Page 8 of Sketching Mr. Darcy
E lizabeth was spending the first morning since her illness in the living room, when extraordinary news shattered the peace of Mrs Bennet and the entire household.
Lady Lucas called with Charlotte and informed them that, just before he left the county, Mr Collins had proposed to Charlotte and she had happily accepted him. He was expected to return soon and settle everything for the wedding.
The knowledge of this arrangement was almost too much for Mrs Bennet’s nerves, and she lost not a single moment in making her disbelief universally known. Surely, it must have been some sort of mistake as Mr Collins was most desirous to marry Lizzy!
While their younger sisters could barely restrain their amusement, Jane and Elizabeth tried to form a proper, though not very convincing, congratulation.
Elizabeth saw that Charlotte recognised her censure and disappointment. Yet neither of them said anything upon the subject, and when Charlotte took her farewell, Elizabeth found the strength to embrace her friend and wish her felicity in her marriage.
Once the guests departed, Mrs Bennet continued to cry and complain, requiring Hill to help her to her room as she felt too weak to stand and face their dreadful future.
Mr Bennet’s emotions were more tranquil on the occasion. As he later confessed to his eldest daughters, it gratified him to discover that Charlotte Lucas, whom he had been used to think tolerably sensible, was as foolish as his wife and more foolish than his daughter!
The next day, Charlotte returned with only her sister, Maria, and while the younger girls amused themselves, Charlotte required a private moment with Elizabeth. After a cup of tea, Charlotte finally spoke decidedly.
“I could go no further without discussing this with you, Lizzy, as you are as dear to me as a sister and I value no one’s opinion as much as yours.”
“The feeling is mutual, Charlotte, you know that.”
“I know. That is why we must be honest with each other. I did not fail to see your disapproval about my marital arrangements. I felt that you were horrified and disdained me.”
“Oh, Charlotte, please do not believe that—”
“Do not attempt to deny it, Lizzy. We know each other too well. You did not hesitate to reject Mr Collins when he proposed to you, and you could not imagine or accept my acceptance of him. But Lizzy, do not hurry to judge me harshly. Not all of us have the courage or the will to reject an honourable gentleman with a good situation in life or to refuse a comfortable future just because the gentleman is not particularly handsome or witty or able to satisfy our romantic dreams and hopes to be married only for the deepest love,” Charlotte said bitterly.
“I do not judge you, Charlotte, but you are my best friend, and I know you are such a wonderful woman! You could find a much better husband than Mr Collins—I am sure.”
“What do you mean a better man, Lizzy? He has a satisfactory income and good connections. He is kind and seems to have good intentions. What could be better than that? And why should I hope for a ‘better’ one? What do I have to tempt a ‘better’ man? No dowry, no connections… And to be honest—though you are younger and more be autiful and witty and charming than me—what else do you , Lizzy, have to offer a man in your hopes to attract a ‘better’ one? Why such arrogant hopes?”
Elizabeth knew Charlotte well enough to recognise that she was angry and hurt, and her friend’s sharp inquiry left her silent and disconcerted for a moment.
“I do not want to fight with you, Charlotte. From that point of view, you are right of course. I have nothing in my favour to entertain my ‘arrogant hopes’ as you named them. I made my decision, and I will have to accept it, just as you made yours. But dearest Charlotte, it is not about being handsome or witty or about romantic hopes. Could you truly believe that Mr Collins has had time to know you and to develop real affection for you as you deserve since he proposed to you only three days after he proposed to me? That is my main worry. You deserve nothing less than to be appreciated and cared for.”
“Mr Collins might not have had time to develop true affection for me, nor I for him. But, as I have no reason to think ill of him, to doubt his character or his intentions, I feel confident enough to take my chances, trust my luck, and wait for affection to come later.”
“What if it does not come? What if you are not able to respect your husband? How will you bear the marriage? How will you bear the regret that you might have been happy if—”
“I will compensate with a good household, with the hope of children, with a comfortable home, and with the chance of helping my family if they ever need it. Lizzy, you are lovely and have a sharp mind that has always impressed me and made me admire you. But you are also a hasty judge of people’s characters—and a little vain.
Only consider your opinion of Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham.
You like Mr Wickham, but for what positive reasons?
Do you know him to be generous, kind, loyal?
Or do you declare him to be your friend only because he has a handsome appearance, pleasant manners, and favoured you from the beginning?
On the other hand, Mr Darcy refused to dance with you, and I know your vanity was hurt by his rejection though you did not admit it.
Consequently, you declared him as possessing the worst qualities and retaliated by being rude to him.
What if Mr Darcy had danced with you that first night at the Meryton assembly and declared his admiration for you?
Would you have been so disposed to disapprove of him? ”
“Charlotte, this is not about Mr Wickham or Mr Darcy—”
“No, it is not. It is about my future husband, Mr Collins, but the situation is similar. He is neither the handsomest nor the wittiest man alive, so you believe him incapable of having any good qualities such as politeness or consideration or industriousness. You rejected him in a moment, but did you take time to consider whether you were wise in doing that? Forgive me, but considering your position, are you aware that you might not receive another proposal from anyone with as good a situation?”
“I am aware, Charlotte… In fact, I am resigned to my fate, and I shall remain an old maid and help Jane care for her children.” Elizabeth attempted to joke.
“What if Jane does not receive a proposal either? What if Mr Bingley does not marry her?”
“Oh, I am sure he will. If not, another gentleman will surely meet and fall in love with her.”
“Perhaps or perhaps not, Lizzy. Do you realise that you place the entire burden on Jane’s shoulders?
And let me remind you: had Mr Bingley not leased Netherfield and never met Jane, Mr Collins likely would have proposed to her.
Do you believe that she would have dared to refuse him, oppose your mother’s will, and put the entire family at risk? ”
“I…do not know…”
“You may laugh at Mr Collins now, but have you considered what will occur if something happens to Mr Bennet and none of you has made a favourable marriage? Where will you all go, Lizzy? Who will keep you? Let us hope Mr Bingley does marry Jane because one of you needs a very wealthy husband to take care of you all. Otherwise, you, Jane, or any of your sisters will gladly accept any offer, even from someone with more faults than Mr Collins has. And would you then not regret that you so hastily rejected him?”
The two dear friends looked into each other’s eyes, trying to read the other’s mind and heart. Neither of them moved nor spoke, and they barely breathed. Eventually, Charlotte moved closer, took Elizabeth’s hands, and spoke, her eyes tearful.
“Forgive me for being so harsh, Lizzy. I want you to understand me and not despise me for my choice. I could not bear to lose your love and respect. All I want is a comfortable home, a good husband, and a life without fears for my future. And I know my choice has made my family happy too. These things are more important than any of Mr Collins’s faults. ”
“It is I who should apologise, Charlotte. I was only concerned about your happiness. I love you as dearly as I do my sister, and I would say the same to Jane. But if Mr Collins has the good fortune of gaining your affections, he will be a very happy man, and I will be very happy for you. If this is your wish, I offer you my sincerest congratulations.”
“It is, Lizzy. Oh—and you should be grateful that I will marry Mr Collins as you know that you and your family will be always welcome in my home. But I do expect Mr Bennet to be healthy and sound for at least another twenty years, so no rush on that.” Charlotte laughed, and they embraced each other tightly, holding the embrace for some time.
“Charlotte—I would happily sleep in the woods to know you happy,” Elizabeth whispered.
“I know you would, dear Lizzy. But let us hope that will not be the case. You have had enough excitement in the woods for a while!”
***
The night after Charlotte’s visit, Elizabeth found little rest as her friend’s words troubled her more than she realised.
She still could not approve Charlotte’s decision and shivered at the mere thought of having her friend sharing the marriage bed with a man long before they shared affection, respect, and tenderness.
Nevertheless, it was Charlotte’s choice, and she was neither a simpleton nor a reckless young girl who did not know her mind.
So all Elizabeth could do was to respect her friend’s decision and put aside her own opinion.