Introducing Mrs. Collins
My dearest and most precious lady, the keeper of my heart, Charlotte,
The very name now makes my heart sing – I know not what hymn, my dearest, perhaps even a Wesleyan anthem, but certainly a song of praise and of thanks, and one approved by God and by your father.
I knew in my heart (though not immediately in my head) as soon as I met you that you must be intended for the place in which you have found yourself – by my side.
I believe it is not only God’s intention for us to wed but also mine.
Your first thoughts upon reading this must surely be to wonder how the news of our forthcoming nuptials has landed upon the auspicious ears of my esteemed patron Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Allow me to put you out of suspense, my dearest one, without even a momentary hesitation – without even the suggestion of delay.
Before I impart her reaction, let me tell you that she was eager to know my choice and indeed asked about the subject even before I had raised it myself; such is her generosity of spirit. When I first described you, the conversation went thusly:
‘Who is her father?’ was her first excellent question, to which I replied simply, ‘Sir William Lucas of Lucas Lodge, my lady.’
‘Ah. Very well then,’ she replied.
Such vivacity of response is a great honour to you, my dear Charlotte, and when she heard that we were to marry forthwith, returning to Hunsford immediately, her delight was hard to surpass: ‘You may both visit me within the month of your return’ – an utterance that brings me only slightly less joy than your acceptance to be mine.
Lady Catherine has such flair when it comes to her calendar.
To think of you at the altar before long is beyond delightful, but I am perhaps even more enthused to imagine that which must come next.
I refer not to the necessary act that must take place within a marriage, which I should not draw your attention to so soon, but which I have now already put to ink upon the page, so I shall let it be.
But I should be at pains to mention that the prospect of that act brings me no fear or foreboding.
I am happy, and indeed willing, to fulfil the role bestowed upon me as your husband.
However, the future thoughts I referred to above are not of that act, which I now regret the repeated mention of – but in fact, they are of you in my home – our home – settled and happy.
To think of you at Hunsford Parsonage brings me great joy.
I have wanted little in life but the peace and security of a life of duty, a pleasant enough position in society, friendship enough to be visited from time to time, and most importantly perhaps, the love of a wife and a family.
(The patronage of Lady Catherine is an addition to my joy I never even knew to wish for.) You are the key to my happiness, Charlotte; I hope I can be the key to yours.
I shall endeavour to be – until death parts us.
I do so wish us joy, Charlotte. I feel sure we must deserve it – two fine, goodly, modest people, embarking on a life in Christ, and in Kent.
Your humble servant,
William Collins