“Are any of your sisters likely to be married? Are they handsome?” Lady Catherine asked.
“A sister’s affectionate heart would say all my sisters are handsome but I often declare my sister Jane is five times prettier than any other girl to be found. My younger sisters are a bit young to contemplate marriage.”
“I hope your elder sister considers matrimony very soon. There is no other respectable position for ladies and it is quite a duty to a family such as yours.”
Elizabeth bristled at the reference to her family’s lower position and Mr. Collins shifted in his seat undoubtedly with the reference to Jane’s continued availability when he was first put off from seeking her hand.
“Well, your husband tells me you play and sing.”
“A little.”
“You shall try my instrument sometime it must be far superior… Do any of your sisters play and sing?”
Tea was brought in and Elizabeth was thankful for the excuse to hide her face. She could not help but be amused by Lady Catherine’s stopping mid-sentence. The lady was haughty, there was no doubt, but she seemed able to extend more civility upon exertion. “One of them does.”
“Why did you all not learn? I know a family with several daughters who all play and their father’s income is not so good as yours.” Without pausing to receive anything in the way of an answer, Lady Catherine continued on. “Do you draw?”
“No, not at all.”
“None of you?”
“Not one.”
“That is very strange! I suppose you had no opportunity. Your mother ought to have taken you to London every spring for the benefit of masters.”
“My mother would have had no objection but my father hates Town.”
“Has your governess left you?”
“We never had one.”
“No governess! Five daughters brought up at home without a governess. I have never heard of such a thing! Your poor mother must have been quite the slave to your education.”
Elizabeth’s lips twitched. “Indeed, she was not ma’am.”
“You must have been quite neglected,” the lady said. Elizabeth imagined if she waltzed in this very room Lady Catherine could not have been more scandalized than at hearing her answers.
“Certainly compared to some families we were. We were always encouraged to read, however, and those of us that wished to learn never lacked the means. We had all the necessary masters. Of course, some of us did choose to be idler than others.”
She considered dear Jane and how hard she worked for accomplishment and her sweetness of mind and how poorly she had been treated by Mr. Bingley and his sisters. Comparatively, Elizabeth felt unmerited.
“That is exactly what a governess would have prevented. I encourage you to not be so foolish when you have your own children, Mrs. Collins. You will have enough to attend to as a rector’s wife. Well, it is not yet too late for your younger sisters. One might be employed to tend to them now that one of you is married.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks slightly blush. How was it the rich always assumed if anyone did things differently than them it was because of money? They did not lack the funds for a governess, rather the temperaments of her parents were not such to give control of their children over to an employee. Nor were the dispositions of the children suited for the lack of independence often experienced by those under a governess’ minding.
“I suppose your next youngest sister will come out now.”
Lady Catherine remained oblivious to her hostess’ discontent but Elizabeth rather wondered when Mr. Collins might suggest an end to the interview. “All my sisters are out.”
“What? All! How very odd! I had supposed by your statement that your youngest sister must be very young.”
“She is not yet sixteen. Perhaps she is too young to be out in full company but I think it must be very hard on sisters to be refused their share of society and amusement because the elder ones lack either the means or inclination to marry. It would hardly promote sisterly affection.” Indeed, she had begged to come out the year after Jane did.
“Upon my word,” said Lady Catherine. “You give your opinion very freely for one so young. Pray, what is your age?”
“With three younger sisters grown up you can hardly expect me to own to it,” Elizabeth said with an arched eyebrow, suspecting herself to be the first one to dare trifle with Lady Catherine.
“You cannot be more than twenty. There is no reason to conceal your age,” her ladyship said.
“I am not yet one-and-twenty.”
“That is just what I had supposed,” Lady Catherine nodded. “Allow me to speak frankly, my dear Mrs. Collins. Your liveliness is refreshing but I would be most displeased for my rector’s wife to obtain the reputation of impertinence.” She stood abruptly. “You are invited to dinner tomorrow night.”
Mr. Collins finally roused to attention. “Thank you, my lady. We accept with all possible humility and thankfulness.”
Upon Lady Catherine’s leaving, Mr. Collins collapsed breathlessly in a chair. “I rather expected she would call on you this week, but to visit the very day after our arrival is more than I could have foreseen! Who could have imagined?”
Feeling a mixture of amusement and insult at the visit, Elizabeth could scarcely share her husband’s raptures. “Indeed,” was her only reply.
“But I think she made you uneasy. Do not worry, my dear Mrs. Collins. Her ladyship likes to have the distinction of rank preserved and so your rougher manners were most pleasing to her, I am sure. Is she not the very model of elegant breeding? I had worried when your mother claimed you were headstrong that you might displease her ladyship but I believe soon you will come to a wholly proper way of thinking from the superior company you will now keep. Miss de Bourgh is everything proper as well.”
Unable to find a reply to such a speech, Elizabeth sipped her cold tea instead.
“Now, dearest,” he said while walking to her seat. “I must argue the point with one thing you said in particular.”
“Hmm?” She pretended interest while looking out the window and wondering if she could suggest a walk about the lanes although it was a cloudy day.
“My cousin Jane is not five times prettier than you,” he said and lifted her hands to his lips.
The sun broke through the clouds for just a moment and Elizabeth took it as a sign to accept the lie her husband offered. He had never been enchanted with her, not like he had been with Jane, and he professed to know the importance of flattery and compliments. She had no misunderstandings that he said it more because he imagined her sensibilities desired it than anything else. And sadly, he was a little correct. Who else would she have to say such things to her now but him? As he led her to their bedchamber, she blocked out the wondering of what it would be like to hear the words said by a man that truly meant them.
*****
January 7, 1812
Hunsford, Kent
Dinner with Lady Catherine passed in much the same way. Mr. Collins’ exclaimed to Elizabeth the grandeur of his patroness’ home, the cost of the glazing and the chimneypieces. He seemed to expect Elizabeth to fawn or cower at the prospect of her ladyship’s wealth. Elizabeth was interested in meeting Miss de Bourgh. She had heard much of the lady’s ill health and accomplishments from Mr. Collins. From Mr. Wickham, she had heard that Miss de Bourgh was soon to marry Mr. Darcy. Seeing the sickly-looking lady, Elizabeth thought she would make him a very proper wife.
The large dining-parlor faced the lane and although some Mr. Collins’ books were in the smaller parlor, he favored this room. Unfortunately, he could not contain remarking on every carriage or person that passed. Something out the windows always drew his notice. About a week after their marriage, they were in the room after breakfast when Mr. Collins saw their errand boy returning with the mail. He could not contain his delight at the prospect and accosted the boy directly.
“Here is a letter from Cousin Jane,” Mr. Collins said as he looked o
ver the post.
Elizabeth put aside her sewing and hastened to his side.
“No doubt she is enjoying her time in London,” he said and turned it over to break the seal.
Elizabeth recoiled and stifled a cry of alarm. She had no doubts that the letter was directed to her and yet her husband seemed to think he had rights to it as well. Did he believe nothing was to be hers? Or was the fact that it was from Jane that excited his attention?
“D--dearest,” she stuttered out, recalling her mother’s lessons. He looked up at her with sudden interest. “Do you not recall? You are to visit Lady Catherine promptly at ten?”
He gazed at the clock in the parlor. “I must make haste! I had not realized it had grown so late. This is precisely the sort of thing a man needs a wife for and can add to the happiness of his own state.”
He put the letters down on the table but brought Jane’s to her. “Pray, send my greetings to your sister and aunt and uncle. Be sure to tell her of Lady Catherine’s kind condescension.”
“Certainly.”
“I shall not tarry very long, my dearest.”
“Oh, do not worry on my account. I shall have my letter and must write to my aunt in any case. Lady Catherine must have priority of your time.”
He nodded and left with alacrity and Elizabeth sighed. It was a wonder the sort of magic one endearment from her lips worked. She recalled Charlotte’s words. Perhaps Mr. Collins only needed encouragement and could be easily managed. She hoped he would spend most of the morning with her ladyship.
Opening the letter, she read Jane’s elegant script. Jane had sent Miss Bingley a note as soon as she arrived in London but had heard nothing in reply. She supposed her letters had been lost. Mrs. Gardiner had an errand in that area of Town later this week and Jane hoped to call on her friend then. Elizabeth wondered if Jane would even be admitted or if Miss Bingley would claim to not be at home.
You know I had no real hopes of seeing Mr. Bingley again ever since Miss Bingley’s first note after the ball. I visit only to go through the motions, so I know that it cannot be said there was no effort on my side. I fear, dear Lizzy, that it will all be for naught.
Elizabeth’s grip tightened, creasing the paper. Jane did not directly say what she meant, undoubtedly in case Mr. Collins asked for the letter to be read, but Elizabeth understood. Jane had said it over and over again. Folding the letter and putting it in her writing box to reply later, Elizabeth came to a decision. She stood and pulled the bell.
“Yes, ma’am,” the maid said.
“I want to cancel the menu for dinner. Instead, we shall have the simplest and quickest meal you can prepare. Mr. Collins is to be away at Rosings most of the day to allow us time for some refurbishment. Send Tom back to the village to gather three or four strong friends who would like a nice wage for a day’s work.”
“What kind of improvements are we doing, ma’am?”
“Mr. Collins requires the larger sitting-room so he might dedicate his time more earnestly to God’s work.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the maid said with a rushed curtsy before leaving.
Elizabeth was sick of pity. She could arrange things to suit them both.
Six hours later, Elizabeth rushed to refresh herself before her husband was expected home for dinner. She was just coming down the stairs when she heard him call to her from the front room.
“Mrs. Collins!”
“Yes, Mr. Collins?” she said as she entered.
“What has happened?”
“As mistress of your home and as your wife, it is my duty to be of the utmost support to your situation. By having your things in this larger, more comfortable room, you can complete your tasks with greater ease.”
“And you will be alone in the back room?”
“Surely not all the time,” she said with a gentle smile. “I hate being a distraction for you, though. Do say you like it, my darling. I thought only of your comfort.”
Mr. Collins paused for a minute. “Yes, I am most thankful. This is precisely the sort of happiness I imagined marriage to a woman as intelligent and clever as you would create.”
As he led her to their simple meal, Elizabeth smiled to herself. He now seemed to think the change was his idea.
Chapter Four
January 10, 1812
Hunsford, Kent
A few days later, another letter from Jane came. She had visited Miss Bingley but learned nothing of the brother. Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were going out and so Jane’s visit was shortened. Worse still, Miss Darcy was expected for dinner. No longer a maiden, Elizabeth wondered how a girl as young as Miss Darcy was could captivate a young man in place of Jane’s beauty and maturity. Elizabeth doubted rather strongly that could be the case. Nor did she suppose Mr. Bingley would care too much about the young lady’s wealth. Elizabeth laid the fault of it all at his sister and friend’s door. She did not venture if Mr. Darcy hoped his friend would wed his sister, but Elizabeth had always believed Miss Bingley’s intention was for one wedding to bring on another and she might ensnare Mr. Darcy at last. Vexed and with her husband busy in the garden, she went on a walk.
It was not a well-thought plan, for she took little heed of the rain clouds that gathered. In a short time, the heavens opened and she was forced to turn and face a cold and miserable walk back. Chastising herself for her stupidity in being out, she was surprised to hear the sounds of a carriage on the lane. Looking up, she saw Miss de Bourgh in her phaeton.
“Mrs. Collins!” the lady hailed.
“Miss de Bourgh!” Elizabeth was certain Lady Catherine would heartily disapprove of any lady out in such weather let alone her sickly daughter. “Ma’am, allow me to invite you to my home directly. We must get you dry.”
Miss de Bourgh laughed. “Oh, the rain is nothing. I do worry for you. I think there is room for us both,” she said and made room for Elizabeth.
After getting settled, Elizabeth asked, “You do not worry about driving in the rain?”
“I do not make it a regular practice but I am more robust than you think. The surest way to be left alone by Mama is to feign illness and incapacity.”
Elizabeth stared in disbelief.
“Do not pretend to be so shocked. I have heard accounts of your family and rather suppose you have feigned illness once or twice yourself.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Indeed, but you have convinced everyone you know of your indifferent health!”
Miss de Bourgh winked. “If I were braver, I might have run away to join the stage!”
Picturing her ladyship’s daughter as a runaway actress was too much for Elizabeth and she burst forth in laughter.
“I do not jest. I hate being so bound to Rosings, but it is better than being prodded around London in my mother’s circle of friends and considered good only for a political or financial alliance.”
She certainly did not speak as though she had an arranged or expected marriage with her cousin. They arrived at the parsonage before more information could be garnered on the subject.
“Thank you so much for the assistance but please, do come in and warm yourself,” Elizabeth began when the front window was thrown open and Mr. Collins requested the same in much more profuse and supercilious language.
Miss de Bourgh whispered to Elizabeth. “I do not refuse to be haughty but because I can bear him even less than my mother. I am glad I found you. You are most welcome. Make some excuse to him!”
Elizabeth nodded and descended from the carriage. Upon her entrance in the house, she was accosted by her husband about letting Miss de Bourgh drive away.
“She did not wish to stay. She chose to go.”
Mr. Collins blinked in confusion for a moment. “Do not be insulted, my dear. Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh have shown such condescension by their frequent visits and invitations. The advice her ladyship gives you is more than the kindest neighbors could ask for! They are above us, however, and I do not perceive her refusal to come inside as a slight but ra
ther a privilege granted to her higher status.”
Not for the first time, Elizabeth wondered precisely how logic formed in his mind. “Of course, my dear. I am sorry the rain ruined your exercise in the garden. Are you still troubled over relating that passage in Romans? Perhaps it was God’s providence to allow you more time for reflection and study before Sunday.”
“Quite right, quite right,” her husband said and returned to his room.
After removing her wet outerwear, Elizabeth went into her drawing-room. The new arrangements of the rooms were working out splendidly. Pausing in front of a mirror, she placed a lace cap on her head. She favored a much simpler style than her mother did but still hated it. She wondered who came up with the fashion of covering a married lady’s hair all the time. It seemed such an odd way to distinguish between the married and the single. She picked up her ledger book to go over the household accounts again. Lady Catherine always had some piece of advice on the running of the household. Elizabeth had immediately realized she spoke mostly for the sake of hearing her own voice and believing herself important, and so she made little effort to amend the errors Lady Catherine believed she saw. There was no possibility to escape her notice or gain her approval and praise, so it was senseless to implement the changes in nine out of ten times. She did begrudgingly have to acknowledge her ladyship did have useful moments. At any rate, she preferred to be prepared for Lady Catherine’s criticisms and even amused herself by wagering with herself which item would garner the lady’s notice. She assumed she was a great deal like Miss de Bourgh there.
*****
Weeks passed with little change for Elizabeth. Mr. Collins continued to spend most of his time each day reading or writing in his book-room or planning necessary changes to the garden for spring’s arrival. Four times a week he journeyed to Rosings and since her fascinating discussion with Miss de Bourgh a month before, Elizabeth accompanied him. The ladies were becoming very close friends. Mr. and Mrs. Collins dined at Rosings twice a week and were always given a carriage for their return journey. Lady Catherine called at the Parsonage once or twice a week and Miss de Bourgh, or Anne as Elizabeth now called her, drove by several times to speak with her but rarely came inside. There were calls on parishioners and trips to the village nearly every day as well.
One Autumn with Darcy Page 34
