Page 38 of Saving Jane
“Certainly, Mr Gardiner,” Mr Blackstone agreed and stepped aside to allow the Gardiners to pass.
Mr Gardiner added, “I have never heard such lengthy discourses on the duties of the parishioners to the members of the clergy. It has been most gratifying to learn of the depth of your knowledge on such matters. Would you gentlemen favour me by discussing the duties of the clergy toward their flock this evening after supper? I am most certain that you can provide me with all the information I require to judge the vicar of our church in town.”
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While Mr Collins was attending the ladies in the parlour and providing direction on the passages from Fordyce’s Sermons that should be read on a Sunday afternoon, Mr Gardiner and Mr Bennet enjoyed the quiet of the study for a few moments. Looking up from his book at one point, Mr Gardiner made an offer.
“Brother, if I am not mistaken, you have surpassed all desire for the wisdom and company of Mr William Collins. While I know you enjoy the follies and nonsense of others–particularly of fools–I worry that your patience is overtaxed by the mere weight of words he spouts.”
Mr Bennet nodded. “I had forgotten what fools that side of the family produces. It stems from his grandfather–the man who married my grandfather’s sister and who talked my great-grandfather into placing the entailment on the estate. My grandfather was not a healthy man, and his sister feared that she would not inherit if her brother died without a child with his wife. To satisfy everyone–except for my grandmother–my great-grandfather placed the entailment on his grandsons. I had no brothers, no nephews and no sons so Longbourn will pass to the fools in the Collins line.”
“And short of strangling the man, there is nothing to be done but to suffer him as your son once he is married to Jane.”
“Do not remind me of what I have done to my daughter,” Mr Bennet insisted. “I find I prefer Lydia’s tavernkeeper to Mr Collins in the pulpit as a son.”
Mr Gardiner bowed his head for a moment and then suggested, “Perhaps I can convince Mr Collins to return to Kent before Christmas.”
Looking up, Mr Bennet grinned for the first time that afternoon. “I would be grateful sir! If you should remove this man from my house without a resulting visit from the magistrate, I shall be entirely at your service for the remainder of your visit!”
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“Elizabeth, I shall be making a point with Mr Blackstone and Mr Collins at supper. I would appreciate your endorsement to my argument,” Mr Gardiner whispered to his niece.
“Certainly sir,” she replied though she was certainly curious to what her uncle planned.
During the meal, Elizabeth found that she had no idea what her uncle was about. Mr Bennet was uncommonly quiet and each of his daughters noted his behaviour while Mrs Bennet enjoyed her conversation with Mrs Gardiner as the lady joined her husband in directing Mr Blackstone and Mr Collins into espousingthe church’s edicts on the responsibilities of the parishioners for their vicars and then on the responsibilities of the vicars and parsons for their parishioners.
“And do you feel the vicar plays a critical role in the observance of the major church days–such as Christmas?” asked Mr Gardiner.
“Indeed, I do,” Mr Blackstone replied. “The minister must set the example in all things for his flock such as marking the observances in the church year that denote the life of our Lord and Savoir.”
“Do you make the Christmas observance a special service?” asked Elizabeth. Mr Gardiner smiled as his niece joined the conversation.
“Mr Collins, I am sorry that you will miss your first Christmas service with your flock in Hunsford–Mr Blackstone certainly has Longbourn Chapel prepared.” Mr Gardiner said.
“My patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, encouraged me to come to Hertfordshire for Christmas. She does not think it will be possible for me to be absent from Kent this winter and wanted me to ensure...to visit with my family again this fall.”
Mr Blackstone nodded in agreement though the other attendees of the meal were less enthusiastic for the presence of Mr Collins.
“Surely, you have trust in Mr Blackstone to guard the morals and propriety of the whole of Longbourn? With his guidance for all Longbourn, you would be safe in returning to your flock for the special services that mark the birth of the Saviour?”
Elizabeth turned to Mr Blackstone and asked, “What is your opinion sir? How important is the presence of the vicar for his flock at such a moment? You would not be absent from Longbourn Chapel at Christmas, would you?”
In the ensuing discussion, Mr Blackstone came to suggest to Mr Collins that he return quickly to Hunsford for the Christmas observances. Mr Gardiner provided Mr Collins with suggestions for post changes that would help him through London during the busy week and it was decided that Mr Collins would leave on Tuesday morning.
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But the following morning, Elizabeth noted that her father was agitated still despite the departure of Mr Collins.
“Papa, whatever is the matter?” she asked. “Are you not pleased to have seen the last of Mr Collins for many months?”
“Lizzy, I fear I have not heard the last of him this winter! Would you believe that this morning he had the nerve to suggest that we consider alterations to the marriage settlement?”
“Alterations?”
Mr Bennet shook his head, “It is nothing for you to concern yourself with–just money. But if that man thinks I will agree to make changes, he will find it necessary to pontificate with Mr Blackstone for ten yearsbefore I agree.”
Chapter 19.Mrs Gardiner’s Arrangements
