Charlotte - Pride and Prejudice Continues

by Karen Aminadra

  Charlotte climbed onto her side of the bed and laid her head on her pillow. She took hold of her husband’s hand and as her weariness overtook her and she fell asleep, she whispered, “I love you William.”

  * * *

  During the night Charlotte had become cold and had slipped under the covers and kissed Mr Collins cheek before returning her head to the pillow, and she was relieved to find his skin was still warm. Her mind was eased and she was able to sleep once more.

  The forty-eight hours that Dr Sawyer had said were critical were slow and heart breaking for Charlotte. She regularly changed the linen bands, and cleaned the wound, reassuring herself as she did so that the skin was knitting together and the bleeding was staunched.

  When the doctor called back again, Charlotte was glad to be able to report to him that Mr Collins had moaned once or twice in the night. Dr Sawyer agreed that she was right to hope, it was a good sign.

  Lady Catherine arrived that day to visit and Charlotte insisted on seeing her in the bedroom; she still refused to leave Mr Collins’ side. Lady Catherine could barely look at Charlotte; she was obviously still not forgiven in her Ladyship’s eyes. Lady Catherine stayed only the polite quarter of an hour, and loudly lamented on what she deemed was Mr Collins’ certain demise. Charlotte was relieved when she left.

  The days passed in a blur, Mr Collins still giving hope by the occasional moan, and his eyelids fluttering when Charlotte spoke words of comfort and encouragement to him. He grew increasingly restless which the doctor said was a good sign that he would recover but alas, he still did not awaken.

  About four days after his fall Mrs Higgs woke Charlotte early in the morning, “Mrs Collins,” she shook her gently, “forgive me ma’am but an express just arrived for you.”

  Charlotte groggily looked her, Mrs Higgs repeated herself and handed her the letter. Jenny stoked the fire and Mrs Higgs returned below stairs to make some tea and toast for her mistress.

  Charlotte tore open the letter and her eyes immediately went to the signature to see who had sent it. She was shocked to see it was signed Elizabeth Darcy. She began to read. Lizzy stated that she and Mr Darcy had received an express from Colonel Fitzwilliam confessing all and begging their assistance for Charlotte and Mr Collins. The note was brief and Lizzy ended by informing her that she and Mr Darcy were on their way and would be with her as soon as they possibly could be. My goodness! The Colonel must be repentant, and goodness knows how much I would love to have Lizzy here right now, but she certainly knows all and must blame me! This is all my fault, Oh William! She thought clutching the note to her chest.

  Charlotte sat on the edge of the bed and talked to her husband. She told him they were to have visitors that Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy were coming to see him. She smiled as she watched him react, his eyelids fluttered once more and he moved his head slightly and was still again. She felt hope rising inside herself and smiled at Mrs Higgs as she returned with a cup of tea for her.

  * * *

  Mr and Mrs Darcy arrived two days later, their horses were exhausted, and they themselves looked wearied from their hasty journey south. Dawkins saw to it that the horses were looked after and Mrs Higgs showed Mr and Mrs Darcy to the guest room, however, Lizzy would not even remove her bonnet until she had seen Charlotte.

  Charlotte was sat in a chair beside Mr Collins when Lizzy walked into the room, “Charlotte!” she exclaimed, opening her arms and embracing her friend. She kept her arms about her, turned her head towards the unconscious figure of Mr Collins, and asked if he was any better.

  “I scarcely know.” began Charlotte, her voice breaking with the pent up emotion.

  “I will have your housekeeper make up some food and tea and then you will tell me all that I have not heard from Colonel Fitzwilliam.”

  Charlotte nodded but said she would not leave Mr Collins’ side and therefore Lizzy had Mrs Higgs bring up the now redundant breakfast table and they cleared an area in the bedroom where they might all sit together. Mr Darcy was all politeness; he bowed to Charlotte and enquired after her health. Charlotte was frightened that they would judge her and treat her harshly for her part in what had happened to Mr Collins, but neither of them treated her with anything other than kindness and respect.

  The tea things were brought in and Mrs Higgs laid out a small collation for Mr and Mrs Darcy and they all sat down to eat and drink. Charlotte positioned her chair so that she could keep an eye on Mr Collins in the bed, her worry, and concern etched on her face. Rather than embarrass Charlotte by having her recount her version of events, Lizzy handed Charlotte Colonel Fitzwilliam’s letter.

  In his missive the Colonel had laid all of the blame at his own door and none whatsoever on Charlotte. He stated that he had coerced Charlotte into an improper situation that was against her wishes. That he had foolishly fallen in love with a married woman he was never to have. He wrote that he had gone to the parsonage that day to persuade Charlotte to elope with him. He explained how he had not seen that she was not as enamoured of him as he was of her and he mistakenly assumed he could persuade her into taking desperate actions.

  Charlotte could not believe what she was reading, she knew there were two sides to every story, but here the Colonel was protecting her reputation by laying all of the blame firmly with him. He stated that in his disappointment and anger at her rejection of him that he and Mr Collins had tussled and Mr Collins had met with his unfortunate accident. Then she read something that she had not realised before then, Colonel Fitzwilliam was aware that should Mr Collins die from his injuries that he would hang for murder. Charlotte placed her hand on her chest; she did not know which thought scared her more, Mr Collins possibly dying or Colonel Fitzwilliam being hanged as a murderer. He then went on to beg his cousin, Mr Darcy’s help in ensuring that all could be done for Mr Collins’ recovery, and to help Charlotte in any way that she needed. He then stated that he was returning to his regiment on the peninsula and would not return to England again until he heard one way or another from Mr Darcy as to what his fate would be.

  Charlotte was glad she had been sitting while reading the Colonel’s letter; she felt weak and did not know how to react to it.

  Lizzy reached over and touched her hand, “Charlotte, what is it?”

  “I did not realise.” she paused and lowered her voice to a whisper, as she was sure that Mr Collins could hear all that was said, “I did not realise he might hang.”

  Mr Darcy breathed out heavily, “Yes, I am afraid so. My cousin has always been headstrong. If he got an idea into his head then he would run with it and damn the consequences. Please Mrs Collins; allow me to say I am very sorry.”

  Charlotte smiled at him but she could not respond, the tears falling freely from her eyes once again. Mr Darcy got up, took a plate of food, his cup of tea, and told the ladies he would leave them to talk and join them again within the hour.

  Once he had left Lizzy asked, “Was it as he states in the letter?”

  Charlotte nodded and then feeling her conscience prick her, she confessed all to her friend. She cried, blamed herself, and cried more but not once during the telling of the tale did Lizzy censure her or her actions.

  “Oh Lizzy, I have been more than foolish. I was childish and my immaturity may have cost me the most important person in my life.” Again, she looked at her husband on the bed. She stood up to retrieve a fresh, dry handkerchief. When she returned to her seat, she saw that Lizzy was looking at her with sympathy.

  “I have learnt my lesson Lizzy. I know now that there is no such thing as harmless flirtation. The more I thought about it the more I realised the foolishness and recklessness of it all. I had been completely swept along on a tide of emotion.” She looked down at her hands again. “I am heartily ashamed of myself Lizzy.”

  “Oh Charlotte, I do know what you mean, truly I do.” Charlotte looked at her confused, “George Wickham, remember?”

  “Yes I do remember. Was there much flirtation with him Lizzy?”
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  “Aye, there was. Flirtation, flattery, lies and on my side a huge dose of stupidity.” She reached out and squeezed Charlotte’s hands again, “You are not the only person to act in such a way, and I doubt very much that you will be the last. At least you had the wisdom and the presence of mind to realise your folly. Colonel Fitzwilliam it seemed did not.”

  Lizzy stood up, moved to Mr Collins’ bedside, and took hold of his hand. “Now Charlotte what other news is there to tell me?”

  Charlotte smiled; it was the first smile she had indulged in for days.

  She stood next to her friend, “It does not seem appropriate to tell you after all that has gone on. But Mr Collins and I are expecting our first child.”

  Lizzy was elated at the news, embraced her friend, and kissed her cheek. “Oh Charlotte, that is wonderful news, I am so happy for you!” She turned back to Mr Collins and patted his hand as she leant closer so he could hear her words, “It’s cousin Elizabeth, I wish to offer you my congratulations Mr Collins, Charlotte has just told me your good news. Now, I see you have plenty of reasons to get well and return to us. Your child will need his father, as will your wife need her husband.”

  31

  Mr and Mrs Darcy had settled in well in the parsonage and had taken over the usual running of the house. Mr Darcy had seen to it that one of the deacons took over responsibility of Mr Collins parochial work and delegated what was necessary to ensure his duties were performed.

  Lizzy had even begun to take charge of Charlotte, her spirits were getting lower and lower with each day that passed without Mr Collins reviving, and she felt that in Charlotte’s condition this was a worrying sign.

  She ordered a fire to be lit and a bath to be drawn in one of the empty bedrooms and she insisted that Charlotte take a few minutes to herself and bathe. Charlotte resisted but Lizzy made her laugh by threatening to bodily carry her into the room and bathe her herself, if she did not go willingly. Reluctantly Charlotte agreed and she kissed Mr Collins on the cheek and informed him that she would not be gone for long. Lizzy was touched by the affection that Charlotte showed for Mr Collins, and admitted to herself that much must have changed since her last visit between the couple. However, she was glad, as she was happily married; she also wished the same for her dear friend. She shooed Charlotte out of the room, sat by Mr Collins side, took up her own needlework, and began to tell him about her life at Pemberley.

  * * *

  Charlotte finally emerged from the empty bedroom, freshly bathed and in a clean dress, her hair still wet and returned to her bedroom. Lizzy informed Charlotte that there was a pile of calling cards building up on the hall table, from people who had stopped by to extend their wishes for Mr Collins’ recovery. Charlotte however, did not wish to go and collect them and so Lizzy fetched them for her and together they began to read them and Charlotte told her about whom they were from. Lizzy was interested in her new life and her friends in Hunsford and shared with her some stories of the people she had met at Pemberley and Lambton. Naturally then the conversation turned to talking about Meryton and their shared childhood experiences.

  Lizzy was trying to lighten Charlotte’s mood but a thought suddenly occurred to her, “Charlotte, have you informed your mother about Mr Collins?”

  “No I have not, you are doubtless shocked, but until this moment the thought had not occurred to me.”

  “I understand, you have been so traumatised by his accident, but I do think you ought to let her know.”

  “Yes Lizzy you are right. However, what do I say to her? What can I say that will not have her rushing here the very instant she receives my letter?”

  “I think that is where I might be of assistance.” replied Mr Darcy from the bedside.

  Mr Darcy had been reading to Mr Collins from one of the books from his book room, and had been desirous of doing something useful. “I would be able to acquaint Lord and Lady Lucas with the situation and assure them that everything is in hand and taken care of.”

  Charlotte agreed this would be wise and Mr Darcy was about to leave the ladies to go to Mr Collins’ book room to carry out his task when Mrs Higgs came into the room and informed Charlotte that the butcher’s bill was due. Mr Darcy asked permission to carry out that task on her behalf also. Charlotte knew that Mr Darcy was uncomfortable in the sick room, as many men are, and was happy to hand over those tasks into his competent hands. He departed with her thanks and left the ladies alone with Mr Collins.

  * * *

  “I wish he would open his eyes even for a moment.” Charlotte said as she went to Mr Collins’ side.

  “Yes, that would be good news indeed. Have you noticed any great change apart from his increased restlessness?”

  “It will sound silly, but last night I could swear I woke up to him saying my name.”

  “Really? That would be a good sign if it were true.”

  “I cannot be sure Lizzy, I might have dreamt it.”

  Mr Collins let out a moan when Charlotte said she might have dreamt it.

  She looked at Lizzy, “Do you think he heard me?”

  “Dr Sawyer seems to think he can.” Lizzy affirmed.

  “William, dear William, it is Charlotte. Please wake up, my love.” she kissed his cheek, her tears wetting his face.

  Mr Collins eyes fluttered but they did not open, he moaned and his body tensed for a moment and then relaxed once more.

  The ladies stood and stared at each other, their mouths open amazed at what they were sure was a sign that Mr Collins was recovering.

  “Well Charlotte, that is a sign indeed.” Lizzy smiled. “He is fighting whatever he is languishing under and I think we might allow our hopes to rise. I will go and ask Fitzwilliam what he thinks.”

  Lizzy left Charlotte standing smiling down at her husband, her tears rolling down her face.

  * * *

  Lizzy knocked on the book room door but it was already open and Mr Darcy saw her and smiled.

  She entered the room and he took her hands in his. “How is she doing Elizabeth?”

  “Oh Charlotte is such a strong woman, she will be well. I did not think to find her in love with Mr Collins though but it appears she is, and that pleases me. But that is not what I came down to speak to you about.”

  She then recounted to her husband all that had just taken place in the bedroom above and asked him what he thought it meant.

  “I agree with your supposition, it seems he is fighting to come back. Perhaps he needs to hear more that will make him react.”

  He stood and closed the door, “Elizabeth, I have something I want to show you. Now I admit to being curious and prying and for that I am sorry.”

  He returned to the desk and picked up a pile of old letters. “I ran out of ink after having finished the letter to Lord and Lady Lucas and I began to search in Mr Collins’ desk for some, and these old letters fell out of the back of last year’s household accounts ledger.”

  “Fitzwilliam, you have been prying!” she pretended to be shocked.

  “No not exactly. Mrs Collins asked me to take care of his business and that is what I am doing, I cannot help it if Mr Collins’ desk is untidy and letters fall out of ledgers and I happen to read a line or two.” he winked at her.

  Lizzy smiled at him teasingly, “but you have not only read a line or two, have you not?

  “No, I confess I have not.” He laughed nervously, “Once I read a little, I was compelled to read more. They are from Mr Collins senior.”

  “Mr Collins’ father?”

  “Yes. He was not a nice man Elizabeth, the things he said to his own son have shocked even me, and he was very cruel. They explain a lot about Mr Collins sycophantic behaviour, at least to me.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It seems Mr Collins had an elder brother who died, and Mr Collins senior never got over that fact and blamed our Mr Collins for not being the one who died.” Lizzy gasped in disgust. “Our Mr Collins spent his entire youth trying to please a
parent who, by all accounts, disliked him intensely. His father beat his mother severely it seemed, and Mr Collins too, I suspect, would have been a victim of such beatings. Our Mr Collins wanted only to be liked, loved, and respected, and still does.”

  “So that is why he is so desperate to fawn over and ingratiate himself with everyone of higher rank than him.”

  “Exactly, and I think Mrs Collins should know of this.”

  “I do not know Fitzwilliam, I agree that she ought to know but I do not think it wise for her to know that we are acquainted with the contents of the letters, this is a delicate matter.”

  “Then perhaps I could leave the ledger out, and ask Mrs Collins to check it and perhaps the letters could be left where she might chance to see them.”

  “And if her own curiosity rises as yours did she will know all of Mr Collins’ history.” She bit her bottom lip in thought, “I admit I am sorry I ever thought so poorly of him now. If only the character of his father had been known…but my father and Mr Collins senior fell out many years ago and my father never mentioned why.”

  “If you are in agreement that is what we shall do. No one can be of as much help to a husband as his wife can.” Mr Darcy said as he set the letters and the ledger where Charlotte would find them. “I find I am sorry for him Elizabeth, I pity him, and I am sorry to have misjudged him.”

  Lizzy nodded and together they left the room to return to Charlotte and Mr Collins.

  * * *

  That evening Charlotte reluctantly went down to Mr Collins book room to look over the accounts ledger that Mr Darcy said he had checked and to sign it and to count out the money to give to Mrs Higgs to pay the bills with. She had just finished what she was doing when her eyes fell on a pile of letters. The same ones Mr Darcy had deliberately left for her to see. She picked them up, and saw that they were to Mr Collins from his father. Her interest piqued, her husband had told her very little about his family, and she lit another candle and sat in Mr Collins easy chair to read them.