Chapter 9
Hot on the heels of the gentlemen's departure, Mr. Collins made his entrance swifter than Charlotte would have guessed him able to cover such a distance. "My dear Charlotte," he cried, entering the parlor in all due haste, "Was that Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam who have, even now, just departed?"
"Indeed, they had come to take their leave, my dear. Surely, that is not so extraordinary, as they have been very attentive over the course of their visit."
"Indeed not, we have been the beneficiaries of such condescension! It is only that even now, as I attempted to make my way to the parsonage with all due haste that I noticed their carriage and had hoped to catch them, preventing further offence to their aunt, though I, myself have assured her only the gravest misfortune could have removed them from Rosings in such a manner. Even as I was to depart Rosings, as her Ladyship insisted, we were not to be disturbed, she received a message that her nephews had taken their leave whilst we engaged in discourse on what is to be done. I am happy on every occasion to offer my services, which are always acceptable to her ladyship, and intercede where I must, to make peace amongst the family which is primary amongst those within my influence. There must have been some great accident, or illness, or business matter out of the normal way of things to have driven her nephews from Rosings with such great haste. What else could cause them to flee Rosings, and with such vehemence, being deprived of the jewel of the county, and during such important discourse as to his own future alliances. These are the kind of little things which please her ladyship, and it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay. When I saw their carriage, I could not believe my good fortune, to be able to restore her ladyship's nephews to Rosings, as surely, she would be able to instruct them on seeing to such matters as have taken them away. Surely, the situation may be rectified with a letter, that they might still reside at Rosings.
"My dear husband, I am to understand, that whilst you were shut up with Lady Catherine, her nephews determined to take their leave, without seeing her personally? I can understand why such a departure would give a great deal of offence."
"You cannot mean to say the offence was intentional. My dear Charlotte,-" he began, but was interrupted.
"Mr. Collins, I must speak plainly, sir. I would advise that this talk of matrimony is what caused Lady Catherine's nephews to depart, and more so while she was unavailable to express her opinion on the matter. I must beg you sir, to insert yourself into the matter no more."
"But my dear Charlotte, for them to depart just as Lady Catherine was determined to bring him to his senses, such unfortunate timing. Had they only waited another half an hour, then it is to be understood that Mr. Darcy, even now, would have been on his way to the alter ire long. Surely, he is not insensible to the virtues of incest."
If Mr. Darcy wished to be brought to his senses, he would have remained. Seeing that she could further her husbands understanding no more on this matter, Charlotte stayed silent, even more so because Maria and the maid were now returning.
"This will look very well on me. Do you not think so Charlotte?" said Maria, as she entered the parlor and sat down. She was delighted in this morning indulgences, such treats were rare at Lucas Lodge, being one of so many siblings. At home her needs were always respectively met; her wishes on the other hand, were rarely ever even acknowledged, let alone addressed. She could not have asked for more from a visit to her sister.
It was Mr. Collins, who responded, looking at his wife. "Indeed, it will become you quite nicely, my dear sister. I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh…whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest endeavor to demean myself with grateful respect towards her Ladyship, in thanks for her preferment. Such little trinkets are easily afforded to us, yet bring great enjoyment to you, I now see. It is with great joy that I may bestow such objects, that are so pleasing to young ladies, on my sister."
Charlotte now fully realized the vexation of a husband who's understanding was much less than her own. For the first time since her marriage, she felt the disadvantage of it keenly. Fully understanding his point, indeed, she had just reminded Eliza of similar notions, yet he was incapable of grasping hers, even in the vaguest manner, he could not understand the disadvantages to which she alluded. Nothing good can come of your inserting yourself into this business. Mr. Darcy will do as he wishes; Lady Catherine will blame whomever she likes. She wished to shout it, but remained silent, knowing it would do no good and she could hardly censure her husband in such a forum, even if she could presume it would provide some benefit. To be sure, she had always found his company irksome, he was neither sensible, nor particularly agreeable, but never before had his obsequiousness put her comfortable home at risk – where she could arrange her day as she liked, spending very little time in his company. If Lady Catherine's wrath was exhibited in such as way as to summon him less often, shunning him for spite, Charlotte knew not what she would do, her ability tolerate her husband amiably was proportionate to how much time she spent outside of his society.
After quietly sitting a few minutes, they were all sent to one of the windows to admire the view, Mr. Collins attending them to point out the object of his attention, Lady Catherine. She, too, was now on her way to the parsonage, and with her trucks attached to her equipage! He kindly informed them this was even greater evidence of her civility to them; making time to take her leave, even while she must surely be in pursuit of her much younger nephews. For a lady, of such an age, to pause her journey to show such benevolence, was beyond even his understanding. Not even he could account for it, he declared, though he had the benefit of her company for several years now.
Elizabeth and Charlotte knew better, they both could account for her ladyship's call and felt the discomfort of it. Charlotte looked to Elizabeth, hoping to silently convey a reminder of delicacy of the Collins' position at Hunsford. Elizabeth continued in very agitated reflections till the sound of Lady Catherine's carriage made her feel how unequal she was to encounter Charlotte's observation, and she attempted to hurry her away to her room, declaring that Mr. and Mrs. Collins should have time alone with their company. Charlotte decried it as nonsense, and insisted she sit down, Mr. Collins declared her ladyship was too kind not to condescend to greet their guests as well. Elizabeth's position in the parlor was now fixed, and she began to somewhat regret her earlier aspirations. Would it even signify? She felt it unlikely that Mr. Darcy should ever regret his interference, and may even now double his efforts on behalf of the Bingley's, purely to prove his aims could even now be met. She began to wonder then, if her attempts could be worth the trouble that had already been caused to herself. Mr. Collins's stupid utterings. Charlotte's disappointment in her deportment. Lady Catherine quite likely to suffer an apoplexy. That should have been considered sooner.
Their discomfort was apparent, as was Maria's, who could only be described as appearing confused. Mr. Collins was all anticipation; to think, her ladyship could so little do without his counsel that she, who had met with him not an hour ago, was in need of his advice yet again.
Their mutual discomfort lasted only moments, and the conjectures of the three continued, though with little satisfaction, till the door was thrown open and their visitor entered. It was Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her indignation was apparent even to Mr. Collins.
"Mr. Collins, Mrs. Collins." She barely nodded at them, turning to Elizabeth. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet shall accept my invitation to be my guest, in London, until I have no further use of her. Her relations, can look after her, I suppose, when I am done with her." She said, looking to Elizabeth for confirmation her aunt and uncle would receive her.
"Indeed, your ladyship, my sister is their guest even now. I am certain they should be happy to look after me, even immediately upon arriving in London."
"That will not be necessary Miss Bennet. I have use of you; and it would do well for you to be known to be seen in my company."
"Your ladyship is all kindness. Perhaps, -" Her ladyship ignored Elizabeth's attempt to speak, cutting her off to address Mr. Collins. Wishing to see her sister and share what all had happened, Elizabeth was quite put out that her attempts at persuasion were thus interrupted. She seethed at the high handedness of it, but found she could not complain, as Lady Catherine's response to her missive was exactly as she had wished.
"Mr. Collins, you can have no objection to placing Miss Bennet in my care. You should write her father and mother at once; you may give them my direction in London and assure them that I am excessively attentive to every propriety that is suitable for a young lady of her station but will seek to limit such indulgences that would naturally create unreasonable expectations for a young lady of her situation in life. They may send me their thanks, for my attention to their daughter, but should know to expect no further attention from me. They certainly can have no expectation of claiming me as a connection."
Mr. Collin's answered her most graciously, declaring his delight at the privilege of such an endeavor- to inform his nearest relation on such condescension as his patroness now showed. That their daughter would be taken to London by such an esteemed person.
"Yes, yes, Mr. Collins. You will be about the matter at once." Turning to Maria, she said, "Miss Lucus, I am sure that you have some employment to keep you occupied this time of day. You cannot expect to be truly accomplished if you never practice."
Her nervousness apparent, Maria replied, "I do not play your ladyship."
"You shall sit then, at the piano in Mrs. Jenkins room until you figure out what the keys are for, you should not be so dismissive of such an opportunity. They are but rarely afforded to you, I am sure."
"But it is raining!" cried Maria, quickly realizing what she had done, she promptly shut her mouth and sat there in silence, as though waiting for a scolding.
"Surely, you have some needlework you wish to see to in your room?" inquired Charlotte, kindly but firmly.
Thinking she was in some trouble, she promptly nodded, leaving the room so swiftly it was as though she thought her punishment would only be worse if she remained.
Lady Catherine, now turning to Elizabeth, said, "You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of my journey hither. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell you why I come. To think that such gossip was kept from me, even whilst you resided so near in proximity to Rosings.''
"Indeed, your ladyship. You may be assured of discretion. None but Charlotte and my eldest sister are aware." Elizabeth said simply, now concerned Charlotte was correct; Lady Catherine may very blame the messenger.
"And what of your mother? Surely, she is aware of why such a good match for your family has quit his attentions to your sister? As to the veracity of your assertions, Miss Bennet, what do you say to that; it is a report of a most alarming nature. Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, though I would not injure my nephew so much as to suppose the truth of it."
Elizabeth took a deep breath, and took her time in speaking, finally saying in a cautious tone, "The neighborhood has depended upon mother to keep current with the news for many years now, believing Miss Bingley's assertions to be false, my sister and I thought it better that the business should not be bantered about. Given both Mr. Darcy's confirmation of a great deal of Miss Bingley's letter to my eldest sister Jane, and given Mr. Darcy's behavior at Rosings, you must see there at least being the possibility of truth in such a report, as you must have resolved instantly to go to London, and make your sentiments known. It seems your ladyship cannot likewise declare, that there is no foundation for it."
For some time her ladyship sat there, glaring, and making no response. Both Elizabeth and Charlotte were now concerned she had spoken too frankly.
" We are to London as soon as may be. Do not make the mistake of thinking you may take over long to pack. When we arrive in London, I will at once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted."
Elizabeth looked at her with unaffected astonishment. That she could intend to have the report universally contradict, it could only mean one thing! Lady Catherine meant to confront Miss Bingley, whom, to Elizabeth knowledge, had not some much as made her acquaintance – which must then be the reason for Elizabeth's invitation to London. Oh, that Bingley might then know who had betrayed his sister's confidence had never even occurred to her. He may be ignorant of all that had transpired, on his behalf, and in his own home, but Elizabeth had not, until this moment, even considered the possibility that he may very well be enlightened in Elizabeth's presence. It embarrassed her greatly to think upon it, and by virtue of being her sister, it would embarrass Jane too.
Elizabeth's thoughts were then interrupted. "Perhaps I should help you pack then, Eliza. As to not leave Lady Catherine waiting."
Lady Catherine motioned towards the door, dismissing them. "It goes without saying, I suppose that this is the business of women. I see no occasion to involve Mr. Collins in such affairs."
Taking her meaning, Mrs. Collins replied, "As my husband is so often busy seeing to his own duties, I can assure you he trusts me to take on such affairs, without his intervention."
"See that it remains so, Mrs. Collins."
Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins fled to the upstairs quite hastily. They were both eager to continue their conversation and take their leave of one another privately. More than Elizabeth had bargained for had already transpired, and Lady Catherine's involvement was now an ungovernable force influencing Jane's fate. Elizabeth's mind was busy, attempting to contrive a way to make their removal to London of use to Jane, and not merely another source of embarrassment, exposing her to further censure and ridicule.