Upon their return to Pemberley, the ladies discussed which chandelier should be taken to the Parsonage. Elizabeth suggested Georgiana and Mary go up to the attic and select a chandelier and two sconces for the dining-parlour and some candle stands for the drawing-room and bedchamber.
“Wear the long aprons again, Georgiana, but I trust you to make excellent selections. Please show Mary all the options before you choose, as she needs to learn too!” Elizabeth laughed.
The two young ladies spent several happy hours discussing items in the attic. Mary had never seen so much unused furniture in one place and suggested an outdoor bench for the kitchen garden next to the Parsonage where the good pastor would be able to enjoy the fruits of his labors. Georgiana thought the idea an excellent one. Mary also inquired as to whether one of the gardeners might have stored the seeds Pastor Atkins would need to further his plans for the kitchen garden. The ladies set out in search of one of the under-gardeners who managed Pemberley’s kitchen garden and were well pleased with his response. A collection of the appointed seeds was assembled in small jars and labeled to take to the Parsonage.
Hunsford Parsonage, December 11
Dear Elizabeth,
I hope you are well after our great scare in Hunsford. Mr. Collins is continuing to recover and improve and we are very thankful. His swelling in his arm is nearly gone. He is somewhat clumsy since the incident with the bees but the physician thinks it will wear off. Right now we simply laugh when he mis-steps or mis-speaks. Lady Catherine has found a neighboring clergyman who is retired to fill in for Mr. Collins on Sundays. William desires me to write his many thanks to you for your assistance. He DOES vaguely remember you dousing his arm with water although he could not see it from under your shawl. He does not remember the rest of that terrible day, which is for the best. He also remembers that Lady Catherine hit the super off the stack of supers and that is what caused the swarm of bees. We have mostly talked around that subject. I shall eventually hear his thoughts on the matter I am sure. Sarah was quite scared of her father for a few days until the swelling in his face diminished and then she became very clingy to him. She adores her father and he so dotes upon her. I am much in need as a nurse these days and I hope to write to you again soon.
Yours, etc.,
Charlotte
A few days later, Georgiana and Mary accompanied a workman back to the Parsonage to see the final touches put in place and to deliver their collected seeds. Missy was working in the kitchen and said the Pastor was out making calls to the sick. She was very excited to see the ladies from Pemberley return with new additions to the Parsonage. The pastor was a very amiable master and the Parsonage was quite pleasant. She knew she was fortunate in her situation. Georgiana had selected a simple brass chandelier for the dining-parlour. It could hold six candles. The sconces were also brass and each featured two candle holders and a small mirror that would sit flush against the wall and reflect the candlelight into the room. Mary liked the sconces because each one also had a single hanging crystal which sparkled quite prettily! Several wood candle stands had also been selected. Two were for the drawing-room and one for the bed chamber. Mary directed the workman on the placement of an iron bench such that it afforded the most picturesque view of the garden and a nearby pasture. Once everything was arranged and the jars containing seeds delivered to the kitchen, the ladies departed requesting their regards be left for Pastor Atkins. Upon their ride through Lambton whilst returning to Pemberley, they spied the pastor walking and he waved at them from across the road in greeting. Georgiana stopped the little phaeton and the three conversed for some minutes in the lane on the latest parish news and the new additions to the Parsonage. He seemed very touched at Mary’s thoughtfulness to include seeds and a bench for his kitchen garden. After finishing their conversation they parted with cordial farewells before resuming their travels.
Unbeknownst to the ladies, now that he was finished with his calls to two households which had parishioners who were ill, Pastor Atkins was now on his way to the local haberdashery. Having completed his education and acquired a well-endowed living which was becoming dearer to him by the day to say nothing of the pleasant society it had recently afforded, Pastor Atkins had determined that his slightly threadbare wardrobe needed some assistance. His vestments and stocks were immaculate as they were all quite new! But his attire for tending his future garden was virtually non-existent. He needed some sturdy work shirts, trousers, and a stout pair of workman’s gloves so as to not soil his finer apparel. And he needed some new more fashionable attire for socializing when he was not working on behalf of the church. The first was easily explained to Mr. Conrad, the shop’s owner, who served as the town’s tailor. The second caused the good pastor to trip over his words. The elderly man, who was a faithful parishioner, and had never heard Pastor Atkins mis-speak before, smiled.
“So you are planning to call upon the young lady?”
“How can you know that?” cried a visibly blanching Pastor Atkins.
“Pastor, I’ve lived here most of my life. There’s not much that goes on in this town I don’t know about.”
“Does the whole town know? What if Mr. Darcy gets wind of this ere I have a chance to speak to him?”
“No, the whole town does not know. Missy is my great niece. She thought you would be in to see me and wanted to ensure I could turn your orders around quickly.”
“Your niece is a very clever girl and a good worker!”
“Aye, she is both. And she will not gossip about what she has observed in your home, make no mistake.”
Mr. Conrad acquainted Pastor Atkins with the fact that Miss Mary Bennet had recently undergone a change in wardrobe as well and whilst it had significantly enhanced her appearance and had undoubtedly improved her confidence; it had not made her a slave to fashion. Miss Bennet had made selections with the local dressmaker, whom he knew quite well as she was his wife, that demonstrated her preferences for flattering colours, quality materials, simplicity in design, and modesty. This, he thought should guide Pastor Atkins to not emulate the London Dandy Set, but rather to present himself as a well-dressed, quiet man about town. Pastor Atkins gratefully agreed with this advice as it was well-suited to his profession. The two men conducted the remainder of the appointment with great efficiency. Pastor Atkins’s measurements were taken and recorded. Fabrics were selected. The cuts and styles for several coats, waistcoats, shirts, collars, neckcloths, breeches, pantaloons, and trousers were chosen. One waistcoat, shirt, and neckcloth were decided to be the first items needed and would be ready in a few days’ time. And he selected workman’s gloves while in the shop. Pastor Atkins thanked Mr. Conrad for his advice and his assistance and promised to return for his expedited items within a few days. He then set out for the local cobbler to order new Hessian boots and top-boots and stopped at the mercantile for candles. Upon his return to the Parsonage, he gave Missy a raise, much to her satisfaction.
A few days later an invitation was received at Pemberley from Pastor Atkins for the Pemberley household to join him at the Parsonage for tea in the afternoon. Fitzwilliam could not attend, but Elizabeth responded in the affirmative for the three ladies. A formal call was made and Pastor Atkins hosted his guests with great cordiality. He was wearing his new shirt, neckcloth, and waistcoat with a coat and breeches he already owned. The ladies complimented him on his appearance! Elizabeth thought the recent additions to improve the lighting were very well done. After sitting down for tea, Mary had commented on the tea having an unusually good flavor. Pastor Atkins thanked her for noticing and explained that he had been buying the common green tea leaves in a local Lambton shop, but Missy had suggested the China teas from another tea vendor and he much preferred this new tea blend that he was now serving them. At the end of their call, cordial farewells were extended on both sides, and the ladies departed. Fitzwilliam listened to the ladies recount the visit that evening at dinner. After dinner Georgiana and Mary performed a short concert in the mu
sic-room before an audience of two. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam were both very pleased with their performances and applauded accordingly.
The following Sunday, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth had meant to resume their church attendance at Pemberley Church. But Georgiana and Mary had asked if they may take the phaeton into Lambton to attend services at Lambton Church again. Elizabeth gave their permission and the two ladies set off.
“I think there may be something at work there.”
“What do you mean, my dear?” asked Fitzwilliam.
“I am beginning to wonder about a partiality between the Pastor and Mary.”
Fitzwilliam was incredulous. “You are? But it’s only been a fortnight since she arrived!”
“And how long into OUR acquaintance was it before certain tender feelings began to take hold of YOUR heart, Mr. Darcy?”
“You are blushing Elizabeth, but your point is well taken.”
“I don’t think it is Georgiana, I’ve seen no evidence of that. But Pastor Atkins and Mary spent some time discussing books. And Mary seems to have taken quite a liking to his church! Let’s keep our eyes on this.”
“I have a better idea. Let’s ask Georgiana, before this goes too far.”
“You are worried it is Georgiana, but not Mary?”
“Yes, but please do not misunderstand me, Elizabeth. I am obligated by my father’s will to settle thirty thousand pounds on Georgiana. She deserves a season in London, perhaps two, to meet other members of the landed gentry once we feel she is ready. She will likely not inherit Pemberley. I am not going to tell her who to marry. But I reserve the right to rule out gentlemen who should not be allowed to call upon her. Pastor Atkins holds a very unique position in our neighborhood. The eldest son of a local landholder would not have been granted such open access to her, before she is even out, as Pastor Atkins has had. I will not make that mistake again. Although they are all daughters of gentlemen and EQUAL, our unmarried sisters’ situations will never be the SAME. We have offered our assistance differently, but in each case where it was most needed. Georgiana has been introduced to the benefits of sisterhood and we have exerted ourselves to restore her confidence. We have increased the dowries of Mary and Kitty whilst encouraging their becoming more accomplished in areas that are of interest to them. This will assist them in making suitable matches.”
“You are quite right, of course. I am sorry I jumped to conclusions, Fitzwilliam. Let’s ask Georgiana.”
Following the church service in Lambton Pastor Atkins escorted Georgiana and Mary to the local milliners shop and then bid them good day. Upon their arrival at Pemberley, Georgiana privately confirmed what Elizabeth had suspected. Georgiana thought there was a mutual interest in books and religious doctrine, as well as an easy rapport between the two. Mary had confided that she found him quite exemplary in his intelligence and manner.
“Well, that is quite the endorsement, coming from Mary!” Elizabeth exclaimed.
Chapter 18
Elizabeth sought Mary out for a tête-à-tête after dinner. She asked Mary for her opinion of Pastor Atkins and was not surprised when Mary extolled his virtues.
“I admire his intelligence. He is very well read. When he preaches he has a very direct style of speaking, which I admire. I know I have only heard two of his sermons, but I felt they were written in a spirit of joy. They were vastly different than anything I’ve read by Fordyce who seems to use scriptures to instill meekness and submissiveness by employing fear or guilt. Pastor Atkins seems to try to inspire others using scriptures to encourage us to have a relationship with God.”
“I agree that he is a very talented pastor. And Lambton is very fortunate to have secured him. But what is your opinion of him as a man, not solely as a clergyman?”
“I confess that I do feel a certain regard for him that I have never felt towards another man before. But it IS embarrassing to say such things! I find him very charming. He has a fine figure and countenance. And his manners are very open and pleasing. Lizzy, I like how he smiles at me and catches my eye with his. It makes my stomach feel strange. But it is improper of me to say so, is it not?”
“Mary, you may confess anything to me. I hope you know you can trust me with a confidence. And there is nothing wrong with thinking a man is handsome or enjoying his company. This is part of how you decide if a man is worthy of your consideration. You must also examine his character, his intelligence, and his situation as well as the depth of your own feelings. Of course you are aware of where Pastor Atkins lives and how he earns a living. You should also know that the living at the Parsonage is four hundred pounds a year. Your dowry will bring about two hundred-and-fifty a year in income. So it would be a very comfortable though not extravagant household. You gave Mr. Gottlieb proper consideration did you not?”
“Yes, and I did not feel this way about him at all. He is not a bad man, Lizzy, just not the right man. I was certain that I had no interest in him that way. And I’ve known him for years.”
“And with Pastor Atkins, you feel that you may have just that sort of interest in him?”
“Yes, I do. I enjoy spending time with him. And I think of him often when not in his company. But it is hard to say how he feels about me.”
“You mean he treats you and Georgiana the same way?”
“No, I do not believe he treats us the same. I am convinced that he considers her as part of the family that he owes much regarding his patronage. He is very respectful to her. I am not implying that he is disrespectful to me, but rather friendlier and more open. Although I have known him a shorter period of time, I would say that I know him better than Georgiana does. We talk about books, his studies at the seminary, and our families. He does speak with Georgiana about the calls he is paying and how his congregation is faring. I believe he wants her to know what work is being done on behalf of the parish.”
“I see. But Mary, you are my sister. You ARE part of the family to which he owes his patronage. If he treats the two of you differently, it may signify he FEELS differently towards each of you.”
“I never thought of it that way. Do you really think so?”
“Well perhaps when you next see him, you might mention that you are pleased to see him again. Then you will be able to perceive how he feels about you based upon his response.”
“I will try that. But it is difficult to find time to socialize. We are not truly part of his parish, as we only attend morning services on Sunday. He does not have a horse. You may have walked to Netherfield as you wished when Jane was ill and encountered Mr. Darcy thither, but I cannot walk to the Parsonage to call upon him. If not only for the impropriety of it, it is five miles away! And he really does need a reason to call here at Pemberley.”
Elizabeth was surprised at the level of scrutiny Mary had already expended on this subject. “If Pastor Atkins is agreeable to it, would you like an opportunity to spend more time socializing with him?”
“Oh! I would, Lizzy!”
“Let me see what I can do.”
“Oh Lizzy, please don’t ask him directly! I would be so embarrassed.”
“No, I’m a little more subtle than Mama. I shall not convey you to the Parsonage on horseback in the rain thus stranding you there! I’m going to devise the opportunity for the two of you to cross paths more frequently in Lambton. If he has an interest, it will be up to HIM to show it.”
Mary hugged her sister tightly.
“But Mary, I do not want you and Pastor Atkins to spend time alone together. You understand that don’t you?”
“Yes, of course. Even without Lydia’s behavior, I understand that maintaining my reputation and virtue is paramount. And I do not think that Pastor Atkins would ever suggest anything improper. He appears to me to be a very honourable and godly man.”
Fitzwilliam was relieved and pleased to hear about Elizabeth’s conversation with Mary. They agreed that Mary needed more reasons to be in Lambton beyond attending church on Sunday mornings. It was quickly decided P
astor Atkins should be invited to join the family for Christmas dinner as a professional courtesy. Pastor and Mrs. Jenkins had been invited before so there was nothing incriminating in the invitation. A note containing the invitation was quickly dispatched. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth also determined that lessons from Georgiana on the phaeton would be a worthy pursuit. Georgiana was immediately brought into their confidence and agreed she would teach Mary how to drive the phaeton but would do so in the streets of Lambton. They also encouraged Georgiana to include Mary on her next call to the orphanage. And since Mary was now keeping her pin-money rather than it being sent to Lydia, she probably had some much needed shopping to do!
“This is a little devious, isn’t it?” Georgiana asked.
“Have no fear; Mary is aware that we are helping her to see more of the Pastor in a proper public setting. I have promised her that nothing embarrassing will be said or done and there must always be a chaperone present. If Pastor Atkins has no interest in her then nothing will come of it. But your brother and I feel he should be given the opportunity for exertion on HIS side. And since this will be so discreetly done, no one will ever suspect there was any design to it. So go about town as you normally do, Georgiana, just include Mary and go more often!”
Pemberley House, December 20
Dear Papa,
It would appear that your middle daughter has developed a partiality for the local clergyman. NOT the five-and-sixty year old married pastor at Pemberley, but rather the twenty-four year old, single, recently ordained vicar from Oxford who has been awarded the living and begun ministering at Lambton Church. Lambton Parsonage is the parsonage you have already read so much about from my letters, where Georgiana and I have been superintending its refurbishment. Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and I all like him. He has pleasing manners and a keen intelligence. His religious dogma bears no resemblance to Fordyce, so he is an interesting choice for Mary. Your discussions with her about literature must have taken hold! His father is Lord Sunderley of ------shire. And his family connections were likely helpful to him in being awarded the living at Lambton Church. Pastor Atkins is a second son and so will likely not inherit much. The right of the rector has been rescinded so he no longer subsists on tithes, which he apparently had no talent for collecting. His income from the living is now four hundred pounds a year and you already know all the details of Mary’s recently improved dowry. I do not yet know of any partiality on HIS side, but the two are acquainted and with Mary’s permission, I am endeavoring to put them in one another’s way on a more regular basis. Mama would say I’m too subtle, if that is any indication. They discuss books, religious doctrine, and their preferences on tea. Please send me your thoughts before I irretrievably set Mary on a course that cannot be altered. I have no concern of a dash to Gretna Green, but this may progress to the point that neither of them is willing to withdraw.
By Charm or by Choice Page 12