Page 33 of Introducing Mrs. Collins
‘On Sunday, I plan to speak of the importance of protecting the morality of young women,’ spoke up Mr Smithson boldly.
As Lady Catherine smiled approvingly at him, Colonel Fitzwilliam broke his silence, with, ‘But nothing on the morality of young men?’
Mr Smithson was caught off guard. He turned to the colonel. ‘Of course, both the sexes have an obligation to adhere to godly behaviour, but the sanctity of womanly virtue must be protected.’
‘Is it not men who are the chief risk to womanly virtue? You might as well preach that message exclusively to a congregation of gentlemen on Sunday and let the ladies enjoy a walk outside, if such an activity does not threaten their moral standing.’
Mr Smithson was not cowed by this challenge. He looked as if he enjoyed it. ‘I abide by the Bible, sir. “Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.”’ Smithson smiled beatifically, as if he were speaking as a prophet himself.
‘And I choose not to talk about women having a price,’ countered the colonel, pushing himself up straighter to better stare down the young curate. ‘Morality is all very well, sir, as far as it serves us and God, but I tell you I have seen women punished for behaviour far less immoral than that of the gentlemen who judge them. I have known men, braggards, who have stolen that “sanctity” women are supposed to hold so carefully, then walked away with their reputations intact. Equally, I have seen boys as young as fourteen, encouraged to drink and swear and take their pleasures with women, all so that they be hardened up for battle and made ready to die. I would pray fortheirsanctity. I think youhave it the wrong way round, sir: keep our boys pure and give the girls a little freedom.’
He slumped back in his chair. Charlotte thought that if he could have taken his leave, he would, and she felt disappointed for him that such a moment of drama was denied him. She was rather struck by him in that instant: his vigour. She liked what he said very much. She tried to catch his eye to communicate this to him, but he had retreated into himself and was now determined not to look anyone in the face.
Lady Catherine turned to the Collinses and Mr Smithson. ‘I think it is time that we bid you good day.’
One of the things Charlotte admired about her husband’s patroness was her readiness to dismiss her guests when the time was right. It was a talent she hoped to learn herself.
She went to take her leave of Colonel Fitzwilliam and found him looking at the back of Mr Smithson’s head with some distaste.
1802
LONDON
Miss Eleanor Trowbridge, dressed in a pink satin dress and white gloves, with a pearl-encrusted bandeau across her blonde hair, skipped gracefully down the line of gentleman. Then, after rounding the corner, she took her partner’s hand once more and ducked under an archway formed above them by another couple’s hands.
Eleanor grinned at Captain Fitzwilliam as they emerged and settled back into their line. The final strains of the music sounded, and she curtsied; her partner bowed and offered his arm, leading her to the side of the ballroom. Her face was flushed with the movement and with the heat of a summer’s evening.
‘You do not know that dance,’ she teased him.
‘I truly do not. I was following Lord Archer for most of it, but he abandoned me at the third section.’
‘I saw it happen. That is when you trod on Miss Palmer.’
They both laughed. ‘You shall not want to stand up with me again,’ challenged Fitzwilliam, knowing what her answer would be.
‘I think I shall bear it. I shall just have to teach you more steps.’
He tilted his head down to whisper in her ear, ‘I shall be a willing pupil.’
She looked up at him, her eyes fiery with anticipation, and he felt no less excitement.
While no official engagement had taken place, there was an understanding between them that it would be secured soon. One full season might, to one couple, seem too short a time to be sure of a courtship; but to another, it could feel as long as a lifetime. He was ready, and she was hopeful.
It had been early in the season that Captain Fitzwilliam had spotted a pretty girl whose eyes seemed to be challenging him across the ballroom and had entreated his brother to make the introduction.
Thomas, the elder Fitzwilliam brother, had laughed, ‘You make quick work of the London scene, Richard. She certainly seems interested. One moment…’
In a matter of minutes, Miss Trowbridge and her mother were talking to Captain Fitzwilliam and his brother, who was styled Lord Charlton. The mother’s eyes widened considerably when she heard the title of the elder brother, and there was no doubt she was keen to secure his interest for her daughter, but Miss Trowbridge had eyes for no one but the young soldier.
As her mother engaged his brother in conversation, Captain Fitzwilliam had the attention of Miss Trowbridge to himself. She began, ‘I have not seen you around the town before, sir. How can that be?’
‘I have been posted in Gibraltar, Miss Trowbridge, but now that we are peace, I am happily returned.’
‘And do you enjoy ballrooms, when you are used to barracks?’
‘I like both well enough. I am certainly appreciative of varied and lively company, having spent a year with a hundred men on a rock. I welcome new acquaintances.’
‘I am glad to hear it,’ she replied.
