Chapter 22
Elizabeth stretched to her tiptoes and groaned. She had been sitting, silent and still for almost three hours and her muscles now ached. It wasn't the only thing that ached, as her heart constantly felt like it was being squeezed, but she did her best to hide that when around others.
Though Charlotte knew of her pain Elizabeth still instinctively hid it. "Thank goodness for you, Charlotte. The way you handled that was truly impressive."
Charlotte smiled her normal reserved smile but Elizabeth thought there was a strength and confidence there now that hadn't been there before.
They had just come from the community hall where the influential women of the area often met to make plans, handle problems and gossip. They called it a 'community board' and gave themselves many airs for being 'board members' but mostly they planned dances and baby showers. This was of course, necessary and important work but Elizabeth had always thought the members, especially her mother, to be a little too self satisfied. However they did from time to time tackle some social or domestic problem. An unwed mother, a ophened child, the need for a new maid or a sick family, these things would be discussed at much length, but usually resolved in a way that benefited many.
The thing that had amazed Elizabeth the most however, was the poise, strength and influence that Charlotte had shown. Elizabeth had never really considered the life of a clergyman's wife but even outside of her parish, Charlotte was now treated with respect and consideration. In truth however, her marriage could not be given all the credit but rather Charlotte herself had surprised Elizabeth the most. She had been so confidant and commanding, nothing like the women who had, but six months ago, seen herself as a burden to her family.
All the women of the board had asked for her advice at one point or another, even if it was only asking for the choices of style in Kent. And so it had been nothing at all for 'Mrs. Collins' to comment on the departure of the militia. As they had agreed beforehand, rather than telling all that they had learned Elizabeth and Charlotte would instead influence others to find out the truth for themselves. To this end Charlotte, without ever mentioning Wickham's name, warned the community women against trusting officers who were not truly part of the community and thus had little reason to be very self controlled. At which point Elizabeth cracked a joke about the ten pence that Lt. Wickham still owned her, though he had now 'taken flight on his debt'. This was true but said in a light tone that mocked the small size of the debt and seemed to make light of the concern. Despite her light air, Elizabeth had carefully watched and saw several women look uncomfortable. Nobody would wish to be the first to mention that they had been cheated but if her comment sparked suspicion that they may mention it to their close friends and that way it might spread.
If need be they would try a different tactic but this was enough for today. At least with the society ladies. Now they were walking towards the Meryton mainstreet to innocently stop at a couple little shops.
Elizabeth was still considering the change in her friend and couldn't help commenting on it. "I hope this doesn't offend you, but I was somewhat surprised how willing you were to not only get involved but to spearhead our little plot."
"This was always the difference between me and you when we spoke of marriage. You always saw it as a relationship with man. Whereas I saw it as a position. I find being a clergyman's wife to be a very fulfilling role for me. 'Charlotte Collins' is needed in a way that 'Charlotte Lucas' was never needed. Surely you must have noticed how often I was called away while you were visiting me."
Charlotte brushed at her skirt absently. "Nearly every day there is some poor soul in need. Sometimes they only need a listening ear, sometimes a little extra prayer, food or other kind of care. In the last six months I've helped with seven births, advised mothers and found places for young women. Mr. Collins is, of course, very busy as well, but Lady Catherine requires much of his time and I am often asked for help or advice in his stead."
Charlotte paused and giggled. "Actually, the women ask me for advice -or ask me to ask Lady Catherine- but the men always ask me to ask Mr. Collins for them, and then I- ahem- suggest a course of action to Mr. Collins, and he often quickly sees that he agrees with me! In this way I do find myself very involved in my community. It makes me happy, Elizabeth, I hope you can see that."
Elizabeth felt guilty for her vain arrogance all over again. How could she have judged Charlotte and not even investigated more about her life while she was in Kent?
"I do, and I am sorry for before!" Elizabeth said and impulsively hugged her friend in the street.
Charlotte looked very embarrassed as she always had with physical affection and quickly pushed her away, laughing but shaking her head at Elizabeth's open manners. Elizabeth kept the tease going by attempting to link arms with the reserved 'Mrs. Collins'. Because of this they entered the cobbler giggling like school girls.
"Mrs. Collins, Miss Elizabeth, how lovely you both look this morning!" exclaimed the cobbler, Mr. Fawcett.
"Good morning, Mr. Fawcett, I've come to check if my father's boot has been repaired?"
"Yes, indeed, It's in the back, excuse me for a moment."
Elizabeth and Charlotte browsed the premade shoes and the design plates despite neither of them needing new shoes. Elizabeth did pick out some new shoe roses. Jane's engagement party at Netherfield would be next week and Elizabeth's dancing shoes had been dreadfully trodden at the assembly on Monday. Not by Mr. Darcy of course, he was an excellent dancer, it had been during one of her other dances.
For a moment she stood lost in remembering that near perfect night she had spent dancing and flirting with Mr. Darcy. His strong but gentle hands holding her and his perfect dancing. The way his eyes promised to kiss her next time they were alone…
"Elizabeth?" Charlotte said a little loudly, as if it hadn't been her first call.
Elizabeth gave a little jump and looked around, Mr. Fawcett was back, holding a bootbox and looking at her expectantly. With a light laugh Elizabeth opened her satchel and fished around for the money, she had it almost immediately but acted like she was having trouble.
"I'm sure I have it with me! I don't want to leave it on credit…"
"It's fine, Miss Elizabeth, if you have forgotten it, I know your family is good for it."
"Certainly not! Just… There it is!" Elizabeth smiled her biggest smile for Mr. Fawcett and handed him the money, while saying over her shoulder to Charlotte. "Didn't you mention that one of the recently departed officers had left a bunch of unpaid debts? So dishonorable!"
"Indeed, a significant amount, and now I fear with him gone, there will be no way to collect on it!"
Elizabeth cast another friendly smile towards Mr. Fawcett, who suddenly looked worried and with a quick farewell, exited the shop.
When they had walked for a few moments in silence Elizabeth said in a worried tone. "What if we are wrong? What if he didn't leave a lot of debts?"
"A badger cannot change his stripes. From what we know, he has never lived his life with honor. It's extremely unlikely that he started now. But, if he did then the rumor will not gain momentum. He is too well liked for only one or two debts left to ruin his reputation."
Elizabeth agreed but felt a little uncomfortable with directly interfering. She had always just watched people, without any right to act. As a lady, as a daughter and the second daughter as well, she had very little sway on the people in her life. But watching Charlotte, Elizabeth realized what her life would actually be like if she had married, or did marry Mr. Darcy. The mistress of Pemberley had a whole new meaning in her mind.
The two women paused before the tailor. Whatever negatives that could be said about Lt. Wickham it would never be that he wasn't well dressed. He was sure to have spent a significant sum here. The women caught each other's eyes, nodded and then stepped through the door laughing lightly as if in playful banter with each other.
Much as in the cobbler, the women browsed and chatted and then made the important insinuation as they paid for their small purchase. The tailor's reaction was even more obvious as he immediately looked to his wife, glaring openly. Indeed, the atmosphere turned tense so quickly that Elizabeth and Charlotte exited the shop but then hesitated.
"Perhaps we should ask further?" Elizabeth asked.
"We do not want to be seen as the instigators in this, nor have we the position to ask questions. We have to hope that if they do have a concern they speak with other merchants or the town leaders. I intend to pay a call to the clergyman's wife and hint that as she is getting on in years i would be willing to help out while I am here. Hopefully then she will bring me in on any community problems that arise. Will you speak to your father tonight?"
"Yes, as you said, my father should be informed. Even if he has little interest being personally involved. He is a leader of the community and the head of my household. He is also an observer of human nature and may have some suggestions for us."
"Indeed. Now, I will walk you to Longbourn with you and take the opportunity to visit your family, enduring your mother's glares all the while."
Arm in arm they walked back, plotting their next move and sharing friendly banter.
