The ceremony passed in a blur. Elizabeth stood up with her sister, praying that someone or something would intervene and stop this farce of a wedding. But it was not to be. Jane signed her name in the register before exiting the church on Mr. Collins’s arm. The couple were quickly surrounded by friends and family, everyone wanting to wish them well. Elizabeth watched from the stairs in front of the building. Charlotte joined her there in solidarity, both watching their beloved Jane from a distance.
“Go to her,” Charlotte whispered. “They are making ready to depart.”
Her words reawakened Elizabeth and she hurried down the stairs. Mr. Collins climbed aboard the carriage before his wife, and Elizabeth seized Jane in a fierce hug before she followed her husband.
“Write to me,” she begged.
“Yes,” Jane agreed. “You will come to Hunsford, will you not? In March—Mr. Collins says it is lovely in the spring.”
“I will,” Elizabeth promised.
“Mrs. Collins!” Mr. Collins cried from within the carriage. “We must be off if we are to reach Hunsford by dark.”
“Goodbye, Lizzy,” Jane said. “I will explain everything one day. I promise.”
She kissed Elizabeth’s cheek and climbed aboard the carriage. A word to the driver set the coach on its way. Elizabeth stood in the lane, watching it go until it was out of sight.
Chapter Six
January 16, 1812
Gracechurch Street, London
Elizabeth
Elizabeth eagerly broke the seal on her letter. Jane had written at last. There had been no word since just after Christmas, when she wrote Mrs. Bennet with news of her new home and Lady Catherine.
Dearest Lizzy,
I do apologize for not having written before now. Though Longbourn prepared me for running a household, I confess I had not realized how different it would be when I married. Hunsford Parsonage is not a large home, but I find there is much that needs my attention, despite having only a small staff.
The parsonage is lovely, even in the cold of winter. My home has a lovely garden in the front of the house and another more practical kitchen garden in the rear. The rectory is separated from Rosings Park by a lane and I can see the great house from the window of the front parlor. My husband has taken that room for his study, for he likes to look out the window and watch for Lady Catherine’s carriage to drive by. On those occasions when the great lady passes by our humble abode, Mr. Collins makes sure to leave the house to pay his respects.
I have made a few friends in the area. Rosings Park is the largest estate in our parish, and in consequence, my husband and I dine with Lady Catherine and her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, twice a week. We are never permitted to walk home; her ladyship calls for one of her carriages when we depart.
Rosings Park is as grand as our cousin related. I imagine the formal gardens will be beautiful when the weather warms and the flowers bloom. Though I am very occupied with my life here, I am certain I shall find time to stroll the garden paths.
I am content with my new situation. Mr. Collins is not as objectionable as we thought. Indeed, he is attentive and kind, though his dedication to his patroness does give me pause.
Your last letter indicated you were to London with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. How do you find my cousins? Are they well? I was disappointed that I did not have more of an opportunity to visit with the Gardiners in December. I shall be glad to see them again this summer. Aunt Gardiner has promised to visit for a week or so.
Pray, tell me, will you return to Longbourn before journeying to Kent? I have written to Charlotte Lucas to include her in the invitation to visit. Papa will convey both of you to Hunsford. I anticipate your visit, for I miss you dearly!
I expect your arrival on the fifth of March, if that date is suitable to all parties involved. Give my London relations my love,
Sincerely,
Jane Collins
“Has Jane written at last, Lizzy?” Aunt Gardiner entered the room carrying her youngest, one-year-old Hattie.
“She has.” Elizabeth held up the missive. “She seems happy. I know my sister well enough to detect melancholy even in her letters. Am I to believe she has recovered her broken heart in so little time?”
“Not everyone requires years to heal from heartbreak, my dear,” Aunt Gardiner said soothingly.
“Jane may not show it, but she feels deeply. I am certain that her marriage to Mr. Collins was not what she wished.” Elizabeth refused to believe her sister would willingly go against her heart.
“You must respect your sister’s decision or risk driving her away.” Her aunt sat next to her on the settee and patted her hand. “You said Jane asked you to trust her judgment. Will you do so, or will you continue to protest a marriage that cannot now be undone?”
