Page 32 of Introducing Mrs. Collins
Mr Collins flushed, presumably falling on the same thought himself: the shame occasioned by his youngest cousin’s recent actions. Once Lady Catherine has returned her focus to the curate, Charlotte put a reassuring hand into her husband’s, which he accepted gratefully.
‘Are your lodgings satisfactory?’ continued Lady Catherine in her interrogation of the curate. To an outsider’s eye, the great lady could almost appear altruistic in her enthusiasm to know about the comfort of other people’s houses.
‘Yes, indeed. I am living, in fact, in the house of Colonel Raeworth. I owe the arrangement to Mrs Collins, who recognised so cleverly that I was in need of somewhere to live and he in need of someone to assist him.’
Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had otherwise been somewhat taciturn, roused a little at this and leaned forward. ‘Lieutenant Colonel Raeworth? Of the 50th Foot?’ he asked.
Mr Smithson looked unsure and turned to Charlotte for the answer.
‘Yes, I believe so,’ said Charlotte. ‘He is a colonel now though – since he came home. He told me when we first met.’
‘Why is he no longer serving?’
‘He lost his leg in battle.’
‘When?’ Fitzwilliam was almost badgering Charlotte.
‘I am not certain, but I believe it was a few years ago.’
Fitzwilliam refused to abandon his line of questioning. ‘Corunna? Talavera?’
‘Yes,’ said Charlotte, glad to have something for him, ‘I think he said Talavera.’
‘Talavera,’ he repeated, nodding. ‘So, they gave him a promotion after that, did they? A leg for a title. A fair swap.’
‘A shank for a rank,’ added Charlotte, stumbling on the wordplay and speaking it almost without thinking.
To everyone’s surprise, Colonel Fitzwilliam broke out in almost violent laughter, and as his reaction faded, he gave Charlotte an approving nod.
She smiled tightly, secretly pleased. It was clear that the rest of the party had been left behind in this moment of levity.
Mr Smithson, however, was undaunted and would not be distracted by the lightened mood. ‘I believe, from what I have seen of Colonel Raeworth, that he is honoured to have served his country so valiantly. He takes solace from this and from his faith. “I beseech you therefore… that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”’ Mr Smithson held an unusual expression as he said this to Colonel Fitzwilliam. It was that of a teacher, giving a difficult lesson.
Fitzwilliam returned his look with some distaste. ‘Many young men carry a Bible with them on campaign, Mr Smithson, and it has been a great help to some.’
Mr Smithson smiled wider, until the colonel continued, ‘If worn in the front pocket, it can sometimes stop a bullet from a musket blast.’
Mr Collins gasped, scandalised. Mr Smithson did not look shocked but calmly understanding, which Charlotte imagined was even more irritating to Fitzwilliam.
‘If we maytalk of something else,’ Lady Catherine broke in, looking sternly at her nephew, then turning to Charlotte, ‘what of your friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet? I have heard something about her sister being lately married?’
‘Yes, I believe so.’
‘To a Mr Wickham?’
‘Indeed,’ returned Charlotte, determined to close down any further discussion.
Lady Catherine sensed her reticence but was equally determined in the opposite direction. ‘It was a very short courtship, I have heard. This is what comes of girls being allowed out before they are ready. She was out at fifteen! And now look.’
‘And now she is married to an officer in the army. I think her mother is well pleased with the outcome.’
‘The outcome, perhaps, but not the method.’ Lady Catherine spoke these words pointedly and looked at Charlotte, as if she were somehow responsible for this scandal. ‘And your friend, Miss Elizabeth. Has she hopes of matrimony? This must affect her chances.’
Charlotte looked at her and blinked, refusing to rise to the bait. ‘I do not know.’
Lady Catherine held her gaze, her eyes demanding a more complete answer, but Charlotte would give none. Turning to Mr Smithson and Mr Collins, Lady Catherine continued, ‘I havealways been concerned for the care of young women. When they are neglected and allowed to go to ruin, I feel it very deeply.’
‘Indeed, your compassion is evident, my lady,’ simpered Mr Collins, in an attempt to make up for his stiff, unsmiling wife. ‘Society owes you a debt for the interest you have taken in families that have not been steered as well as you have steered your own.’
