Pemberley Chronicles

by Rebecca Ann Collins

  Later, as they prepared to leave, Elizabeth and Darcy extracted from Charlotte a promise to visit them at Pemberley. It was a promise Charlotte would find no difficulty in keeping, so grateful was she for the support and kindness of her two childhood friends and their husbands, for whom she had a good deal of respect.

  She agreed to come to them just as soon as she had completed the formalities and attended to all her obligations at Hunsford. “Lady Catherine has been very kind. She has said I can take all the time I need and has offered me the help of her manager for the paperwork. But, I am anxious to get it done as soon as possible, Lizzie; I shall not outstay my welcome,” she said firmly.

  “Then you must come to us, dear Charlotte,” Elizabeth said, “And bring the children. Cassy longs for the company of a little girl; it will do all of us good.”

  “We can promise you a peaceful Derbyshire Autumn,” added Darcy, and Charlotte, despite her dark widow’s weeds, smiled.

  “It is always so peaceful at Pemberley; I love it above all other places. Thank you both for your kindness. Yes, I shall be with you, soon.”

  Returning to Derbyshire, they found the Fitzwilliams in a state of high excitement, engaged most assiduously in the campaign for the election they knew was coming. There was much activity at Oakleigh also, because Richard, the Gardiners’ eldest son, was expected home from Paris, where he had completed his studies to become a physician. Caroline and Fitzwilliam, well aware of his strong social conscience, were eager to involve him in their campaign for reform, while his parents simply longed to have him home again, after almost two years in France.

  Following the death of King George and the defeat of the Tory government led by the Duke of Wellington, the Whigs, pledging reform, had won the support of the powerful merchant and middle classes. Reformists, who had found new inspiration in the exciting developments in Europe, particularly in France, supported the Whig proposal as a good start, though it did not give them even half of what they wanted. Compared to the achievements of the bloodless Paris Revolution, of the “three glorious days,” which brought the downfall of Charles X, the Whig’s proposals for change had seemed to provide little, but Fitzwilliam explained, “They were the best they could get and would whet the appetite of the middle classes for electoral reform.”

  Lord Grey was promising a Reform Bill which would change the electoral system and give a share of power to the men who, through industry and trade, were building the wealth of their nation. Hitherto, Parliament had been dominated by the aristocracy and the landed gentry: it was time for the rest of the people to assert their rights, too. This became the catchcry of Fitzwilliam’s supporters, as they organised meetings and street parades. They knew only an election and a new Parliament could deliver a genuine Reform Bill. While no women could vote and most ordinary people, who did not own land, were shut out of the Parliament, Caroline and her husband believed that getting information into the homes and hands of the working people would pay dividends in the future.

  To their amazement, Darcy and Elizabeth returning from a visit to the Gardiners, found Caroline in a tiny pony trap, with her two children and her sister Emily beside her, handing out pamphlets outside the inn at Lambton. There appeared to be a great deal of interest, as people stopped to ask questions, and Caroline, obviously well-schooled by Fitzwilliam, had all the answers down pat. “I cannot believe it,” said Elizabeth, “she used to be so shy.”

  Darcy laughed, “She’ll have Fitzwilliam run for the Ministry, mark my words. She may be little, but she has one of the brightest minds of any young woman I know. Mr Gardiner confessed to me that he was sorry Caroline had not chosen to go into the business. He believes she is far smarter than Robert. He’s very proud of her.” Elizabeth had to agree that her young cousin was surely the bright light in her family. Emily was studious and quiet, with a nice sense of humour, but without the distinctive charm of her elder sister, and Robert, though a polite and good-looking young man, seemed not to be filled with enthusiasm for anything at all. There was an unfortunate flatness about his personality that discouraged all but the most superficial engagement. Caroline, on the other hand, was always enthusiastic about any task she undertook, her fine eyes sparkling as she threw herself into her work, whether she was collecting donations for the poor or signatures for petitions. There was no doubt that her husband benefited to a great degree from the charm and grace that came so naturally to her. It was an advantage that many ambitious young Parliamentarians would have given a great deal to acquire.

  Her brother, Richard, who, while he was not the eldest, had the advantage of height and weight over both his sisters, had remained something of a mystery to all but his immediate family. By the time the family moved to Derbyshire, he was at boarding school, and while his younger brother ventured no further than Cambridge before moving into his father’s business, Richard had decided he wanted to be a physician. So single-minded was his pursuit of this ambition that he excelled at his studies in Edinburgh and was recommended by his masters to study further in Paris, where he soon lived up to his earlier promise.

  Now, he was coming home with plans to practice, not in fashionable London or Bath, but in Birmimgham.

  “Why Birmingham?” asked Elizabeth, for she knew her aunt had hoped he would return to live at home and work in the district.

  “That was exactly my question, Lizzie,” said Mrs Gardiner, confessing she was disappointed, but her son had made up his mind, as his reply, which she removed from her pocket book and gave Elizabeth to read, made quite clear.

  In answer to his mother’s query, Richard wrote:

  Because, my dearest Mama, they need doctors in Birmingham, where no one wants to treat the working people. In Derbyshire, you have at least some good surgeons and a hospital. The ordinary people of Birmingham have nothing. If they are too poor to get a doctor, they simply die at home. I have been greatly privileged by my education, and I feel I must give something back to the people who need help. But have no fear, Mama, you will have me at home as often as you wish, when I am not working, Oakleigh is where I shall lay my head. You may soon tire of having me around. Dear Mama, a friend, who has worked with me these last two years, is also coming to England. He is Paul Antoine, the youngest son of a family I have come to know well.He will join me in my practice and work as my assistant. I am sure you will like him very much. His mother was English, but sadly, she has died, and this will be his first visit to England in ten years. He is rather shy; I hope we can make him welcome. I know you will. I long to be at home with all of you.

  Your loving son,

  Richard.

  It appeared to Elizabeth, as she handed back the letter, that her aunt had already accepted that her son would work where he wanted. She was clearly happy he was returning and grateful that he had no plans as yet to leave the family home. Mrs Gardiner loved all her children, but there was never any doubt that Richard was the very apple of her eye. She was exceedingly proud of his achievements and, fiercely loyal, would not criticise his decision, even though she was disappointed with it.

  Elizabeth was convinced that once Richard was back among them, his mother, having been converted by her son to his point of view, would become his greatest advocate. Already she spoke warmly of the unselfishness that must surely have influenced his decision, a sentiment that Darcy and Elizabeth could only endorse, even though they had some reservations about its wisdom.

  Some days later, Fitzwilliam and Caroline were dining at Pemberley. When Elizabeth revealed Richard’s plans to work in Birmingham, Fitzwilliam’s response to the news was very different to hers. He pointed out that Birmingham, with its famous Political Union for Reform, led by Thomas Attwood, was fast becoming a centre for the Reform Movement. “It is an excellent place for a clever young man like Richard to work. He will not only come into contact with many of the working people and their families, he will understand their problems and be able to press for reforms that would help alleviate their misery. Believe me, Lizzi
e, they need him far more than do the middle class matrons of Derby.” Elizabeth was unwilling to let that barb pass, and a riposte was on the tip of her tongue, when Caroline intervened to soothe her irritation. “Dear Cousin Lizzie, do not let him tease you. For shame, Fitzy,” she chided and continued, “What he really means is Richard is not just a good physician; he will be a doctor with a conscience and an understanding of the need for changes in places like Birmingham. He will be able to use his influence with the local councillors and Members of Parliament to help those who will otherwise have no one to speak up for them. Am I not right, Fitzy?”

  The endearing sobriquet, which no one else was permitted to use, softened Fitzwilliam’s countenance and brought a smile to the faces of both Darcy and Elizabeth. Fitzwilliam nodded, admitting his wife was right and what was more, she had expressed his ideas far more succinctly than he had done, but Darcy did add a cautionary note. “I am quite sure Richard will work hard at helping the sick people of Birmingham, and I have no doubt at all of his sincerity of purpose, but he will need more than his physician’s skills to convince the councillors to spend any money on a hospital. I believe they have resisted all efforts to improve the conditions at the cottage hospital that provides such inadequate care for the poor, and they cannot be persuaded to pay for an extension to the schoolhouse. I wish him well, but I fear he faces an uphill struggle.”

  After dinner, the conversation turned inevitably to the election and the promised Reform Bill. Fitzwilliam was certain that Lord Grey would keep his word. Darcy was not so sure. He pointed out that the Whigs were every bit as “aristocratic” in their attitudes as the Tories. “There are no great democrats among them,” he warned, adding that the Whigs were used to having their own way too.

  But Fitzwilliam was reassured by the increasing dependence of the Whigs upon a new constituency—the middle class. They, together with the educated professional and academic representatives, were bound to press harder for reform, and he was convinced that Lord Grey would not betray them. Amidst mounting political tension, into which Fitzwilliam and his supporters were inevitably drawn, the year drew to a close. In London, a storm was brewing over the intransigence of the Tory Lords on the first Reform Bill presented by Lord Grey, and there was every appearance of fresh elections being called, which would be fought on the issue of reform.

  Charlotte Collins, delayed by the need to visit her late husband’s relations prior to leaving Kent, arrived at Pemberley in Autumn. Tired of the controversy, Elizabeth welcomed the arrival of her friend, knowing her to be quite uninterested in matters political. It would be refreshing to discuss domestic and family matters again, as she was sure they would need to, if they were to help Charlotte.

  Charlotte brought only her two younger daughters, Rebecca and AmeliaJane. Catherine, now a young lady of sixteen, had been invited to stay on at Rosings for Christmas. It was a privilege that Charlotte, who had refused the same invitation for herself and the rest of her family, was happy to let Catherine enjoy. “I appreciate the value of Lady Catherine’s patronage,” she explained to Elizabeth, “And while I could not accept it for myself, I felt Catherine could only benefit from the experience; she is a sensible girl and will not let it go to her head. She knows that we cannot hope to match the kind of style that Lady Catherine can afford, so she will enjoy it while she can but not hanker after it later, I think.” Elizabeth was sympathetic.

  “I am certain of it, Charlotte,” she said, “Your girls are a credit to you. I cannot believe any one of them can be misled into foolishness by lavish displays of wealth, however enticing they might seem.” Charlotte turned to her friend and smiled.

  “No indeed. Eliza, you know my circumstances better than anyone. When I tell you that I have turned down a generous offer from her Ladyship because I thought it was not appropriate for me to accept a paid position in her household, you will understand that I have not forsaken my principles for money and circumstance.” Elizabeth was surprised, and this increased to amazement when Charlotte revealed that Lady Catherine had offered her a position as her paid companion on an income that would supplement her annuity, while in addition, a cottage would be provided for her and her daughters on the estate. “It was a kind and generous offer, but I knew I could not accept. I was embarrassed to refuse; there was no other course open to me,” she said, smiling apologetically, “I said I felt I had to be close to my father, whose health is poor, at least until my elder brother Frank returns from India. Her Ladyship was not happy. She has asked me to reconsider, and I feared I had annoyed her, but then she invited my Cathy to spend Christmas at Rosings. I believe the Fitzwilliams are expected, too. I had no desire to vex her Ladyship; I agreed at once.”

  “Was Cathy happy to stay?” asked Elizabeth.

  “Yes, she is very grown up for her age and enjoys using the music room and library where she is permitted to read and practice the piano. Lady Catherine is quite partial to her and has always taken an interest in her.”

  Elizabeth realised what a struggle it must have been for Charlotte to turn down Lady Catherine’s offer, lucrative and tempting as it must have been. Tea was served, and they were joined by Darcy and Mrs Gardiner, who greeted Charlotte with affection and kindness. Charlotte, having thanked them and passed on Lady Catherine’s compliments to her nephew, sat down to talk of her plans for the future. She was frank and honest, as well as practical in her outlook, as she had always been even in the days when she, together with Elizabeth and Jane, had been growing up in Meryton. Charlotte spoke quietly of her plans. There were not many alternatives available to her and her young family. She could go to her father at Lucas Lodge, but it would be only a temporary arrangement. Her brother, Frank, was returning from India in the Spring, and he was engaged to be married. There could be no question of her staying on afterwards. “There will be no room for two women at Lucas Lodge,” she said, firmly if a little sadly.

  Elizabeth felt for her. Lucas Lodge had been her home for almost thirty years; soon she would be a stranger there. But Charlotte was as ever practical and wanted advice about investing her husband’s savings for the benefit of her two younger daughters. For herself, she could live thriftily on her annuity, but she wanted to do something with her life. She was forty-three and in excellent health. She could not be idle, she said. “I would like to start a little school,” she said brightly, “for young ladies, who would like to learn how to acquire some basic social graces, who need guidance in etiquette, manners, decorum, that sort of thing.” Elizabeth, who had not imagined such a possibility for Charlotte, was at a loss for a reply, but Mrs Gardiner spoke up with alacrity.

  “I think it is an excellent idea, Mrs Collins. Unfortunately, young women today receive very little guidance on these matters, unless they have good governesses or friends in the right social circles. Many families with sufficient means have no one they can trust to tutor their daughters. Your little school, if I am right in thinking you mean to provide a live-in place rather like Mrs Barton’s establishment at Oxford, would serve a very useful purpose.”

  “Do you think there would be many such families in Meryton, Aunt?” asked Elizabeth.

  “Not in Meryton, no, but in Derby or even in Kympton, I am sure there would be many middle class families from the surrounding areas who would welcome it. Your connections with Rosings, and indeed with Pemberley, would be considered a great advantage, Mrs Collins,” she said, and Charlotte was pleased to have her plan taken seriously. Darcy, impressed by Charlotte’s determination and Mrs Gardiner’s encouraging remarks, suggested that they might meet with Mr Gardiner the following day to discuss it further.

  “Mr Gardiner is, without doubt, the best businessman I know; I am confident he will give you excellent advice, Mrs Collins. I would recommend that you consult him before you make any decisions.” Mrs Gardiner invited them to join her family at dinner on the following day, when Charlotte could consult her husband. Mr Gardiner was almost as enthusiastic as his wife, with a little added cautio
n on the question of investment and leases. He agreed that there certainly were several hundred families in the neighbouring districts all over the Midlands, recently rich, merchant and professional families, who wanted desperately to secure an entré into society for their children, if not for themselves.

  “Their rough diamonds could do with some polishing,” he said, “so they could move more easily in society. Your little establishment, Mrs Collins, and others like it, could help them gain a degree of acceptance.”

  “Do you believe people would pay to have their daughters schooled in social arts and graces?” Charlotte asked, with some trepidation.

  “My dear Mrs Collins, people will pay for anything if they are convinced they are getting value for their money. It will be your task to convince them, and I’m sure you will,” he replied, with his usual air of amiable confidence.

  Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged glances, and Elizabeth saw, in her husband’s expression, the reason why the two men had become such firm friends. Her uncle’s total openness and honesty, together with his complete lack of pomposity or self-importance, had attracted Darcy’s attention right at the start of their acquaintance many years ago, and ever since, the relationship between them had grown stronger. Darcy retained enormous respect and affection for both Mr and Mrs Gardiner, and on this occasion, it was easy to see why.

  The concern and interest they showed in Charlotte’s plans for her future and that of her daughters were matched only by the generosity with which they gave of their time to assist and advise her. Charlotte herself was delighted, requesting assistance with finding a suitable property to lease in Kympton or across the county border in Nottinghamshire. Mr Gardiner, a modern, practical man, was full of admiration for the courage and determination of Mrs Collins and said he would be delighted to assist, in any way. Charlotte was grateful indeed and thanked all of them for their help and advice, especially Mr Darcy and the Gardiners.Without their help, she knew she could not have achieved much at all.