collins would consequently be at home and unable to ignore his guests, and it was hoped-for, his wife. Mrs Higgs had been so good as to supply the information as to Mr Collins arrangements for the week and the ladies were grateful to have her as an ally. Charlotte laughed to think how shocked he would be at having his hand forced and in order to keep his arrangement with Lady Catherine he would have to shun his visitors and behave with such impropriety that would make his position as clergyman precarious.

  Mrs Higgs was called in and informed that a collation was required that evening for the guests and that Mr Collins was not to be informed whatsoever of their plans. Mrs Higgs smiled at Mrs Abbot’s daring, swore to secrecy once more, and bobbed a curtsey to Charlotte before leaving and attending to her work again.

  Mrs Abbot stood up to take her leave, “Now my dear, do not worry yourself about anything, it is all in hand.” She looked knowingly at Charlotte.

  As she turned to make for the door, she suddenly turned back to Charlotte, “A thought has occurred to me my dear, we will be seven. Myself and Mr Abbot, your good self and Mr Collins,” here she winked, “the Misses Thomas, and Mrs Brown. My dear, we need another person to make up a second table! Do you have any thoughts on who might accept at such short notice? It ought to be a gentleman as their numbers are sadly lacking.”

  She looked to Charlotte for inspiration, who smiled at the thought of just the right person who had occurred to her and stepped closer to Mrs Abbot to whisper in her ear.

  Mrs Abbot’s eyes opened wide, her grin spreading from ear to ear and as she left she called back, “Genius my dear, pure genius, I shall set to! Good-bye dearest Mrs Collins.”

  * * *

  Charlotte dressed with especial care that evening, she knew that she had to feign innocence in front of Mr Collins but also he had to think that none of their acquaintance was aware of their current situation and all that she was enduring at his hand.

  Even Mrs Higgs was catching the excitement in Charlotte and smiled at her mistress as she began to dress her hair. Charlotte had to tell Mrs Higgs some of the plan in order to carry out her part and to avoid her turning away their guests at the door. She had told Charlotte that Mr Collins said to tell visitors that they were not at home, so Charlotte had met each and every one of her morning callers herself out on the driveway to confound his plan and to prevent Mrs Higgs from having to disobey her master.

  “I am glad
I told Jenny to do something else, I am sure she would not be able to keep her tongue and go running off to tell the master.”

  “Oh yes Mrs Higgs, wisely done. If this is to work then Mr Collins needs to be kept in ignorance. And may I say how glad I am that you informed me that my husband wishes all guests to be turned away at the door.”

  “Oh ma’am, it was the right thing to do. You are being used cruelly and I cannot abide it…” She paused deciding whether to go on and then changed her mind.

  “Go on Mrs Higgs, what is it?”

  The housekeeper took a deep breath and spoke her mind, “Well ma’am, if you do not mind me telling you. I went to church this morning to say prayers for you.”

  Charlotte was touched by such affection and loyalty in her housekeeper and was not sure how to respond to this disclosure. She knew then that whatever befell her that she would have a good companion and friend in Mrs Higgs.

  “Thank you.” She fought to keep the tears from coming to her eyes.

  How had she grown so emotional? She had never been a missish girl and had always been logical and sensible, but that was before she married, that was before she came into Kent and was away from the love and protection of her family. She thought of them now as Mrs Higgs brushed her hair, and missed them greatly during this trial. She had not written to her mother to inform her of her present state, she knew what her reaction would be.

  It was then that mind was suddenly made up. “Mrs Higgs,” she said with a heavy heart, “if things do not improve. If in turn Mr Collins cannot be made to see the merits of his wife and to realise his manipulation by and the conniving of Lady Catherine, then I feel I will have no other recourse than to return in to Hertfordshire and to my parents’ home.”

  Her speech shocked Mrs Higgs who stood with the brush in mid-air and staring at her mistress' reflection in the mirror.

  “Yes, ma'am. I understand and I would miss you greatly ma'am.”

  Now it was Mrs Higgs turn to feel the emotion and her tears fell freely and unchecked as she endeavoured to continue to brush Charlotte’s hair.

  Charlotte turned and held Mrs Higgs hands, “Mrs Higgs if I cannot be his wife and I am neither wanted, nor needed and imprisoned then what other choice do I have?”

  Mrs Higgs rushed forward and embraced Charlotte.

  She pulled away just as suddenly, “I do apologise ma'am.”

  “I completely understand Mrs Higgs.”

  * * *

  Charlotte slipped down stairs unseen by Mr Collins and waited in the sitting room for her guests to arrive, frantically praying that he would not discover her before they arrived and in so doing foil their plan. She sat quietly in the armchair trying not to move, scared that the smallest movement would alert Mr Collins to her presence.

  She smiled at her silliness and walked to the window to watch for any lanterns on the road outside. She did not have to wait long, she knew they would be very diligent in their time keeping this night and as soon as she spied the lanterns of the Abbot carriage, it took all her will not to run immediately to the door. She instead waited where she was and watched the carriage pull up onto the drive. Mr Abbot descended and helped the ladies to alight.

  “Oh what a press it must be in there with five of them,” she mumbled.

  Mrs Abbot saw her at the window and signalled a little wave of her fan at her. Behind her, she then heard the bumptious voice of Mr Collins in the hallway; fortunately, she did not have to strain her ears to listen.

  “What on earth is happening here? Why is there a carriage in my driveway? Mrs Higgs! Mrs Higgs come immediately and explain this!”

  Charlotte heard Mrs Higgs footsteps as she ran from the kitchen. However, she could not hear her responses as she spoke far more gently than her husband did. It was then that Charlotte moved towards the door.

  “Time to rescue Mrs Higgs and time for us to begin.” she said firmly.

  She opened the door into the hall and Mr Collins merely stared at her in her evening gown open mouthed.

  Charlotte simply looked at him and said, “My dear, what is all this noise?”

  Mrs Higgs then took the opportunity, whilst his attention was on his wife to slip by him and open the door.

  Mr Collins was undecided whether he should respond to his wife’s enquiry or not but was saved the trouble as Mrs Abbot swept into the hallway, “Mrs Collins what a pleasure as always to see you my dear!” The two women embraced and she turned her attention to Mr Collins and asked looking him up and down, “Mr Collins, you are well I trust?”

  “Aye madam I am indeed, but may I enquire as to why…”

  Mr Abbot, clearly enjoying himself cut him off in mid-question. “Good to see you again Reverend. And Mrs Collins,” he pushed Mr Collins gently aside, “As delightful as always.” He kissed her hand and winked at her as he did so.

  Charlotte could hardly contain herself; it was just like watching a comedy at the theatre in London.

  The Misses Thomas then swished their way into the hall, which was now overcrowded, and Charlotte called above all the chattering voices, “Do come through all of you!”

  Once in the sitting room Mrs Higgs busied herself with taking, hats, cloaks, bonnets and pelisses and disappeared as quickly as she could before Mr Collins could descend upon her for an explanation. Louisa latched herself onto Charlotte and linked arms with her protectively. Charlotte smiled benignly and watched the theatre unfold in front of her eyes.

  “Come on in Reverend!” Mr Abbot bellowed, beckoning him into the sitting room.

  Mr Collins had stood stupefied in the hall opening and closing his mouth in disbelief. What would Lady Catherine say? was all he could think.

  Mr Abbot took him by the arm and pulled him into the room, “Now man where do you keep your port, eh? Thirsty work this, waiting for the ladies to set up the card tables, eh?”

  Mr Collins did not follow his meaning, “Hmm?”

  “Port, man, or wine or something to warm us after the journey! Is this how you treat your guests? Do you forget yourself?” He burst into that great laugh of his and his belly moved in time with each guffaw.

  Mr Collins although sufficiently embarrassed, did at least have enough of his wits to fetch the port. Mr Abbot turned and winked to his wife conspiratorially, and when Mr Collins returned Mrs Higgs was pouring wine for the ladies already. Charlotte was busying herself and trying her best not to catch his eye.

  The card tables were set up and conversations began to spring up. Mr Abbot kept Mr Collins occupied by asking him whether he had ever been hunting in these parts. Mr Collins was in such a state as to not furnish Mr Abbot with a sensible answer and barely spoke above two words at a time. His eyes however were firmly fixed on Charlotte, she could feel them boring into her, and how she kept her countenance, she did not know. She began to be afraid that if the evening did not pass well then Mr Collins might indeed have some sharp words for her once they were again alone and she did not look upon such an outcome with anticipation.

  Mrs Higgs came and spoke in her ear, “Ma’am the cold collation is ready in the dining room, as are more decanters of wine. Might I suggest Mr Collins might be very thirsty this evening?” she winked.

  Charlotte took her meaning immediately and nodded to her as she went back to attending the guests.

  Louisa was still at her side and she looked at her nervously, “Oh Louisa.” she whispered.

  “Everything will turn out well, you will be a great hostess, and I believe Mr Abbot plans to toast you later.”

  Charlotte looked at her friend in disbelief, “Are you certain? Whatever for?”

  “Can you not guess? Mr Abbot means to show your husband how valued you are by your friends.”

  Charlotte’s face softened with the realisation of the depth of their scheme.

  “And my dear take courage, we will never desert you.”

  Mrs Abbot and Mrs Brown fussed about the room setting places and making sure all the arrangements were to their liking
and surreptitiously stealing looks at each other and nodding.

  About half an hour passed in this light-hearted way until the bell at the door rang and another guest was announced.

  Mrs Higgs held the door open for a gentleman, “Mr Simmons.”

  Mr Simmons was a kindly looking gentleman, not much past five and thirty and he was lean from activity. He was handsome, Charlotte immediately looked at Louisa who had turned deathly white upon seeing him, and then a bright red but she could not remove her eyes from his.

  They both stood fixated in this manner until Charlotte felt she should reluctantly break the spell, “Mr Simmons, you are very welcome to our little gathering. I assume you know everyone here?”

  Charlotte played the hostess well and walked Mr Simmons around the room as he greeted all of their party but his attention was on no one but Miss Thomas. Louisa fought the desire to run from the room; she was amazed that he of all people could have been invited to the party. However, she stole herself and resolved to stand her ground and when he came to greet her Charlotte could see that he too was blushing. He took Louisa’s hand and kissed it, his lips lingering on her knuckles and his eyes fixed on hers.

  14

  Two rubbers of whist, one of casino and one of loo later, Charlotte declared she was hungry and invited her guests to join her in refreshments in the dining room.

  Mr Collins had been reluctantly drawn into making up a four and was so distressed and flustered that he could not concentrate and he lost quite piteously. He made for his wife in order to take her aside and speak sternly to her. However, as he drew near to Charlotte she was rescued by Mr Abbot who asked if he might escort her to supper.

  Mr Collins' consternation was complete, his distress nigh on panic. He kept opening and closing his mouth but no sound emanated from him. His thoughts were in turmoil and he could barely keep his countenance. He was sweating profusely and his breathing shallow. He felt he might faint away at any moment.