Chapter Sixty-Four
Longbourn
Mr. Collins returned to Longbourn all too soon, at least in the opinion of the Bennets, if no one else.
He went to great lengths to assure his relatives that Lady Catherine, though initially disappointed to learn that he had been unsuccessful in engaging himself to a Bennet daughter, was now very pleased to learn that he was to marry a young lady who was the daughter of a knight!
Yes, the daughter of Sir William and Lady Lucas!
He could scarce believe his good fortune.
Mr. Bennet suggested that Mr. Collins spend as much time as possible at Lucas Lodge, getting to know his bride. Everyone was relieved when Mr. Collins proclaimed that this was exactly what he intended to do, and then promptly took himself off.
The Collins’ wedding was scheduled for the following Monday, the sixteenth of December. The newly wedded couple planned to depart at once for Kent, so that Mr. Collins might be back in time to introduce his new wife to his parishioners before the Sunday sermon.
***
As expected, Maria stood up with her elder sister as she became the future mistress of Longbourn.
The ceremony was brief, but the wedding breakfast was not, chiefly because Mr. Collins chose to give a lengthy speech, testifying to his joy in finding a wife so well-suited to himself, his position in life, his parishioners and – most importantly – his patroness.
The Darcys and the Bingleys did not attend, as they had not forgotten Mr. Collins’ accusations; however, they sent a lovely tablecloth as a gift, thus alleviating any ill feelings that might have been incurred by their absence.
The Bennets gifted the newlyweds a pair of silver candlesticks which Charlotte had admired many times over the years. The card was addressed to “The future master and mistress of Longbourn,” which Charlotte thought very gracious.
All in all, there was nothing to cause the bride or groom animosity, resentment, or irritation, and it was with a calm mind that Charlotte was able to bid her dearest friend adieu. “You will write to me, Lizzy, will you not?”
“Of course, Charlotte! Papa will have to hire a special messenger, just to ride back and forth between Hunsford and Meryton!” Elizabeth was doing her best to hide her melancholy.
“And perhaps you will visit me?”
Elizabeth hesitated. “It is unlikely, Charlotte. Mr. Darcy, Georgiana and I are to go to London for the Season, and then on to Pemberley. Mr. Darcy is not currently on good terms with his Aunt Catherine, as you know, so it is not credible to ask him to take me anywhere near Rosings Park. But soon enough you will be too busy to miss me, Charlotte. Just think! A house of your own, a garden, new friends – what a full life you will have!”
This was exactly the right thing to say; Charlotte raised her chin and said, “I never thought this would happen for me. I owe it all to you, dearest Eliza! Thank you, thank you!” She hugged Elizabeth hard and kissed her cheek.
Mr. Collins appeared and whispered in Charlotte’s ear. Charlotte straightened up, nodded, kissed Elizabeth again, and followed her new husband to the carriage waiting outside.