Chapter 20
Charlotte’s wedding was a modest affair. Followed by a lavish wedding breakfast in Lucas Lodge.
Elizabeth hugged her friend and kissed her cheek as she saw her into the small carriage which Mr Collins’ patroness had sent for them. “The smallest of the one of three carriages owned by that lady.” Mr Collins had informed them.
Elizabeth had missed her friend in the five weeks, since her marriage and departure from the neighbourhood. But life at Longbourn settled back down to its usual routine. Except for a short overnight visit from Mr Talbot. He had spent many hours during the day ensconced with Mr Bennet in his study. Mr Bennet did not reveal the details of their discussions. Much to her mother’s frustration. Elizabet felt sure it was to complete the paperwork to break the Longbourn entail. Elizabeth did overhear one thing, which perplexed her exceedingly. Hill opened the door to enter with a tea tray just as Elizabeth was crossing the hallway. “He will bankrupt the Kingdom,” she heard her father say. His tone quite passionate.
Mr Talbot had responded, “nevertheless.” As intriguing as this conversation sounds Elizabeth did not think that buying out the entail on Longbourn would be such a great expense! She knew of the Prince Regent reputation as extravagant, so she supposed this was just a general comment to the Prince’s lavish ways.
Elizabeth’s looked out the window of Sir Lucas’ carriage. Maria, Charlotte’s younger sister sat beside her, jiggling with excitement. Elizabeth knew that it was Maria’s first time out of Meryton and therefore could understand her enthusiasm.
Sir Lucas sat on the seat across from them. A beaming smile on his round face. They were on their way to Hunsford, and Mr Collins’ parsonage. Now Charlotte’s parsonage as well. Elizabeth was happy to be visiting her friend, but she knew that it would also be an exercise in patience. Mr Collins had been a trying guest at Longbourn. And Elizabeth had every expectation of him being even more so in his own home.
The journey went quickly. Elizabeth and Maria had shared a room at an inn, at the halfway point. So it was early afternoon as the approached the parsonage. Elizabeth spied Mr Collins outside a quaint cottage, painted white with roses bushes growing around the doorway. The blooms were missing on this February afternoon, but Elizabeth acknowledged it must make a pretty picture in Spring and Summer.
Charlotte drifted from the house and took her place at her husband’s side as the carriage drew up to the garden. Mr Collins welcomed them all and bowed and flustered around at their arrival. Reminding Elizabeth of large crow in his black parson’s garb. Only after he had repeated his welcomes three times was Charlotte able to add her own. Charlotte’s were accompanied by hugs and kisses before guiding them into the house.
The parsonage did not have its own stables. So the coachman was to continue on the Rosings, the great house of Lady Catherine De Bourge. But only after luggage of the guests was brought inside. Elizabeth heard the man servant of Mr Collins assisting Sir Lucas’s coachman as they entered the parlour.
After they had been served refreshments Mr Collins accompanied Charlotte, while she showed them their rooms. Elizabeth understood what was required and made sure to heap lavish praise on the parsonage and her room. As Mr Collins preened in delight at her words. Charlotte, standing behind him nodded at her, a light smile on her face, recognising her addresses for what they were.
It was not until breakfast the next morning that Elizabeth had the opportunity to speak with Charlotte alone. Mr Collins had gone off to carry out some service for Lady Catherine. And Sir Lucas and Marie had not yet arisen.
“How fair you Charlotte,” Elizabeth asked, taking her hand once Mr Collins left.
“I am very well, Eliza,” Charlotte assured. “I will not trifle with your understanding. Mr Collins is not the easiest man to live with. But he is kind and generous,” she said. “I will confess that he spends most of the day out and about, carryout of works for the parish or calling on Lady Catherine. Which, I must admit I encourage him to spend much time thus occupied. That being so, with my work with the ladies in the community and keeping house. I can go from breakfast until dinner time without seeing him at all,” the last was accompanied by a smile. “I find I can tolerate the separation very well indeed.”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth replied, and the two ladies shared a smile of understanding.
