Chapter 1
Elizabeth could not believe that they had almost reached their destination. The trip had been long, but worthy of being done. She had been travelling for three days now, across the country, to the west, towards the rocky coasts of Ceredigion where her friend Charlotte had settled her new home after marrying Mr. Collins.
She never thought she would miss her friend's company so much. The winter had been long and hard and without Jane and Charlotte to share her days with, Elizabeth's life had turned dull and lonely.
To the anticipation she felt for seeing her dear Charlotte after so long, Elizabeth had to add the excitement she felt on visiting the country of Wales for the first time. In her letters, the new Mrs. Collins described the island in which she had settled as a married woman as untamed and windy. According to Charlotte, Rosings Island was immense. One part of it was rocky, with high cliffs moulded by the inclemency of the western winds and the other, sheltered as it was by the higher peaks, was greener, with pleasant groves and beholding beautiful sights.
Notwithstanding the beauties that Charlotte promised the island would offer, Elizabeth was not certain that meeting its owner would bestow the same pleasure. The information that she had received about her had been confusing as it had been contradictory. While Charlotte had ever spoken ill of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, for some of her expressions, Elizabeth could discern that she did not hold her in high esteem. The same had happened upon Mr. Collins' last visit to Lucas Lodge. The parson, who always referred to his patroness with the highest reverence, not once had expressed himself fondly about her and there had been moments where Elizabeth could almost detect fear in his voice, hence making her doubt about Lady Catherine's good nature.
"Are we still too far away?" asked Maria from her seat, next to Elizabeth.
"No, we are quite close, my dear," replied Sir William Lucas. "The coachman said we will reach Aberaeron before nightfall. Thereupon, only a short trip by ship separates us from your sister."
"I have never seen the sea before," Miss Lucas cried enthusiastically. "I cannot wait until we are there!"
"I wish we could have more time to tour the country," said Elizabeth, marvelling at the beauty of Ceredigion's hilly landscape. "I would have liked to see Cardigan Castle."
"Perhaps we can arrange a short visit before my return to Hertfordshire, Lizzy," offered Sir William. "That is, if Charlotte agrees in giving up your company if only for a few days."
Elizabeth smiled. "Perhaps I can convince her to accompany us. I am sure her husband will have no inconvenience in parting with his wife."
"I am sure that Mr. Collins will not object, though I doubt Lady Catherine will consent with such plans. Charlotte says that she does not condone a parson's wife leaving her husband's side for long periods of time." Sir William said thoughtfully. In his last letters from her, while content with her husband, Charlotte did not seem at all happy with the treatment she and Mr. Collins were receiving from their patroness.
"Even if it is only for a few days?"
"We would not wish to excite her anger," replied Sir William.
"I do not think she could be so bad," smiled Elizabeth. "Let us see for ourselves."
The travellers reached the Inn before nightfall and, tired from their trip, retired to their rooms soon after eating a light supper. They rose early on the following morning and went to the port, where a small vessel that was waiting to take them to Rosings.
"When are we leaving?" cried Maria. "I am most anxious to see the Charlotte!"
"We must wait a little longer, Miss," said the captain, "I would not dare face the tides of Rosings in this wind."
"Does this happen very often?" enquired Sir William. "The weather seems so wild and windy."
"Sometimes, at this time of the year. Though the coast is quite pleasant after noon."
"Which one of those islands is Rosings?" inquired Elizabeth, her scrutinizing the sea.
"The largest one. You can distinguish the manor from here. Right there," Mr. --- pointed, "On the cliffs."
"And its owner," Sir William commented, "Is she agreeable? We heard she is quite an opinionated Lady."
"Lady Catherine de Bourgh? I never saw her, she rarely comes to the mainland and when she does, she heads directly to London. But I know she's not liked by her tenants or the villagers or by those who trade with the island. She is said to be intolerant and uncharitable."
Sir William remained silent, thinking of poor Charlotte's fate with such a patroness.
As Mr. --- predicted, the wind ceased by midday and the travellers were able to do this last part of their long trip. When approaching the island, Rosings manor became more discernible. It was large, built of dark stone and it stood proud and solid on the top of the cliff. Beneath it, the sea chastised the rock. Framing the magnificent view, the clearest of skies.
The vessel turned North, surrounding the rocky peninsula, towards the small, sheltered bay in which Hunsford village was situated. From where she was, Elizabeth could distinguish Charlotte's figure waving at them.
"Look! There she is!" Maria waved back. "Charlotte!"
In a moment they were all standing on the docks, rejoicing at the sight of each other. Mrs. Collins welcomed her friend with the liveliest pleasure and Elizabeth was more and more satisfied with coming on seeing she was being so affectionately received.
Mr. Collins was a lot more pompous in his reception and politely enquired after Elizabeth's family. And then, while conversing about the latest news, they climbed the short road that led to the parsonage.
Right after their arrival, the Collinses showed the newcomers their humble residence. It was handsome, well kept and, though some objects seemed misplaced, it was decorated with good taste. Elizabeth then learned that Charlotte's favourite rooms were situated at opposite ends to those of her husband's and that she preferred to stay indoors while he looked after the garden, an activity that Charlotte eagerly encouraged him to do.
That night, in the solitude of her bedchamber, Elizabeth had some time to meditate about Charlotte's degree of contentment with her new position as Mr. Collins' wife. Though not deliriously happy, Charlotte seemed pleased with her circumstances. The parson had not changed much since they last saw each other, he was still pompous in his manner of addressing her, but Charlotte seemed to tolerate him quite well and showed no embarrassment of his silly remarks. What did call Elizabeth's attention though, was how Mr. and Mrs. Collins' expressions became crossed when inquired after their patroness, Lady Catherine De Bourgh. They would refer to her briefly, unsmilingly and would turn the conversation towards subjects that were -in Elizabeth's opinion- more agreeable for them.
"Perhaps her Ladyship is very much like her nephew, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth sighed as she readied herself for bed. "Proud and disagreeable."
With that thought, she blew out the candle and fell asleep.
On the following morning, the new comers were surprised with an unexpected visit from the manor. Miss de Bourgh had personally driven her curricle to extend an invitation to the parson and his guests to visit the mansion.
"What a distinguished young lady!" sighed Maria when Miss de Bourgh finally left. "Do you not think so, Lizzy?"
For someone whose beauty had been the object of the Collinses' praise, Elizabeth saw nothing remarkable about the heiress of Rosings. "She is most elegantly dressed, I grant you."
Maria made a few comments about the lady, especially pointing out her boldness for driving a curricle all by herself. Elizabeth paid little attention to what she said, her thoughts wandering in a different direction. So this was Miss de Bourgh, the woman to which the proud Mr. Darcy would soon become engaged. She wasn't pretty nor refined and had an air of conceited independence around her that Elizabeth found particularly distasteful. The perfect wife for an arrogant man.
The parsonage was not too far away from the manor but, though short, the path that led to Lady Catherine's residence was not an easy one. Rosings was situated up on the taller cliff of the island, facing the sea, so the mile that separated both houses was a rather sharp ascent that measured the strength and endurance of those who dared to climb it. There was an easier road, the one that the carriages used, surrounding the cliff, making the distance between the houses three times longer, which was quickly discarded. Elizabeth faced the ascent without problem, so did the Collinses, they did this quite often, but more than once the party had to stop and wait until Sir William recovered his breath.
It was during one pause when Elizabeth had the chance to admire the immensity of Rosings island in all its grandeur. It was a pleasant day, not as windy as the previous one, the sky was clear and the temperature agreeable. From that spot, they could practically survey the entire island. To her left, on top of the hill, the big, sombre house rising high against the blue skies. A grove of trees and maze of thorny bushes limited the park on the far end, and then the landscape made a pronounced descent towards the bay where the village of Hunsford was barely discernible. She could smell the sea and hear the waves hitting the rocky coast with their mighty force.
In a closer inspection, the manor reminded Elizabeth of those tales of old castles full of ghosts where legendary battles had been fought. The building was solid, but unwelcoming. Surely those stony walls and small Tudor windows would resist the wildest storm, but Elizabeth doubted they would provide the occupants the warm and cosy shelter of a real home. Even though Rosings was a fortress built to stand up before the most inclement attacks of both men and weather, Elizabeth would never change the green pastures of Hertfordshire to live in a place like this.
"Beyond those cliffs there is a small beach for the exclusive use of the family," pointed Mr. Collins. "Lady Catherine has allowed us to use it during the summer, if she is not entertaining guests."
"How generous of her," replied Elizabeth.
"I have not had the chance to go there yet, the weather had been too cold so far," added Charlotte. "Though I know I would always prefer Hunsford's beach instead of this one. It's smaller but much closer to our house, and down the hill, which makes the journey a lot more effortless."
"Cousin Elizabeth," said Mr. Collins with certain degree of embarrassment. "You should not feel uneasy about your apparel. Her Ladyship will not think less of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved and she never requires in her guests the same elegance that becomes herself and her daughter."
"Thank you, Mr. Collins," replied she, keeping the sarcasm from her voice. "Her Ladyship is so considerate."
Thus they resumed their walk, entering in the gardens of the house.
On reaching the mansion, the uneasiness of the party increased. Elizabeth, the only one whose disposition did not seem affected by the intelligence of such dreadful stories, had nothing to fear. For her, Lady Catherine was only another arrogant noblewoman who took pleasure in using her rank to abuse those who could not defend themselves. Ignoring her was the best thing she could do.
A servant showed them to the room where Lady Catherine, her daughter, and another woman were sitting. Her ladyship, received them from her seat while Mrs. Collins did the introductions.
Lady Catherine was a tall, large woman, with features that might once have been handsome but that now only transmitted bitterness and disdain. She never smiled, her air was not conciliating nor inviting, nor was her manner of receiving them. The difference between ranks was constantly reminded so her guests would not forget the inferiority of their status. For Elizabeth, she was just like Mr. Wickham had represented her.
They all sat, silent and tense under Lady Catherine's judgmental scrutiny. Maria was terrified, the Collinses would not utter a word if not addressed first and even Sir William, the only one who had been in St. James, was intimidated enough by the grandeur around him to engage her Ladyship in conversation.
The first impression that Miss de Bourgh made on Elizabeth was changing every minute the young ladies spent in mutual society. If Elizabeth had found her plain and unattractive from the distance, on closer scrutiny she thought her prettier now. Neither striking nor beautiful, but pleasant in her own way. Her figure was light and her vivacious green eyes evidenced an easy temper. She even made a few attempts to engage Elizabeth in conversation but these expressions of civility were quickly silenced by her imposing mother. Lady Catherine, too fond of hearing her own voice, would not admit a conversation which had not been started or carried on by herself so any subject that escaped her choice was immediately dismissed and turned into one of her liking.
Towards the Collinses, Lady Catherine was deliberately vicious. They were constantly reminded of her generosity and she would silence with uncivil disdain any opinion they would voice during the conversation. Not that they supplied any reason to provoke her instant rejection, they were always obliging and even servile in their responses, but her ladyship seemed to unwelcome any word that would come from their lips. Fortunately for them and the rest of the party, her efforts in degrading the parson and his wife eased somehow during supper. She was too busy chewing her food and hearing the praise her guests were offering about the feast she was hosting to do so.
When the ladies returned to the drawing room, there was little to be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did without any intermission till coffee was served. She expressed her opinions about almost every subject in a very decisive manner, proving to everyone that she was not one to have her judgement discussed. Even Charlotte's domestic concerns were discussed in front of every body. Lady Catherine had no reserve in telling her how to manage her household and even threaten her with 'dreadful consequences' if her instructions were not followed precisely. Nothing was beneath this great lady's attention. If it was at Rosings, it was under her tyrannical command.
Her Ladyship was quite incisive with Elizabeth, too, endeavouring to know everything about her. She enquired about her family and did very little to conceal her disgust for Mrs. Bennet's choice of not hiring a governess to improve the education of her daughters. The fact that all five girls were out at the same time, even if the eldest were not married yet was also criticized with vehemence. By the end of the conversation, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was seriously displeased with the opinionated Miss Bennet. And Elizabeth was more than desirous to leave the place.
The final proof of Lady Catherine's rudeness came when the Hunsford party was allowed to return home. Even when she detained them at Rosings until it became almost dark, she did not offer a carriage to take them back to the parsonage. The guests then began a slow return home, troubled by the outcome of this evening, but grateful that it had finally ended.
Sir William stayed only for a week at Hunsford and returned home more concerned about his daughter's welfare on his departure than when he arrived. Contrary to what he thought when he gave them his blessing, it was not treatment that receiving from her husband what troubled him, the couple seemed perfectly content with each other, it was the constant mortification and humiliation that her daughter and son-in-law were receiving from their patroness.
The second week at Hunsford passed uneventfully. To Elizabeth's relief, they dined only twice at the mansion so her meetings with the tyrannical Lady Catherine were brief and sporadic. On their third week, though, things changed a little. The presence of the Hunsford party was requested several times thus exposing them more often to her Ladyship's unmerciful abuse. Elizabeth was usually spared from it, Lady Catherine seemed to find her entertaining and therefore treated her more kindly but the Collinses, especially the parson, were the constant object of her attack.
There was as evening in particular when her Ladyship became exceedingly vicious with the couple. It had been the previous Sunday, after the services. Lady Catherine found the parson's sermon inadequate and made her objections known in the harshest of ways. Even Miss de Bourgh took pity of them and jumped in the parson's defence, but to no avail. The meeting was disturbing to say the least and the party left the mansion with a bitter taste in their mouths.
"Mr. Collins," had said Lady Catherine in her severest tone, "your sermon did not reach my expectations. It lacked the fire and brimstone that is necessary to inculcate the fear of God in the sinful heart."
"Yes, your Ladyship. More fire and brimstone. I will attend to it right away for next Sunday's sermon."
"Be sure you do. You are not the only clergyman in England. I can well replace you at any time if you cannot follow a simple request. Peasants will never understand the Christian duty if they are not told about the chastises that might be inflicted upon them if they disregard God's will."
To this, the parson bowed his head in acknowledgement. Objections to Charlotte's behaviour and attire followed and the evening ended with a serious threat about the couple's continuity in the Hunsford parsonage if her Ladyship's wishes were not obliged in the exact manner she was requesting.
"I cannot stand her abuse anymore, Charlotte, I will not allow it!" Mr. Collins cried with impotency and anger once they reached the parsonage.
"Please, do not distress yourself, my dear! I dare say we must endure this only a little longer. You have already sent several letters inquiring for other livings, perhaps we shall be lucky and find a new one soon!"
"Do you know how long I waited for this one? It took years, Charlotte, years! I am not willing to live under her dictates for much longer. God help me, wife, but I swear I shall kill that woman if she mistreats us once more again!"
"My dear husband! Do not say that!" Mrs. Collins embraced the parson. "I shall ask for my father's help, may be we can …"
The couple lowered their voices and their words faded into the night. Poor Mr. Collins, thought Elizabeth as she pulled the covers up to her chin. Even if she was still in shock for the parson's abruptness, she condoled with him. He and Charlotte were trapped in a nightmare, with nowhere else to go.
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