Chapter 6 #2
“Indeed, we both do. Although I hope your opinion of me will not fall when I confess that I enjoy popular novels as well as more serious works.” Amelia smiled, and again Mr. Bennet was struck by how the small act improved her appearance.
“In any event, I expect Robert back on Friday, or Saturday at the latest, so you need not worry about Sunday’s service. ”
“I came to discuss the renovations of the parsonage with him, but perhaps it is best that you are here instead,” Mr. Bennet said. “Such things usually fall under the guidance of the female sex, after all.”
“Yes. Robert told me of your generous offer. It is so kind. I have taken the liberty to write up a few suggestions. I shall show them to you, but only if you promise not to think me too impertinent.”
“Not at all. You seem to be a lady who knows her own mind and moves ahead accordingly, for which I can have no criticism. May I see your list?”
Amelia pulled a piece of paper from her pocket, smoothed it, and handed it to him.
“I keep it with me at all times so that, when I see something to add, I have it handy. I hope it is not too extravagant. Items could certainly be cut, be assured; it is just an initial assessment. Did you…have a budget in mind?”
Mr. Bennet perused the paper. He quickly saw that her keen eye had seen many of the same issues he had discovered when he first showed the parsonage to Mr. Yarby.
“My budget is somewhat flexible, although I was certainly hoping to make improvements for less than thirty pounds. This all seems very much in order.” He looked again.
“Oh, but you did not write down new curtains or paper for the walls for this room. Do you not think them very dated and dingy? Mr. Dudley was a pipe smoker, and I can see that has left its mark.”
“I did note it, Mr. Bennet, but I felt that change might be too much of an extravagance at this time. Fresh upholstery for the furniture and a new rug in here will be costly enough. We can easily manage with what is here.”
Mr. Bennet shook his head, and chuckled.
“No, I believe the redone chair and settee with the new rug will only make the sad condition of the walls and draperies that much more apparent. You should go into Meryton and pick out the paper pattern and fabric you like. Have them send the bill to me. Then we shall hire the workmen necessary.”
“You are too kind. And may I just say how very grateful I am to you for giving Robert the living? To have an entire house for ourselves? It is a dream come true! In Dorset, we rented somewhat cramped rooms above a shop in town; curates, as you know, are not provided any housing, and it was all we could afford. We shall both be so happy here at Longbourn.”
“Will you miss your friends in Dorset?”
He watched as she considered her answer. “I shall. But if you will forgive me a tiny brag, I believe I am one of those fortunate people who can be content in almost any situation. After all, one is only as happy as one makes up one’s mind to be.”
“I am glad to hear it. But, could new paper for the walls not make one even happier?”
Amelia gave a musical laugh. “Indeed, it would, Mr. Bennet. Indeed, it would.”
***
Mr. and Mrs. Collins spoke but little on their journey back to Meryton.
They had hastily packed what they would need most immediately and arranged for the rest to be shipped.
In truth, there was not that much to deal with, seeing as how the Hunsford Parsonage came fully furnished.
Therefore, they took their clothing and personal effects as well as books and wedding gifts that they could call their own.
Mr. Collins had attempted one last time to speak to Lady Catherine, but he was refused entry to Rosings Park.
He had to content himself with writing a letter to his former patron, thanking her for all she had done for him over the years.
He did not fool himself into thinking a gracious farewell missive would change her mind, but he was smart enough to realize that showing Lady Catherine his true disappointment and anger would only serve to harden her heart against him when it came to any reference she might later be inclined to write.
A good recommendation would be invaluable to finding a new living.
Therefore, his mood was quite dejected as they left Hunsford. Charlotte did her best to raise his spirits even as she disguised her own sorrow, reminding him that the Lord would provide for them.
“Besides,” she added, “it may well be that you will find yourself a landed gentleman quite soon. Mrs. Bennet has died, and it is not unlikely that her husband may follow quickly. I have oft heard of someone succumbing to despair and dying soon after losing their life partner. Not that I would wish it, mind you, but it is a possibility that you will inherit sooner rather than later. After all, did not Mr. Bennet turn fifty-eight just last year?”
But Mr. Collins could only give a wan smile. “It seems too much to hope for. In the meantime, how am I to earn a living?” he asked, mournfully.
“Something will occur for us,” Charlotte replied in what she hoped was a confident tone. “I have written to Eliza, telling her of our troubles.”
“Charlotte! How could you share my humiliation with her—and by association, Mr. Darcy?”
Charlotte calmly patted his hand. “Be at ease, dear heart. I wrote her because she and Mr. Darcy are people of great importance in Derbyshire and have many connections. It may well be they know of an opening and could put your name forward. A letter penned by Mr. Darcy from Pemberley would certainly be taken note of by any recipient. I have great confidence we shall be settled in a new parish quite soon.”
She sat back and turned her attention to the passing landscape, trying to lessen the anxiety in her own chest.
***
“Oh dear.”
“What’s that, Lizzy?” Mr. Darcy asked his wife at lunch.
Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, was dining with friends, so they were alone. Their butler, Barton, had delivered a just-arrived letter that Lizzy saw with delight was from a longtime friend.
“Oh, it is this letter from Charlotte,” she said, perusing it a second time to be certain she had read it accurately.
“Bad news?”
She gave him a wry smile. “That depends on your point of view. It seems Lady Catherine has dismissed Mr. Collins from Hunsford Parsonage.”
“Why on earth would she do that? I cannot imagine she would find a more—how did you put it to me once?—a more ‘grateful object’ of her largess than Mr. Collins.”
“Charlotte does not write the exact reason behind Lady Catherine’s actions, only to say he somehow fell out of favor. They are heading to Meryton.”
“To take on the duties at Longbourn?”
“No—at least, I do not think so. Papa had promised the living to Mr. Yarby just before we learned of Mama’s death. And then Yarby handled everything so well at the service. I cannot imagine Papa would turn him out in favor of Mr. Collins of all people.”
“Well, that is a relief. It was hard enough to hear him drone his sermons whenever I visited Lady Catherine before we married. It would be punishment indeed to have to endure him at your father’s church.”
“Yes, but Charlotte begs us for assistance. She is hoping we may know of another living to which we could recommend Mr. Collins. Having a home of her own is so important to Charlotte. I know she must be worried about their future. Oh! Is not Lord Wellsford’s parish vacant at present?”
“My dear, Lord Wellsford is a longtime family friend. I could not risk losing his affection by saddling him with Mr. Collins!”
“But Charlotte is with child. How will her husband provide for his family if we do not help?”
Mr. Darcy rose. “I shall tell you what I will do, my dear. I shall write a few notes to more distant acquaintances of mine about any openings they may know of. Perhaps we shall be in luck and an opening will appear in the westernmost tip of Cornwall.” He winked, leaned over to kiss his wife’s cheek, and exited the room.