I beg that you will write to me, at your very earliest convenience, with a reassurance that my cousin Catherine will not be staying at Pemberley between Michaelmas and Christmas, for to risk tempting a certain young gentleman, who stays there often, but whose affections are engaged elsewhere.
I am confident that you understand of what I speak and if you did receive my last correspondence all the very valid and legitimate reasons for preventing any future meetings between the pair are laid out clearly.
I am optimistic in expecting your response without delay.
Yours sincerely,
William Collins
Longbourn,
near Meryton,
Hertfordshire.
17th October, 1793
Dear Sir,
Sincere apologies for the delay in writing to you but I found myself very busy this summer. Our harvest was good, praise the Lord, though the work was difficult. As the weather was fine, we arranged a dance and feast of sorts on the last day for all the workers. They were a merry crew as the cider was plentiful and flowing and, I must confess, I felt obliged (and in the company of your father-in-law, Sir William) to join in the festivities and fun. We had quite a time of it, I can tell you! I had not seen Sir William as jovial since his wedding day, many years ago (in fact I did see him dance with a teapot as the night came to a close).
And I assume that you may have heard the wonderful news that we have become grandparents two months since. Elizabeth and Darcy had a baby girl, Rebecca, and all are well. Mrs Bennet and I are delighted and so much more looking forward to our visit to Pemberley at Christmas. Kitty keeps us up to date with all that has occurred and dotes on her niece. I believe your fears, of which you wrote in such great detail, regarding Kitty and a certain gentleman are totally unfounded. I am sure I will be confirming as much in my next correspondence at Christmas, so do not write until then as it is only a few short weeks away.
We now must sit tight and wait patiently for Jane and Bingley to deliver us our next grandchild in the New Year and then we’ll be off to another fine country house to make a further nuisance of ourselves. We have not yet been to Clarinda Park but Mrs Bennet assures me it is reputed to have one of the finest collections of silver in England and that, apparently, is a very great thing.
With all our dear wishes to Charlotte, Thomas and all your friends and neighbours.
Your cousin,
Henry Bennet
Pemberley Estate,
Derbyshire.
20th December, 1793
Dear Sir,
May I wish you and all at Hunsford parsonage the most happy and peaceful of Christmases and a prosperous New Year.
I hardly know how to write this, as I know you to have been vehemently against the match, but broach the subject I must. Our dear Kitty and Colonel Fitzwilliam are engaged. We are, of course, as her doting parents, delighted for them both and hope that, in time, you will feel similarly.
In response to your previous letter and three concerns you had regarding the match, I respond as follows in the hope it will alleviate your fears. Firstly, that it would appear that Colonel Fitzwilliam’s uncle in Madeira, as you so wisely predicted, has moved onto his heavenly reward and bequeathed Colonel Fitzwilliam with not one-fifth but three-fifths of his fortune, omitting both Darcy and Georgiana from the will. Seemingly, some years ago, both Darcy and his sister, deciding that their wealth was substantial enough, felt it proper to increase the fortune of their dear friend and cousin by requesting, from their uncle, that their share be passed onto him. So now, Colonel Fitzwilliam is an independent gentleman who may marry where he pleases.
Your second objection was that he was in some way engaged to his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh, with an announcement due at Christmas. It would appear that on his most recent visit to Rosings the subject was indeed broached but as the engagement was of an imaginary and fictitious nature, with the groom-to-be unaware of its existence, its end was swift.
As for the final objection, I confess, sir, I am truly sorry to be the bearer of news that will guarantee you the displeasure of distressing your patroness once again. All I can say is that Lady Catherine is in error when accusing you of the enormity of causing two young people to fall in love. Surely, free will, for which Adam and Eve ate of that apple, had a small part to play in it.
Indeed, I was saddened that you felt it necessary to remind me of your position as heir to Longbourn, as if that very fact would amend my actions, that I would fear for the future of my wife and children and act against my conscience, but, as you can see, they are all, but one, well married now and so shall not be destitute on my departure from this world.
I hope, dear cousin, that we can put this issue behind us and be happy for the betrothed couple. I expect you will be taking cover in Lucas Lodge soon, once the news breaks at Rosings. We return to Longbourn ourselves within the week, so please come join us for dinner when you have come and are settled.
Again a very happy Christmas to one and all.
Your cousin,
Henry Bennet
Hunsford,
near Westerham,
Kent.
29th December, 1793
Dear Sir,
Having just come now from Rosings, it is with regret but steadfastness that I feel called upon as a servant of the Church of England to denounce your calculating manner of securing a husband for your daughter, in which several of the Ten Commandments are, to all effects and purposes, disregarded. Sir, I have no doubt that you were aware of what you were about when sending Catherine to Pemberley and that you would do so, against my express wishes and knowing the pain and distress it would cause at both Hunsford and Rosings, has rocked the very foundations of my faith in humanity.
I can confirm that Lady Catherine de Bourgh is outraged and is gone now to Pemberley to break the engagement. That my noble patroness, worthy of my gratitude and reverence, a thousand times over, is risking her life, to travel to Pemberley during such horrendous weather and in the heart of winter, would be a burden on the conscience of any good Christian.
Time will reveal what the outcome of this sad affair will be but I must say, sir, that I am deeply and seriously displeased that my hand is forced to write such a letter as this. You are in error in assuming that we shall be taking cover at Lucas Lodge as it is our intention to remain loyally and resolutely at Hunsford to offer our support to Rosings during this distressing time.
Your cousin,
William Collins
1794 – The year in which an unfortunate breach of friendship transpires between Mr Collins and Mr Bennet.
Longbourn,
near Meryton,
Hertfordshire.
3rd January, 1794
Dear Sir,
I find I must write to you of my amusement on reading your last correspondence. That I am accused of forcing Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park, Kent (a woman renowned for knowing her own mind) into her carriage on the coldest day of winter and slapping the hinds of her horses that they may gallop at high-speed in the direction of Pemberley is quite simply comical.
I also find it remarkable that you believe it the duty of a random country gentleman, such as myself, to be seen running down every country lane in England, jumping between any young man and woman who should take a liking to each other. I assure you, sir, I have more important affairs to attend to. I had much rather, for example, tend to my blackcurrant bush.
And as for breaking the Ten Commandments, I believe it may be a case of the pot calling the kettle black, for it is you, cousin, so preoccupied with bowing, genuflecting and curtseying in the direction of Rosings, to the absolute neglect of all your clerical obligations to your other parishioners, who must be accused of committing idolatry.
Wishing you, your family and all at Rosings the happiest of New Years.
Sincerely,
Henry Bennet
Hunsford,
near Westerham,
Kent.
7th Ja
nuary, 1794
Dear Sir,
I have had much time to reflect on this dreadful affair, having lost many nights’ sleep in recent months, and, as you must now be aware, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was unsuccessful in her breaking of the engagement. It will be of no interest to you to learn that I am shaken to the core and even my dear Charlotte, she of a calm disposition in the norm, finds herself truly distressed at this time.
And no matter how earnestly I attempt to read your most recent correspondence in a different light, there is no escaping the fact that you have insulted me in every manner conceivable which regrettably confirms my father’s judgement of the Bennet family as being correct. I was in error attempting, though my intentions were honourable and just, to bridge that divide and dishonour his memory and wishes.
I believe it is best to say no more on this matter at present or in the future.
William Collins
Longbourn,
near Meryton,
Hertfordshire.
31st March, 1794
Dear Sir,
I hope this letter finds you all well at Hunsford. You most likely heard through Elizabeth and Charlotte’s correspondence that Jane and Bingley welcomed a baby girl, Martha, into the world. All are well, thank goodness. We go to visit them shortly for the Easter season.
How does your vegetable patch come along?
Yours sincerely,
Henry Bennet
Longbourn,
near Meryton,
Hertfordshire.
28th September, 1794
Dear Sir,
My best wishes to you, Charlotte and all your family this Michaelmas.
You may be happy to hear that we had another good harvest this year, praise the Lord. The Longbourn Estate becomes more productive with each passing year.
Your father-in-law, Sir William, has agreed to assist us in celebrating with the workers as has become his custom and has even been so kind as to suggest that I request one of your fine passages to be recited as thanksgiving for our abundant blessings.
I hope that you will agree to this request, especially as Sir William was so pleased with his suggestion and adamant that a blessing given by his son-in-law and future heir of Longbourn would be most appropriate, in which I wholeheartedly concur.
Yours sincerely,
Henry Bennet
Longbourn,
near Meryton,
Hertfordshire.
31st November, 1794
Dear Mr Collins,
May I take this opportunity to wish you and all at Hunsford the very best of the season as Christmas approaches and takes over our lives.
We had a delightful time at Clarinda Park with Jane, Bingley and the lovely Martha. She has inherited her parents’ temperament, her aunt Miss Bingley’s fondness for items that sparkle and her grandmother’s habit of babbling to herself. Elizabeth and family came to stay for a number of nights during our visit which was a lovely thing for us all. A small dance was held in our honour which added an air of excitement and gentility – a far cry from a dance at our brother and sister Philips, who bring all ranks together. I have heard it said that a young lady may attend a party at the Philipses’ and leave engaged, to either a prince or a thief, or both.
Though it is a matter which pains me, I feel obliged to broach the subject of our falling out over this past twelve-month. On mature recollection, Mr Collins, I do believe myself to have been too harsh in my comments and wish now to approach your charitable nature and request a reconciliation. In truth, I miss our correspondence and though I hear much of your news from Elizabeth or the Lucases, such as your waiting on the birth of a second child, I had much rather hear it from yourself that I may congratulate you and Charlotte personally. It also pained me to learn that you did have a short stay at Lucas Lodge recently and did not call on us during that time. I would have liked to meet young Thomas again for I hear from Sir William that he has an adventurous spirit.
I hope this letter finds you, and all yours, in good health.
Your affectionate cousin,
Henry Bennet
1795 – The year in which an olive branch is accepted, a visitor comes to Rosings, a scandalous situation arises and a most auspicious wedding takes place.
Hunsford,
near Westerham,
Kent.
31st January, 1795
Dear Sir,
Please accept this correspondence as an acknowledgement of receipt of your letter last November and confirmation that an attempt to heal the breach standing between our two families would be satisfactory to me. Much as I find so many grounds for acting to the contrary, I believe it is my duty, as a servant of God and in accordance with my nature, which tends towards charity, forgiveness and benevolence, to make every effort to accept the olive branch which you now extend. I will proceed with resolve and attempt to re-establish those ties, though they may be permanently and irretrievably damaged, that once were a great comfort to us both.
Fortunately, I have some wonderful news to impart which is adding to my current generous humour, though it concerns the residents of Rosings Park and, therefore, shall be of little interest to you. Miss Anne de Bourgh is engaged to be married. As you may remember, twelve months since, it had been Lady Catherine’s dearest wish to announce her daughter’s engagement to her nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam, which alas was not to be, for reasons which shall not be uttered at this delicate juncture. I can confirm, however, that a much superior match has been made with a gentleman of greater standing in society and all are overjoyed.
And so I found myself busy again this Christmas and New Year season with all the additional duties of my parish, tending to my dear Charlotte during this time of expectancy, together with perfecting my passages for one of the most prominent weddings of the decade. I go to Oxford soon, having been invited by the esteemed Reverend Edmund Smellie. I shall tell you more in my next correspondence.
Please pass on the regards of myself and my dear family to all at Longbourn this New Year.
Your cousin,
William Collins
Longbourn,
near Meryton,
Hertfordshire.
14th February, 1795
Dear Sir,
Let me commence by wishing you, Charlotte, Thomas and now young Richard Lewis Collins the very best of health. I have learned from the Lucases, who are hitching up their horses even now as I write, that he is a hale and hearty boy and that Charlotte is very well indeed. It is always a relief to know that all are out of danger for, although we know them to be the stronger and more intelligent of the sexes, the ladies must receive extra care at this time and I have no doubt that you and your household are being extra vigilant and mindful of Charlotte’s needs. I have noticed how the late Lewis de Bourgh’s name features yet again in your latest offspring’s name and believe that the honour will not go unacknowledged by his widow.
I must say that your last letter was indeed a great comfort to me and has eased my mind considerably. I have not been my usual unflustered self for some time, due to our disagreement, whereby even Mrs Bennet became concerned as the months continued. She observed that I was more withdrawn than usual, with an extra tightness about my forehead, and declared that it was a sign that I was on the verge of an apoplectic fit, offering me use of the back room and her smelling salts, if ever I felt an episode coming on. Even with her daughters well married, dear Mrs Bennet is fond of having me about and is not ready to part with me yet. I am grateful that you have accepted the olive branch and let us say no more of the matter as we turn over a new leaf.
We were quite unaware of the wonderful news regarding Miss de Bourgh’s engagement and found that Sir William’s knowledge of the particulars are sadly lacking, with the exception that the fortunate gentleman hails from a great house in the midlands where knights are a-plenty. Perhaps you will be so kind as to inform us of the details as we would like to toast to their health and happiness and, of course, let me know how your great
passages are progressing.
As you have no doubt heard through Elizabeth’s correspondence with your wife, we now have many grandchildren. Jane, as you know, has Martha and is with child again. Lizzy has Rebecca and now Charles. Lydia has had a boy called George, named after his father (so that we may be ever reminded of the scoundrel) and our Kitty is expectant at present. Mrs Bennet assures me they are all the most wonderful children in the land and furnishes me with such particulars as to their size, weight and colouring but, as I remind her, unless she is speaking to me of geese, calves or foals, she wastes her breath.
It is unusually mild for this time of year which bodes well for your voyage to Oxford, of which I am most curious. I wonder how this weather will affect my fruit trees.
With fondest regards,
Henry Bennet
Hunsford,
near Westerham,
Kent.
13th March, 1795
My Dear Sir,
Please accept my best wishes for all at Longbourn. We are all well and delighting in our latest blessing, young Richard. Praise the Lord yet again.
I enclose a book now which I purchased on my recent visit to Oxford which will be a great addition to the library at Longbourn. It is the inspiring work by my host in Oxford, the Reverend Edmund Smellie, An Unabridged Guide to the One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Three Sins listed in the Old and New Testaments. He encouraged me to buy several copies, that I may enlighten and educate those within my sphere of influence. It is cleverly written in alphabetical order, which is a great aid to the reader, but let me warn you, cousin, there are some sins which would not be appropriate for the eyes of your young ladies, so perhaps the top shelf of your library is its most fitting home for now. Mary, in particular, would possibly be drawn to this worthy ecumenical work but again, perhaps, you had better shield her from familiarising herself with its contents. I, myself, am still attempting to come to an understanding regarding a number of the ‘sins’ and have written, this very morning, to the esteemed author that he may enlighten me, so if you find yourself encountering similar difficulties, please let me know that I can inform and instruct you likewise.
The Longbourn Letters Page 5
