by C. J. Hill
Charlotte smiled at her younger sister and hugged her closely.
“My dear, of course you must learn to be useful. It is a foolish person who knows less than their servants about their own house and its running requirements. You are already an accomplished young lady but to run a household is just as important as piano playing and being able to speak French! Allow Mrs. Dunn to instruct and guide you, and I will help in every way until I leave, so that you can learn every aspect. Of course, we shall always be in close contact through our letters should you need advice when I am gone to Hunsford. Now tell me, what have you agreed upon for lunch today?”
Charlotte listened quietly as her sister explained her ideas for the day to her, feeling a weight of guilt slowly lifting as she realised that Maria would actually be able to replace her in time; a guilt that had been eating away in the back of her mind ever since she had accepted Mr. Collins. Their discussion then turned to the plans already in motion for the myriad of entertainments and meals expected for the Christmas season; many guests and family were expected over the next few days and all must be catered for.
Charlotte, in a moment of leisure later that day, found herself reflecting upon the idea that soon she would have new servants to instruct, new household accounts to balance along with new merchants from a new village. She had also been slowly realising for the past few weeks that she would have to face Mr. Collins all day, every day, in her new life; no more would he be absent for weeks at a time, or cushioned from her by Longbourn or her mother but constantly in their home every day with his work and garden.
Slowly, her reflections grew in her mind until her future life began to emerge before her as an unceasing round of inane comments and unthinking actions made by him which would quickly wear upon her patience. In a panic, Charlotte imagined that she would never regain her former grace and good humour but be forever condemned to being polite with gritted teeth. How could she continue with this marriage, knowing as she did so many of his faults and idiosyncrasies already? Had she not always been a fierce proponent of the philosophy of the less one knows of the defects of one’s marriage partner, the better?
Drawing a steadying breath and smiling to herself at her childish panic and ambivalence towards her betrothed, Charlotte sat down on her bed and began a list of things which she could tolerate about Mr. Collins.
It was certainly not a lengthy list but it served the purpose of giving her hope that all was not lost, that she would be able to survive a marriage of practicality as did many of her contemporaries. After all, who but romantics like Lizzy and Maria truly believe that a marriage is based wholly upon love? One required a great deal of luck to achieve both felicity and love in marriage; hopefully, felicity with Mr. Collins could be arranged with some forward planning.
Turning the page of her notebook, Charlotte diverted her thoughts from trying to list the positive attributes of her intended to devising methods of limiting his companionship once they were married. He would be at home for the vast part of every day due to his duties as a parson; he must be available for his parishioners as well as plan his sermons for the week. He would, of course, have to spend quite some time in his study for that to be accomplished. Much reading and writing would be required. Here would be an opportune time for Charlotte to enjoy some freedom.
He had also mentioned, in their many talks, his interest in gardening; the Parsonage has a substantial garden, Charlotte recalled thoughtfully, which would take an equally substantial length of time to tend. She would encourage him to be outdoors for health reasons every day when it is fine. Here, again, was another avenue for freedom. Of course, she reflected, not every day will be fine, and that must be accepted; but wherever possible, he should be engaged elsewhere in something useful and worthwhile.
Closing her notebook with a snap and blowing out her candle, Charlotte felt rather more sanguine about her future than previously; planning is half of the battle, she reflected – and she intended to plan not only her new life, but also that of her husband.
XIII
Christmas brought a slight thawing of the icy relations that existed between the Lucases and the Bennets as they were thrown together at several social occasions of the season.
Mrs. Bennet complacently conceded to Lady Lucas at one such occasion:
“Indeed, Mr. Collins would never have done for any of my girls, you know. They are all too fond of fun for his temperament. They will wait for a more suitable offer to be made. But I hope that Charlotte will be happy with her situation.”
To which Lady Lucas replied with some acerbity.
“Indeed? Well, I hope their fondness for fun does not preclude any offers of marriage. Most gentlemen of stature require some level of good sense you know. Charlotte is fortunate that she has good sense and fun in equal measure and will thereby improve Mr. Collins’ portion too.”
After some more remarks along similar lines, the two women nodded politely and parted company to opposite sides of the room, hoping that their remark was the one to redeem the actions of their daughter. A distance had been established in their previously warm relationship and they did not speak to each other willingly for at least a month.
Charlotte was genuinely happy to see her friend and be able to talk with her as they watched the dancing and gossiping guests as they had done so often in the past. After disclosing her plans and preparations, the trials and tribulations of the move, Charlotte turned anxiously to Lizzy and asked her with a pleading expression upon her face.
“I do hope that you will be conscientious about writing Lizzy, I shall rely on your letters to keep me in touch with life here in Meryton. Maria and Mamma have agreed to do it but I fear they will be intermittent correspondents at best.”
Elizabeth laughed and agreed with her friend that she would attempt to write frequently, but feared that the goings on in the village would cease to interest Charlotte once she had arrived in her new place.
“It is true that I hope to be deeply involved in the life of my new village, but I shall always belong back here, I feel. It is the first home I remember best. And, of course, I expect to hear all of the gossip regarding your sisters and the Regiment, and of Maria if any should appear; she is beginning to look for a suitable husband now, you know, since her sister has taken the lead in that direction.”
“I promise, Charlotte, that I shall keep you very well informed of every tiny event, noteworthy or not, that happens after you leave. You have my word upon it.”
“I confess, Lizzy, I do have some reservations about my new life in Hunsford. It is all so much more real now that my possessions have left me. Mr. Collins has written a quick note to say that they are all placed carefully about the house, and that he had the help of none other than Lady Catherine in the choice of the best places for each piece. The thought of other people, especially Lady Catherine, inspecting my belongings without me being there is most distressing. I fear that she has been judging and making decisions about their owner which may prove false. I do hope that none of my papers have been unpacked and sorted through. What do you think, Lizzy?”
“Charlotte! Calm yourself. You must accept that Lady Catherine, by all accounts that we have had of her, is a very involved sort of woman; she clearly considers herself as the fount of all knowledge in every thing. I am sure she has inspected your things - possibly, but hopefully not, your papers - and decided about you based upon her inspection, just as you fear. If she has interfered with your most private possessions under the guise of being helpful, then you will see her for what she is; just because she is a lady does not necessarily make her well-bred! However, that is her misfortune; if you are different from her imaginings then it is she who must adjust her opinions when she meets with you. You have nothing, I am sure, in your most personal possessions that would mislead or promote an incorrect opinion about you. She will see your superior character then, just as does everyone who meets you. Pray, do not distress yourself over things which you cannot control.”
&n
bsp; “Thank you for your sensible words, Lizzy! How I shall miss having such good advice when I am gone.” Charlotte managed to regain her sense of control and could once again think with some equanimity about her future which would, unfortunately, involve two of the most trying people she had yet to deal with; one of whom she still had to meet but, as with all premonitions, Charlotte felt that she already knew what was in store for her with Lady Catherine. As for her husband, she feared she had already taken his measure.
“I saw your aunt speaking with you and Mr. Wickham earlier. She appeared to be diverted at whatever he was relating. Does she agree with your choice? I know you set store by her good opinion, more so than that of anybody.”
‘No, indeed! My aunt Gardiner has already observed Mr. Wickham on several occasions as Mamma insists that he and his friends are invited to every event so that our guests are not bored. Aunt does not approve of Mr. Wickham as a marriage prospect due to his lack of fortune and she has recently warned me not to increase his affections towards me if I can possibly help it. I believe that if I should mention how little I and my sisters are able to bring to a marriage, his ardour would cool on its own without any more help from me!” Eliza laughed easily, and without any rancour or visible pain at the prospect of losing the attentions of her most agreeable admirer.
Charlotte was relieved to hear that Elizabeth’s aunt had managed to impress upon her the foolishness of attaching herself to a soldier of little fortune and unknown background. She still had not heard any entirely bad thing from her enquiries, limited as they had necessarily been, but had not heard any entirely good things about him either, which had caused her some concern.
“You do not seem much perturbed at the prospect of losing your admirer?”
“No: I am content to follow my aunt’s good advice. She has a great deal of sense and sees things clearly in others that I can be blind to. I have to confess that I have found Mr. Wickham to be an extremely agreeable companion, but although I have talked with him on many occasions, I do not feel completely comfortable with him and his version of his background. I feel perhaps that he has been imprudently too open with me on such a short acquaintance, and there might be something not wholly truthful about his air. I shall attempt to distance myself from him as my aunt advises. Mr. Wickham is not for me, and, I am certain, my lack of fortune is not for him!”
Both women laughed but Charlotte wondered at the irony of it; clearly Eliza had now decided that she would not marry for love if the object of her affection was not wealthy enough, even after all of her protestations to the contrary. Charlotte was certain that there was a considerable pull of affection between the two concerned, they had barely bothered to talk to any others at many public gatherings, but this was belied by Elizabeth’s ease with which she cast away that affection after the first negative review by her aunt.
Her mother and father both approved the match, they had indicated quite clearly that Mr. Wickham would do for their second daughter; Mrs. Bennet was still regretting the loss of Mr. Collins and was only too happy to discover another suitor for her least-loved daughter. However, Elizabeth had also made it clear, in refusing Mr. Collins, that she would not marry without love even if there was sufficient means to make her comfortable.
Charlotte now understood, as she was sure her friend was beginning to realise herself through her actions and choices, that marriage for Elizabeth involved both love and money in equal measure.
XIV
Christmas was no sooner over than the New Year heralded the return of Mr. Collins in eager anticipation of his forthcoming marriage. After his cool reception by his cousins at Longbourn on his previous visit, he had decided to impose himself upon his future in-laws, much to the delight of Mrs. Bennet who reacted quite vehemently after receiving his letter to that effect.
“I see no reason at all for him to stay with us now, or at any time hence. We do not wish to have him feel the proprietor yet, constantly looking around at his inheritance before he is entitled to do so. Let Lucas Lodge be his home from now on.”
Lady Lucas resigned herself to the fact that he was now almost part of the family and as such should be accorded every family consideration. He was, therefore, greeted with the utmost cordiality, treated as an honoured guest, and generally made to feel that he, at last, had his heart’s desire; acceptance into a respectable family and their goodwill.
On Wednesday, the day before her wedding, Charlotte decided to walk over to her friend’s house to say a last farewell as she would be leaving for Hunsford directly after the marriage ceremony in order to arrive at her new home that evening.
Charlotte found herself greeted warmly by her friend, and realising that this was essentially their last meeting, they both felt the enormity and sadness of the occasion. After some stilted chatting, interrupted only once by Mrs. Bennet wishing that Charlotte and Mr. Collins “might be happy,” Elizabeth walked with Charlotte to the door to say their farewells in private.
“I shall depend on hearing from you very often, Eliza.”
“That you certainly shall.”
“And I have another favour to ask. Will you come and see me?”
“We shall often meet, I hope, in Hertfordshire.”
“I am not likely to leave Kent for some time. Promise me, therefore, to come to Hunsford. My father and Maria are to come to me in March and I hope you will consent to be one of the party. Indeed, Eliza, you will be as welcome to me as either of them.”
“I shall ask father for his permission but I am sure it will be possible, and I look forward to it!”
Elizabeth smiled as she spoke but hid her personal thoughts of distaste at seeing Mr. Collins in his element, envisioning just how insufferable he would be in such a situation. But for her friend she would endure the discomfort and truly wanted to visit her to ensure her happiness in her new situation.
Charlotte, much relieved at her friend’s agreement, smiled and hugged Elizabeth as they parted.
“March, then. How long it seems but I am sure, with your letters to inform me, it will pass quite swiftly.”
The wedding took place without incident and the couple took off for Kent from the church door as expected. It was not until the sight of her waving family and friends had disappeared from view that Charlotte sat back against the cushions and realised that she had left them and her old life, intermittent visits notwithstanding, forever. Mr. Collins was sitting with his back to the horses as he had insisted that his bride must look forward and enjoy the journey; he had seen it more than enough in the past few weeks and anything he could do to make his love content, he was anxious to arrange. He was watching her expression change from happiness and excitement, to soberness as reality struck, and, anxious to reassert his proximity he opened the conversation.
“So, my dear. I feel the service was accomplished in a suitable manner by the parson and attended by just enough well-wishers to make it significant for you. I felt the loss of my father at such an occasion; he would have enjoyed meeting your family and seeing his only son married. It was unfortunate, also, that I was unable to persuade personal friends to attend, but, naturally, they were all too busy to make the journey. We shall regale them with the details after we arrive at Hunsford.”
Charlotte had also wondered about the emptiness of her husband’s side of the church but had forborne to mention it.
“Indeed, sir. I am sorry not to have been able to have known your father or your mother but I am most anxious to meet your acquaintance in Hunsford, and from before. As you have only recently arrived there, I imagine that you have many friends from your childhood and university days who would be most interested to see you so comfortably settled?”
Mr. Collins appeared somewhat uncomfortable at this probing into his private life, and abruptly changed the subject, pointing out a particular landmark, about which she asked many questions to appease his sense of privacy, authority and knowledge. Privately, she wondered, again, just what and who had shaped this husband of
hers; this was, after all, the first time he had made mention of his deceased father. No mention had ever been made regarding his mother or any other family members, or friends.
The landscape passed by in an undulating picture of woods, meadows, farms and villages and Charlotte had fallen asleep with her head upon a pillow she had brought for such a purpose when she was awakened with a jolt from the horses being reined into an inn yard. Blinking, she looked out at the gathering dusk, which, due to the time of year, indicated the time to be at about three in the afternoon, and realised that they were only at the midpoint of their journey – the market town of Bromley, where they would rest and change the horses.
“I shall stretch my legs for a while, my dear. Would you care to accompany me or sit in the inn’s parlour? You may order a light refreshment for us while the horses are changed and before we transfer to the stage in an hour.”
Charlotte thanked Mr. Collins and decided that, yes, she would like to stretch her legs, although only for a short while as she would also appreciate some refreshment before moving onwards. Thankful for the gathering darkness which hid any disarray in her appearance, Charlotte took a short stroll about the village green on the arm of her husband while he tirelessly informed her of the various distractions to be found there during the day; the market and the various shopping establishments and coffee houses. Bromley, being a large centre for the change of horses from London and to all destinations hence was, even at this time of day, still quite bustling and busy. Charlotte enjoyed seeing the shop fronts still bedecked for Christmas with holly and ribbons and the other new sights but, mindful of their time constraints, gently reminded her husband of their chance for refreshment before rejoining the journey.