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Elizabeth carefully kept any reaction from her face. I will need to warn Greeves so the tenants who care for the sheep might prepare for difficult questions. This was not the first time Charlotte had casually dropped a piece of convenient information that allowed Longbourn’s conspirators to conceal their schemes. Raised on a farm and with greater powers of perception than her husband, Charlotte had made shrewd guesses about activities on the estate.
“Perhaps I will mention it to Mrs. Greeves,” Elizabeth said, equally casual. “No doubt her husband is bent on the sheep pens appearing to best advantage.”
“I thought he might,” Charlotte said serenely. “Collins also wondered how the roof of the Knights’ cottage had been repaired. I said it hardly mattered if it did not cost the estate anything. But he was wondering.”
Elizabeth should not be astonished at Charlotte’s recognition of her husband’s shortcomings or Elizabeth’s efforts to mitigate them. Her friend was clever and kind.
“Perhaps some of the tenants pooled their resources to help the Knights,” Elizabeth said.
“Perhaps. Although many of the cottages are in better repair lately.”
“Are they?”
A little smile played about Charlotte’s lips. “I do not believe my husband has noticed any of the others.” She cleared her throat. “He feels he has too much on his mind to be bothered with every detail at Longbourn.”
“I daresay the estate may get along just fine without his daily attention.”
Charlotte sighed as she brushed her hand along a flowering shrub. “Indeed, at times I wish my husband had never inherited Longbourn.”
Elizabeth sucked in a breath. “Oh?”
Charlotte talked almost to herself. “I have often believed he was happier at Hunsford than he is here.”
Elizabeth’s heart beat faster. What was causing Charlotte to raise the subject now? “Why do you think that?”
“He seemed quite content with his life at Hunsford, but now he concerns himself with the latest fashions, drinking port, joining clubs, and obtaining invitations to balls. He never cared about London before, but now he must abide by the ton’s judgments in every instance.” She sighed. “Apparently, having a fortune requires you to spend it in the ‘right’ way.”
Elizabeth had not concerned herself with her cousin’s happiness before, but as she considered her friend’s words, she realized Collins did seem excessively anxious. He imbibed ever greater quantities of brandy and took little pleasure in most activities.
Charlotte’s eyes were fixed on the upper branches of the trees. “He sometimes lies awake at night and worries he does not have the best waistcoats or the smartest carriage. Truthfully, he is not well suited to the life of a country squire. He knows nothing of farming, and the management of a large estate rather vexes him.”
“I am sorry to hear he is unhappy,” Elizabeth said.
Her friend gave her a sidelong glance as if doubting her sincerity, but then continued speaking. “In truth, he prefers to follow another’s instructions.”
“I would happily give him orders,” Elizabeth said with a smile.
Charlotte snorted. “As would I. But he would not take orders from a woman—unless she has a much higher station like Lady Catherine.”
Elizabeth nodded.
Charlotte continued to idly peruse the garden as if they were not having a highly consequential conversation. “I have never seen Collins so serene or amiable as when we traveled to Kent to visit her ladyship. If Lady Catherine lived in Meryton and could provide daily advice on the operation of Longbourn, I believe he would be much happier.” She shrugged. “But if wishes were horses, we would all ride.”
“Perhaps Mr. Collins would prefer to return to Rosings Park on a more permanent basis?” Elizabeth suggested.
“If only such a thing were possible!” Charlotte sighed.
“I understand from Mr. Darcy that Lady Catherine asked your husband to become her personal chaplain.”
Charlotte’s head swung toward Elizabeth. “She did? He said nothing of it to me.”
“Mr. Darcy visited her three days ago, and she expressed her desire to have Mr. Collins return to Rosings.”
They arrived at a little clearing with a carved stone bench. Charlotte walked directly to it and sat down abruptly—as if fearing her legs would not hold her. “Return to Rosings?” she echoed. “I had not thought it possible. But it would undoubtedly make my husband quite happy.” She seemed almost fearful of believing such good fortune.
Elizabeth seated herself beside her friend. “The idea does have its disadvantages. I would imagine you are happier here, where you and Robert are near your family.”
“Yes, and further away from Lady Catherine,” Charlotte said tartly.
