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A Trip to Rosings
Park
When Jane and Elizabeth
left the high-road for the lane to Hunsford, every eye was in
search of the Parsonage, and every turning expected to bring
it in view. The palings of Rosings Park was their boundary on
one side. Elizabeth smiled at the recollection of all that she
had heard of its inhabitants.
At length the Parsonage
was discernable. The garden sloping to the road, the house standing
in it, the green pales and the laurel hedge, everything declared
that they were arriving. Mr. Collins and Mary appeared at the
door, and the carriage stopped at a small gate, which led by
a short gravel walk to the house, amidst the nods and smiles
of the whole party. In a moment they were all out of the chaise,
rejoicing at the sight of each other. Mrs. Collins welcomed her
sisters with the liveliest pleasure. Elizabeth saw instantly
that her new brother's manners were not altered by his marriage;
his formal civility was just what it had been, and he detained
her some minutes at the gate to hear and satisfy his enquiries
after all her family. They were then, with no other delay than
his pointing out the neatness of the entrance, taken into the
house; and as soon as they were in the parlor, he welcomed them
a second time with ostentatious formality to his humble abode,
and punctually repeated all his wife's offers of refreshment.
When Mr. Collins
said anything of which his wife might reasonably be ashamed,
which certainly was not infrequent, Elizabeth involuntarily turned
her eye on Mary. Once or twice she could discern a faint blush;
but in general Mary wisely did not hear. After sitting long enough
to admire every article of furniture in the room, from the sideboard
to the fender, Mr. Collins invited them to take a stroll in the
garden, which was large and well laid out, and to the cultivation
of which he attended himself. To work in his garden was one of
his most respectable pleasures; and Elizabeth admired the command
of countenance with which Mary talked of the healthfulness of
the exercise, and owned she encouraged it as much as possible.
Here, leading the way through every walk and cross walk, and
scarcely allowing them an interval to utter the praises he asked
for, every view was pointed out with a minuteness which left
beauty entirely behind. He could number the fields in every direction,
and could tell how many trees there were in the most distant
clump. But of all the views which his garden, or which the country,
or the kingdom could boast, none were to be compared with the
prospect of Rosings, afforded by an opening in the trees that
bordered the park nearly opposite the front of his house. It
was a handsome modern building, well situated on rising ground.
From his garden,
Mr. Collins would have led them round his two meadows, but the
ladies, not having the proper shoes to encounter the remains
of a white frost, turned back; and Mary had the opportunity of
showing the house. It was rather small, but well built and convenient;
and everything was fitted up and arranged with a neatness and
consistency of which Elizabeth gave Mary all the credit.
Jane remarked that
she found the house delightful, which brought a smile to Mrs.
Collins. "Yes; Lady Catherine has been very generous in
her additions and improvement to the parsonage. I could not be
more satisfied with my situation."
"A very generous
person, I should think." Elizabeth blushed at the reminder
of her own father's neglect of the Longbourn living. "I
would like to meet her."
Mary opened her
mouth to answer when Mr. Collins joining in, observing, "Yes,
Jane, you will have the honor of seeing Lady Catherine de Bourgh
on Sunday at church, and I need not say you will be delighted
with her. She is all affability and condescension, and I doubt
not but you, and your sister, too, will be honored with some
portion of her notice when service is over. I have scarcely any
hesitation in saying that she will include you and my sister
Elizabeth in every invitation with which she honors us during
your stay here. Her behavior to my dear Mary is charming. We
dine at Rosings twice every week, and are never allowed to walk
home. Her ladyship's carriage is regularly ordered for us. I
should say, one of her ladyship's carriages, for she has several.''
"Lady Catherine
is a very respectable, sensible woman indeed,'' added Mary, "and
a most attentive neighbor.''
"Very true,
my dear, that is exactly what I say. She is the sort of woman
whom one cannot regard with too much deference.''
Suddenly the curate
held up his hand, for he had heard a familiar noise. Silencing
his wife and new sisters, he quickly stepped to the window as
fast as his long legs could carry him, looked out, and breathless
with agitation, cried out, "Oh, my dear sisters! Pray make
haste and come outside, for there is such a sight to be seen!
I will not tell you what it is; but make haste, and come out
this moment.''
Elizabeth asked
questions in vain; but Mr. Collins would tell her nothing more,
and down the party ran out to the lane, in quest of this wonder.
It was a small carriage handled by a slim, pale-faced young woman
of about three and twenty. Mary's face broke out into the widest
smile Lizzy had ever seen.
"Miss de Bourgh!"
cried Collins. "You honor us, madam!"
"It is nothing,
I assure you, sir (cough)," said she. "Your wife had
mentioned that today was the day of her sisters' arrival, and
as I happened to be on my road (sniff), I took this chance to
welcome them to Rosings. (cough, cough) Would you do the honors?"
Introductions were
made all around. "I bring news that you are all invited
to Rosings (cough) tomorrow for tea..." Miss de Bourgh's
voice was lost in a fit of coughing, which alarmed all who attended.
"An - Miss
de Bourgh; will you not step inside? Some water; may we fetch
it for you?" Mary was clearly concerned.
"Excellent
suggestion, my dear," said her husband. "Please, Miss
de Bourgh. Our cottage is far too humble, I know, but allow us
to replay our gratitude to your esteemed mother by aiding you
in your hour of distress!"
The girl waved them
off. "No, no, I am well, (cough) I assure you. It is always
bad during the spring. (sniff) You shall come tomorrow?"
"Nothing shall
prevent it!" promised Collins.
~~~~}+{~~~~
The party walked
up the lane to Rosings Park, Mr. Collins having decided that
to use the offered carriage would be too large an imposition
to his noble patroness. As the Bennet sisters were fond of walking
and neither the distance involved being too great to the weather
too intemperate, there was opposition to the parson's plan. As
Mrs. Collins and Jane were involved in conversation, it fell
to Mr. Collins to entertain Elizabeth.
"Is it not
the grandest house you have ever laid eyes upon?" He waved
in a majestic way to the edifice before them. "But of course
it is," he answered himself. "Such beauty, such refinement
and elegance! Lady Catherine de Bourgh has the most excellent
taste…"
Elizabeth could
only look upon the place with stupefaction. Many houses improve
upon closer inspection; Rosings Park did not have the fortune
to be counted among that number. In a matter of fact, the closer
one got to the building the more overdone it seemed. "It
is a wonderment, sir." A wonderment indeed - that anyone
could spend so much to achieve so little! "I am sure
I have never seen its like." Thank goodness.
Mr. Collins continued
to prattle about the imposing residence until his knock upon
the door was answered by a footman dressed in a costume that
would be too much in St. James Court, much less a country estate.
Once the party entered the house, the tall clergyman became unusually
quiet. Apparently, the man was overwhelmed by the décor
- Elizabeth certainly was. Why, the interior of the house
is worse than the exterior! Does the woman believe that gold
leaf is so desirable that it must cover nearly every surface?
I am amazed that the servants do not wear it.
They were escorted
into a salon, decorated in a style to complement the rest of
the house; in other words, overdone. There, standing by a sofa,
was Miss de Bourgh. Next to her by a large chair was a tall elegant
woman of a certain age, as overdressed as the wallpaper. She
wore a look she meant to be reserved yet welcoming, but came
across as condescending. She did not wait to be introduced.
"Good afternoon,
Mr. Collins; Mrs. Collins. I can see that you are in good health.
As I have always enjoyed the most excellent health it is nothing
to me; but others must look to their diets. Vegetables! You must
continue to eat as many vegetables as you may; peas and squash
are particularly healthful."
"Vegetables
are of the first importance on our table, madam; thank you,"
answered Mary. Something hidden in her tone aroused Elizabeth's
notice, but before she could consider it further, the grand dame
turned in her direction.
"That is well,
Mrs. Collins. These young ladies must be your sisters."
Mary did the honors.
"Lady Catherine, these are my sisters: Miss Jane Bennet
and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Sisters, this is:Lady Catherine de
Bourgh and her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh." As the Bennet
sisters declared their delight at being introduced to such fine
company, Elizabeth wondered at Mrs. Collins' actions.
We met Miss de
Bourgh yesterday, yet Mary acts as if we did not! And Miss de
Bourgh says nothing!
In fact there was no sign of recognition in the young lady's
face or apparent inclination to correct Mrs. Collins. Mr. Collins
said nothing either. Jane was confused as well, but only Elizabeth,
who was blessed with such intimate knowledge of her sister's
feelings, could be aware of it. Miss de Bourgh acts as if
she and Mary are only indifferent acquaintances. How strange!
Are they keeping their true relationship from Lady Catherine's
notice? Of course - such a friendship would be beneath her. What
insufferable pride!
Lady Catherine began.
"Mrs. Collins tells me there are five of you - all daughters.
As I told her I cannot know what your mother could have been
thinking of. The estate is entailed to Mr. Collins, I understand.
It must be comforting thought to know that he is your brother
and will care for your mother after your father goes to his reward."
It was now time
for Mr. Collins to enter the conversation. "Yes; I could
not ask for a finer family, or more grateful sisters. Of course,
the Bennets are as nothing compared to the de Bourghs or Fitzwilliams,
but I am happily resigned to my good fortune."
"But five daughters!"
Lady Catherine continued as if the tall parson had said nothing.
"Should I have had more children, they would have certainly
have been boys. But, it matters not, as the de Bourghs have done
away with that foolish tradition of descending along the male
line. Rosings Park is destined to go to Anne upon my demise."
She gave a smile to her daughter, who simply nodded in return,
no other expression crossing her face.
"A far superior
arrangement, you may be sure, madam," Collins simpered.
"I am not sure
Deuteronomy agrees with you, my lady."
All eyes turned
to Mary Collins. "What was that? What did you say?"
demanded Lady Catherine.
Calmly, Mary returned,
"Deuteronomy says, 'If a man has two wives, one beloved,
and another hated, and they have born him children, both the
beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn son be hers that
was hated, then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit
that which he hath, that he may not make the son of the beloved
firstborn before the son of the hated, which is indeed the firstborn.
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn,
by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is
the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is
his.'
"However, we
are in England, not Judea, and it is written to 'render unto
Caesar that which is Caesar's', so I can say nothing further
upon the matter."
Lady Catherine spurted,
but said nothing in return. Mr. Collins' face was very red, but
as her ladyship allowed the matter to pass without comment, he
was spared the agony of choosing between his wife and his patroness.
Miss de Bourgh covered her mouth to cough, but Elizabeth thought
she caught a smile upon the young lady's lips.
"Miss Bennet,
are all your sisters out?" asked the grand dame.
Jane turned to her.
"Yes, madam."
"Your sister
has said so, but I thought that she must have been mistaken.
That is very singular!"
"I assure you,
your ladyship, my mother knows well her duties."
"Indeed, your
ladyship," Elizabeth was compelled to add. "With one
sister married and two older ones out, it would not be a source
of sisterly affection to strictly follow the dictates of propriety."
The Mistress of
Rosings turned her gaze upon Elizabeth. "You certainly express
your opinions freely, Miss Elizabeth Bennet! What is your age?"
Lizzy colored. "With
an older sister unmarried, you certainly cannot expect me to
own it." Jane blushed.
"Come, come,
Miss Elizabeth - you cannot be more than one and twenty! Miss
Bennet, while certainly of age, is in the full bloom of her beauty
and cannot be considered anything but an agreeable young lady.
I am full aware of Mrs. Collins' age and you are but a year or
two her senior."
Elizabeth colored
but answered, "I am not one and twenty."
"And your accomplishments;
Miss Bennet, do you play, sing and draw?"
Jane nodded. "I
play the pianoforte, as do my sisters Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins.
I enjoy embroidery."
The grand dame was
not done with her inquisition. "Do you not sing and dance
and draw? Did not your governess teach you? Surely your education
was deficit."
Elizabeth flushed
at the woman's rudeness, but Jane never lost her composure. "We
did not have a governess; my mother saw to our education. We
sought the talents that interested us. We all dance tolerably
well; my sister Kitty draws."
"Humph! Your
mother has coddled you; you should have learned all. I assure
you, Anne would have been a great proficient, had her health
permitted it." The young lady in question began coughing
again. After a glance at her daughter, Lady Catherine turned
to Mary. "Mrs. Collins, have you taken advantage of the
pianoforte in Mrs. Park's rooms?"
"Indeed I have,
your ladyship; I thank you."
The Mistress of
Rosings nodded. "I told your sister that she will never
play well unless she practices frequently, and on a good instrument.
I have given her permission to use the pianoforte in the housekeeper's
rooms; she shall disturb no one there."
Mr. Collins interjected,
"Oh, my lady, she does practice; almost every day! You are
so exceedingly kind to offer such a boon to us! And I can say
that you advice is most correct. Such music that flies from Mrs.
Collins' hands! I am the true beneficiary of your generosity,
my dear Lady Catherine!"
The old lady nodded.
"Mrs. Collins, you may bring your sisters to practice, as
well." This was announced as if the greatest gift in the
world was bestowed.
Elizabeth was astonished
at the smile that graced her sister's features. "You are
too kind, my lady." Elizabeth looked again. She could swear
there was a look of triumph in Mary's eyes.
~~~~}+{~~~~
After the party
returned to Hunsford, Elizabeth sought Mrs. Collins out. After
expressing her pleasure of visiting Rosings, she asked, "But
Mary, how is it that Miss de Bourgh was so cool towards you?
I must say that had I not met her yesterday and witnessed your
apparent affection, I would think that she was a most indifferent
acquaintance."
Her sister blushed.
"Yes, I can understand your confusion. I will say nothing
now; but perhaps after you and Jane retire, I might speak with
you."
Nothing more was
said and Elizabeth had little choice but to accept this scheme.
Sure enough, after the Bennet sisters had gone to their room,
Mary's soft knock soon followed them. "Sisters," she
began after gaining entrance, "I must explain the strange
behavior you witnessed today. You noticed, I am sure, Miss de
Bourgh's decided withdrawn countenance while we were at tea today."
"Indeed we
did," said Jane, "and we cannot but wonder at it. Yesterday
her behavior indicated a more intimate relationship. But perhaps
we were mistaken in her courtesy and kindness."
"No, Jane,
you were not at all mistaken. Anne - Miss de Bourgh - is more
than the daughter of my husband's patron. She is my dearest friend;
indeed she is as a sister to me."
"She must be
if you can refer to her by her Christian name!" exclaimed
Elizabeth. "But how do you account for her behavior today?
Does Lady Catherine object to such a friendship?" Lizzy
did not doubt the answer, knowing who her nephew was.
Mary looked away,
as to gather her thoughts, before responding. "That is partially
the answer, Lizzy. We both fear Lady Catherine's displeasure
and are worried she would demand that her daughter give up the
relationship, as one that is below someone of her station…"
"Below!"
cried Lizzy. "The daughter of a gentleman? Wife of her own
parson?"
"Lady Catherine
likes to have the distinction of rank preserved, sister. But
that is not the only reason. Anne and I have become fast friends
because of our enjoyment in activities that would not meet with
Lady Catherine's approval. We do not want to endanger Anne's
freedom by having our activities discovered."
The two Bennet girls
looked upon their sister in disbelief. "Freedom! You speak
as if Miss de Bourgh is a prisoner in her own house!"
"In some ways
she is, Lizzy; a prisoner of her mother's suffocating protection."
"Should you
continue this friendship if her ladyship objects?" asked
Jane.
Mary's eyes flashed.
"Anne is my dearest friend; I shall never give her up!"
"Mary,"
Jane continued in her soothing voice, "can you share with
us what these activities portend? Surely it is not disgraceful
- is it?"
Mary held her head
high. "I do not find it 'disgraceful'; but Lady Catherine,
and even my father, may disagree. However, as my husband does
not object, I wish to do as I please!"
"Mary! Tell
us what this activity is. We shall judge you fairly; trust us."
"I do not know;
you have not thought so of my participation in the past!"
The two girls shuddered
in horror. "Mary! Tell us! We beg you!"
Mrs. Collins drew
a breath. "Music."
Silence descended
upon the room.
"Music?"
asked Jane.
"Yes,"
Mary sniffed. "I have been teaching Anne to play the pianoforte."
"Oh, fie on
you, you horrid girl!" cried Elizabeth. "How can you
tease us so? Such thoughts that were going through my mind; and
Jane's too, I should not wonder!"
Mary gave her a
puzzled look. "What thoughts were those?"
"Yes,"
added Jane, "What were you thinking?"
"Never mind,"
equivocated their sister, blushing furiously. "It is of
little importance."
Jane turned back
to Mary. "But why must you keep this secret from her ladyship?
Surely she could have no objection to such an activity."
Elizabeth voiced her agreement with Jane's observation, but Mrs.
Collins shook her head.
"Lady Catherine
has put much stock into the belief that her daughter is of weak
constitution and suffers ill health. It is why she has not allowed
Anne to learn music or riding. If Anne cannot be a master of
her talents, then she must not suffer to be exposed as a mere
enthusiast. In fact, Anne only uses her carriage when her mother
is occupied; she is supposed to be driven by others."
"Mary,"
said Jane, "are you saying that Lady Catherine would be
displeased to learn that her daughter is not as unwell as she
fears?"
"Anne does
not enjoy perfect health; that is true." All remembered
her ever-present cough. "But she is capable of more than
her mother believes. Lady Catherine, however, is not a person
to be gainsaid. She means well; she is concerned lest her daughter
overexert herself."
Elizabeth asked,
"So you and Miss de Bourgh practice in secret?"
"Yes, in the
housekeeper's rooms. As you know, Lady Catherine has kindly allowed
me use of the pianoforte there and Mrs. Parks is in our confidence.
Her ladyship would never enter those rooms, so we are safe."
"And Mr. Collins;
he approves of this activity?'
Mary said carefully,
"He does not object is more accurate, Jane. He is uncomfortable
in keeping something from Lady Catherine's notice, but he realizes
that Miss de Bourgh will one day become Mistress of Rosings and
he does not wish to offend her. He is very pleased that she has
bestowed such attentions upon me. He is caught in the middle,
you see. So he closes his eyes and tends his gardens. We have
convinced him that what Lady Catherine does not know will not
harm her."
Lizzy nodded in
approval. She had taken a liking to the heiress and wished her
the same pleasure from music that she herself enjoyed. This image
of Anne de Bourgh was in stark contrast to the description of
the lady from Mr. Wickham, but Elizabeth convinced herself not
to be troubled. The girl was obviously a person of secrets and
if she could deceive her own mother, it was no surprise that
others would so misconstrue her true character. And, she smiled
to herself, Mr. Collins' gardens were truly beautiful as evidenced
by the constant care that was disposed there.
Jane, however, was
troubled by Mary's story, disguise being abhorrent to her. She
soon brightened; her character was ill-suited to unhappiness
and she comforted herself with the expectation of Lady Catherine's
happy surprise when the full extent of her daughter's accomplishments
was finally revealed.
~~~~}+{~~~~
The next afternoon,
Elizabeth was given the opportunity to gain a greater insight
into the marriage of her sister. Mr. Collins entered the sitting
room for tea, after shutting himself in his study working on
that Sunday's sermon.
"What will
be the scripture reading, Mr. Collins?" asked his wife as
she handed him his cup, prepared exactly to his liking.
The vicar smiled.
"Our Lord cleansing the Temple of the moneychangers and
the like." He sipped his tea. "Ah, perfect, as usual!
You see, my dear sisters, how Mrs. Collins fairly dotes on me!"
"Thank you,
my dear. And what will be the topic of the sermon?"
"The responsibility
of all of us to cast out from society those that are unfit. Lady
Catherine was most insistent that we remind the people that the
dregs of society are a danger to the social order and the preservation
of rank."
"But Mr. Collins,
this sounds very like the sermon from last week! Will not Lady
Catherine be offended? We cannot let her think her pastor is
without imagination. It will not do to so submerge your talents,
my dear." Mr. Collins paled at the thought. "What is
the subject of next Sunday's sermon - Easter Sunday?"
"Why, the Resurrection,
of course."
"Of course,
how silly of me. Hmmm…Perhaps it might be wise to prepare
the congregation for that Holy Day; remind them that Our Lord
foresaw his sacrifice."
The tall clergyman
began pacing about the room. "You know, I did have it in
my mind to do just that very thing…"
"Oh, how sensible
of you, Mr. Collins! Christ was very brave to challenge the Sanhedrin,
knowing that would provoke them to act against him."
"Indeed, indeed.
I recall a lecture in school on that very subject. I can remember
it still!"
"And shall
you share such a mighty memory with the people of Hunsford, husband?
Oh, how generous of you! Lady Catherine would be pleased, I am
sure."
"Yes, yes!
I shall write it this instant while it is clear in my head! Sisters,
excuse me!"
Jane spoke up. "Mr.
Collins, shall you not take tea?"
"No, Cousin
Jane! I must strike while the iron is hot! My muse is upon me!
I shall go! If you seek for me, look for me nowhere but in my
study!" He strode quickly to the door, and as he flung it
open he looked back at his wife. "Mary, my dear, may I ask
that you look over my manuscript once I have done an acceptable
draft?"
She nodded. "I
am at your disposal, as always, my dear."
"Excellent!
Wonderful woman! Your sister is an invaluable assistant, cousins.
She often finds misspellings and other mistakes in my prose.
Once she finishes her purview, my words truly sing to heaven!
Never has my writing flowed so well!"
"It is a little
thing, Mr. Collins. I know your intentions and I know your ways.
Your ideas flow so fast your pen cannot keep up. I am glad I
do justice to you talents."
"Indeed, I
am the most fortunate of men. Until later, ladies!" With
that he left the room.
Mary refilled her
astonished sisters' cups and gave a wink to Lizzy. "Shall
we go to Rosings tomorrow, sisters?"
~~~~}+{~~~~
That night Elizabeth
found it difficult to sleep, so she perused Mr. Collins' library.
As she expected, it was meanly stocked, and the few volumes in
evidence were of a pious nature. Finally settling on the least
offensive book on hand, she left to return to her rooms, when
she had yet another insight into the Collins' relationship. She
espied her sister and brother-in-law in earnest conversation
in the sitting room as she walked towards the stairs. As she
was a quiet walker, they had no idea of her presence and Elizabeth
was in a quandary. She knew she should either withdraw or make
her existence known. But like an onlooker to a terrible carriage
accident, she moved closer, the shadows of the hall disguising
her.
Collins was holding
his wife's hand and looking most earnest, almost dancing in his
impatience. "My dear, dear Mrs. Collins, might I come to
you tonight?"
Oh, my lord!
Mary took on a thoughtful
expression, then asked her husband, "You do recall our agreement,
husband?"
"Oh, yes! Not
a sound shall escape my lips."
"Silence is
very agreeable, for our marital duties are a holy thing. But
Mr. Collins, you forgot yourself last time."
The tall man seemed
to shrink. "But my loveliness! I could not restrain my amour;
forgive me!"
"That is all
very well, but my most innocent sisters are in the house. It
would not do to…expose them to…our activities."
"You are right,
you are very right! I shall redouble my efforts; I shall not
fail you, oh mistress of my heart! Please say that you will receive
me!"
She looked up at
him then faintly smiled. "Very well. Shall we say in an
hour?"
Never had Elizabeth
seen her brother-in-law more pleased. "Oh, thank you, my
little Mary-kins!" He bent to kiss her on the cheek.
Elizabeth took this
opportunity to silently flee to her room. I believe I will
be ill now.
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