Chapter 8 #2
“Charlotte…” she began, turning to Georgiana. “You know Charlotte Lucas, the daughter of Sir William and Lady Lucas?” She paused again, waiting for Georgiana’s reaction. Georgiana knew Charlotte only slightly and certainly knew nothing of the ties between the two families.
“Charlotte is married to Mr Collins. You probably know him. He is the clergyman under the patronage of Lady Catherine, your aunt.”
Georgiana nodded somewhat absently. “Yes, I remember him. He bowed almost to the ground when we met at Rosings. I am sorry to say he did not make the best impression on me.” She regretted the words the moment she had spoken them.
She wondered how she could have formed such an opinion of a gentleman she scarcely knew, who had probably meant only to show respect.
But Elizabeth, noticing her embarrassment, smiled. “Do not worry, my dear. Mr Collins is not the most popular person in this house, as he will inherit Longbourn upon my father’s death. God forbid such a tragedy should happen soon!”
“Oh, dear!” Georgiana exclaimed in complete astonishment.
“It is rather complicated,” Elizabeth continued. “He is my father’s cousin. You see, our estate is entailed in the male line, and Mr Collins is the heir.”
“Oh, no!” Georgiana replied with evident distress.
Fortunately, Mrs Bennet intervened in her usual manner.
“Will you permit me, girls, to tell you what happened?”
Satisfied that she had everyone’s attention, she continued in a rather conspiratorial tone.
“It seems Charlotte mysteriously arrived late one night at her parents’ house…without her husband…accompanied by two strangers…and in great haste.”
“And what else?” Elizabeth asked.
“Well, there is something else, but for now I know very little.”
“It is not unusual for a daughter to visit her parents,” Elizabeth said indifferently, certain the gossips of Meryton had once again turned a simple event into a drama.
“Yet it is unusual when the visit is unannounced, and the daughter arrives at midnight accompanied by strangers.”
“Mama,” Elizabeth said flatly, “if you know something, just tell us.”
“Something happened at Hunsford. Something unpleasant. I shall visit my sister in Meryton today—”
She paused with an enigmatic smile, as though hoping to add a little more mystery to her tale, but Elizabeth knew that was all her mother had discovered; she liked to appear better informed than she really was.
A long silence settled over the room. It was indeed a curious story, but they had more pressing concerns. Elizabeth rose and held out her hand to Georgiana.
“Please come to my father’s study. We must write to Lady Catherine and send the letter by express. With any luck, she may receive it this evening and reply tomorrow. I shall also write a short note to Papa to let him know we arrived safely.”
Georgiana thanked Mrs Bennet, apparently for the excellent meal but in truth for her kindness. She missed her own mother, and recent events had only deepened her loneliness.
“Very well, Mother. I hope you enjoy your visit to Aunt Phillips.”
Jane decided to accompany their mother to Meryton whilst Elizabeth and Georgiana remained behind to finish the letters together.
The message to Lady Catherine was concise and respectful.
They asked whether her ladyship possessed any information, old or new, concerning Darcy.
They finished it in time for Mrs Bennet and Jane to post it in Meryton.
Mr Bennet’s library was pleasant, though not large.
Bookshelves lined two walls, and comfortable armchairs invited anyone wishing to read.
The windows overlooked the garden, and when opened, from spring until autumn, they admitted the gentle sounds of the countryside.
For a few brief moments, they enjoyed the peace and hope that tranquil music seemed to bring.
“Mama believes Charlotte did not come on an ordinary visit.” Seeing Georgiana’s questioning expression, Elizabeth continued, “There is more behind that visit. You do not know Mama, but she has a remarkable instinct when something unusual has happened. And she believes Aunt Phillips may know more.”
“Do you think Mrs Collins has had problems with her husband?” Georgiana asked in astonishment.
“Most likely. In fact, that is what Mama was implying,” Elizabeth replied sadly. “I feel so sorry for Charlotte. Yet I wonder what would be best for her, to remain with him if she is unhappy, or to return to her parents.”
“How can a wife live apart from her husband?” Georgiana asked.
“She probably cannot. Yet she may choose not to remain under his roof. Although I very much doubt Mr Collins would accept such an arrangement. He prides himself on being a loving and considerate husband.”
“Is he not?” Georgiana asked.
“No, my dear, it seems he is not. A happy wife does not flee to her parents after only a few months of marriage. I must see Charlotte and offer her my support.”
“I am sure she will value your friendship. You may invite her to Netherfield for tea if you wish.”
At those last words, Mrs Bennet entered the library, dressed for her visit, with the carriage already waiting before the house. Elizabeth looked at her mother, who seemed to have returned to her usual state of nervous agitation.
“Mama, are you unwell?”
“No, no. I hope I am not interrupting you. I am so worried. I did not wish to speak before Jane, but tell me more about poor Mr Darcy. You truly do not know what has happened to him?”
It was an extraordinary situation even for Mrs Bennet, who prided herself on knowing everything that happened in the neighbourhood. Gentlemen occasionally disappeared, but in almost every case someone knew where they had gone. They were not considered missing, merely absent.
“Mama dear, we know no more than Papa has already told you. Please help us treat this matter with the greatest discretion. We do not wish harmful gossip to spread through Meryton.”
Mrs Bennet was always ready, even eager, to repeat the latest gossip. Yet when it concerned her own family, she spoke only of the good things. A wealthy future son-in-law disappearing only weeks before his wedding to one of her daughters was not a subject she intended to discuss with anyone.
“I am so worried! I only hope your father is not placing himself in danger while searching for him. Can you imagine our fate if both Mr Darcy and your father were to die?”
“Mama!” Elizabeth cried in horror, whilst Georgiana turned pale.
Mrs Bennet stopped at once, ashamed of her words.
“Forgive me, my dear. I did not mean to… I shall leave you now. Mrs Phillips is waiting for me.”