Pride and Prejudice — Chapter Thirty-Eight (Abridged)

On Saturday morning, Elizabeth and Mr. Collins had breakfast together a few minutes before everyone else arrived. He used the moment to make a formal farewell speech, which he felt was absolutely necessary.

"I'm not sure, Miss Elizabeth," he said, "whether Charlotte has properly thanked you for coming to visit us. But I am certain you will not leave without hearing her gratitude. Your company has meant a great deal to us. Our home is simple, our rooms are small, and we do not see much of the world here, so I imagine Hunsford has felt rather dull for a young lady like yourself. But I hope you understand that we have tried our best to make your stay pleasant."

Elizabeth quickly thanked him and assured him that she had truly enjoyed her six weeks there. Being with Charlotte, and receiving such kind attention, had made her feel grateful, not bored. Mr. Collins looked pleased and continued, even more proudly than before.

"It makes me very happy to hear that your time here was pleasant. We have certainly done our best, and thanks to our close connection with Rosings, we have been able to offer you excellent company beyond our own small household. Few people are lucky enough to enjoy such a close friendship with a family like Lady Catherine's. You can see for yourself how often we visit there. Truly, no one should ever feel sorry for someone living in this humble house, when they also get to enjoy such wonderful company at Rosings."

He was so pleased with himself that he had to stand up and walk around the room while he spoke. Elizabeth tried to reply politely, without saying anything untrue.

"You may tell your family in Hertfordshire good things about us," Mr. Collins went on. "I hope you noticed how kindly Lady Catherine has always treated Charlotte. And let me say, from the bottom of my heart, that I truly wish you the same happiness in marriage that Charlotte and I share. She and I think exactly alike about everything. It's almost as if we were made for each other."

Elizabeth agreed politely that such agreement between a husband and wife was indeed a happy thing, and she said, quite honestly, that she believed Charlotte was comfortable in her new home. She was relieved when Charlotte herself walked in, ending the conversation. Poor Charlotte! It seemed sad to leave her with such company. But Charlotte had chosen this life with open eyes, and she did not seem to want anyone's pity. She still seemed to enjoy her home, her garden, and her daily chores.

Soon the carriage arrived, the bags were loaded, and it was time to leave. After saying goodbye warmly to Charlotte, Elizabeth walked to the carriage with Mr. Collins, who continued talking the whole way, sending his best wishes to her family and thanking her relatives, whom he had never even met. Just before the carriage door closed, he suddenly remembered that they had forgotten to leave a polite message for Lady Catherine and her daughter. Elizabeth agreed without argument, and the carriage finally drove away.

"It feels like we just arrived a day or two ago!" Maria said after a few quiet minutes. "But so many things have happened!"

"Yes, a great many things," Elizabeth agreed with a sigh, thinking privately, "And so much that I will have to keep secret."

The journey passed quietly, and within four hours they reached the Gardiners' house in London, where they planned to stay for a few days. Jane looked well and happy, though Elizabeth had little time alone with her to talk. Still, Jane would travel home with her soon, and there would be plenty of time to talk once they reached Longbourn. Elizabeth already felt the strong urge to tell Jane about Mr. Darcy's proposal, but she was still unsure exactly how much to share, especially anything that might upset Jane further about Mr. Bingley.