“Mrs. Barnes, did you say the house is fitted with a water closet?”
The woman drew herself up with evident satisfaction. “The Rector will tell you the parsonage was lately fitted with a water closet, a modern convenience installed at Lady Catherine’s direction, at the same time she had five installed at Rosings Park. It was much discussed in the parish, for many considered it an indulgence not to be contemplated, but her Ladyship declared she possessed sufficient means and was entitled to spend her money as she pleased.”
Mary was so struck by this account that she found no reply, but thanked the woman and went in search of the closet, reflecting she had indeed made a fortunate alliance.
The following day, at nine o’clock in the morning, Mr. Bennet stood up with his cousin, and Miss Anne de Bourgh stood with Mary. With a common license in hand, they were married by a neighboring clergyman.
Lady Catherine was the only guest. She had offered her opinion of her rector when Mr. Bennet called upon her for that purpose. He was satisfied with her account and advised his daughter that she need not concern herself with his industry. Lady Catherine said he lacked only direction, but she had every confidence that he would grow into his duties and do well.
The great Lady sat in her box, at the front of the church, and looked on with satisfaction as the rector fulfilled her wish thathe be married. She then invited the newlyweds and Mr. Bennet to join her at Rosings Park for the wedding breakfast she had prepared.
“Mr. Bennet, I understand your estate is entailed.”
“Yes, my lady. Mr. Collins is my only living male relative.”
“Then it is necessary that the matter be rectified as soon as may be. What of the entail? Are you and Mr. Collins able to break it?”
Bennet was struck by the notion. “I do not know, my lady.”
Mr. Collins colored deeply.
She addressed her rector. “You must see to it as soon as you possibly can, for if the entail may be broken, you and your father-in-law must begin proceedings directly, or your wife and children will remain in the same precarious situation as Mr. Bennet and his family find themselves now. What if you should have only daughters, Mr. Collins? What have you to say to that?”
Mr. Collins stood silent, unable to form a reply. Mr. Bennet spoke instead. “I shall consult my solicitor and write to Mr. Collins when I learn whether anything may be done. I was informed by my own father that the entail is unbreakable.”
“No, sir. My late husband, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, and his father agreed the entail must be set aside when, after ten years, our only surviving child was a daughter. They engaged a London solicitor skilled in such matters and were informed that the entail binds future inheritance, but does not prevent the present holder, together with the next in line, from converting the estate into a fee simple, granting full ownership without restriction. Father and son agreed, and after the proper legal steps were taken, it was accomplished. My daughter Anne is now the heir of Rosings Park.”
Mr. Bennet was astonished.
Lady Catherine addressed her rector. “You will certainly agree, Mr. Collins, there can be no other opinion on the matter. You have married into the family, and you must wish to leave matters in such a state that your wife and children will not be left without provision.”
Mr. Collins could only yield to his patroness. “Yes, my lady. I would not think of acting otherwise than in accordance with your guidance.” He said, “Cousin Bennet, if you will be so good as to begin the necessary legal proceedings with your solicitor, I shall sign whatever documents are required, that my wife may never suffer anxiety for her future should I be taken prematurely.”
Thus, it was settled, and when Mr. Bennet had embraced his daughter and taken leave of his son-in-law, he returned to Hertfordshire a contented man.
Chapter 10: Hunsford Parsonage
Elizabeth sat upon a little bench in the garden behind Uncle Edward’s house. Mary was troubled by conflicting feelings. She was delighted to be free from her mother’s smothering rule, gratified that her father and husband had signed the legal papers to break the entail, and assured by Uncle Phillips that the matter would be settled by the new year. She admired the charming parsonage, enjoyed the company of her new friend, Miss Anne de Bourgh, and could scarcely imagine living again without a water closet. But there were two vexations in the agreeable circumstances: Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr. Collins.
“And so, Lizzy, I beg you come to me as soon as it may be arranged. I hope Aunt Madeline is past the danger attending her pregnancy and may soon release you. Mr. Collins must have everything his own way, and I have not the skill to manage him. Perhaps you may observe our interactions and offer me some quiet guidance on how I may best deal with such a stubborn, headstrong man, who believes he knows everything, when in truth my judgment is superior to his. I am thankful Lady Catherine and my husband agree so well, or we should be turned out into the hedgerows or worse, returned to Longbourn to live under the same roof as Mamma. She and Mr. Collins would soon be at odds.”
Elizabeth set the letter aside.
Upon learning of Mary’s troubles, Aunt Madeline sent a servant to begin packing Lizzy’s trunk and urged Uncle Edward to send for Mr. Bennet.
“Lizzy, it is fortunate the gowns we ordered for you will be ready tomorrow. I can only shake my head at your mother's want ofjudgment. How she can justify expending so much pin money upon the youngest, while the second daughter is dressed in mended rags, is beyond me.”
“Aunt, I only hope I can be of use to my sister. Can we manage her husband between the two of us?”
Madeline Gardiner raised her brows. “How is it that Mary has not learned to manage so trying a person?”
“My dear aunt, at the first sign of trouble, Mary used to slip away like a tabby cat. She never acquired the basic arts of human interaction.”
With her trunks packed and dressed in her new traveling gown and stylish pelisse, Elizabeth waited for her father to arrive. If all proceeded well, they would arrive in Kent by five o’clock. She heard the outer door open, and a maid curtsied before her. Elizabeth rose.
“Has my father arrived?”
“Yes, miss. Your aunt asks that you come in for tea.”
