Pride and Prejudice

Chapter 44

Elizabeth and Mr. Collins had been in the breakfast-room a few minutes earlier on Saturday morning, before anyone else had arrived, and he hastened this opportunity to give her what he thought was an absolutely necessary farewell.

"Miss Elizabeth," said he, "I don't know if Mrs. Collins has expressed her gratitude for your kindness in coming to see us, but I am sure she will not let you leave the house without some thanks." To tell you the truth, your presence can be said to make the humble house brighter. We know that no one would like to stay here. Our simple way of life, our small hut, and the few servants in the morning, plus Our ignorance must have made Hunsford a very dull place for a lady like you; but I hope you will believe that we are grateful for this favor, and that we did the best of our little To make your life a little bit more pleasant."

Elisabeth expressed her gratitude repeatedly, and was eager to say that she had had a very pleasant six weeks, and that the pleasant hours with Carlotti, and the hospitality she had received, had indeed made her feel very good.Mr. Collins was very satisfied, his smile added a bit of solemnity, and he replied:

"It gives me great pleasure to hear you say that you are not unsatisfied. At last we have had our way; and it is most fortunate that we have been able to introduce you into high society, as we and the Rosings I think we can say with comfort that your visit to Hansforth was not entirely a disappointment to you, as it enabled you to see her frequently and to change the poor surroundings. We have spoken with Lady Catherine Our relationship does put us in a very privileged position, a privilege few have. You can see what position we are in. You can see how often we are guests there. Honestly Said that, in spite of all the inconveniences of our poor vicarage, I do not consider it unfortunate for those who come to live in it, if they share with us the kindness of Rosings."

Words were not enough to express his exalted emotion; and he paced up and down the room incessantly, addressing Elizabeth with a few words which were both polite and sincere.

"My dear cousin, you can indeed advertise our good fortune in Hertfordshire, and I think you will. You see every day the kindness of Lady Catherine's care for Mrs. Collins; I quite Believe that your friend's marriage appears to be fortunate--but it is better not to say it. I want to tell you, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that I sincerely wish your future marriages to be the same from the bottom of my heart. Happiness. My Carlotti and I are really compatible. In everything, our thoughts and temperaments are amazingly identical. We seem to be a match made in heaven."

Elizabeth could only flatter her that they were so happy as husband and wife, and went on to say sincerely that she was fully convinced that his family life was very comfortable, and she was very pleased with it.Elizabeth was not sorry, however, when the lady of whom they were speaking came in and interrupted her speech.Poor Carlotti!It's so sad to let her stay with such a man!But after all, this is the path she chose with her eyes wide open; although she can't help but feel sad for the guests' departure, she seems to want no pity.Her comfort, her household, her poultry, and life in the parish here had not lost their fascination for her.

At last the carriage came, and the boxes were strapped to the roof, and the parcels were put in the carriage, and everything was ready.After an affectionate good-bye among friends, Elizabeth was escorted to the carriage by Collins, and as they walked through the garden Mr Collins asked her to give his regards to all her family, without forgetting Thanking him for the hospitality he had received at Longbourn last winter, and not forgetting to ask her to greet Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, whom he had never met.Then he helped her into the car, and Maria followed, and just as the doors were closing a sudden look of alarm on his face reminded them that they had forgotten to leave a farewell message to the ladies of Rosings.

"However," he went on, "you will of course wish me to convey to them your humble regards, and to express my thanks for the hospitality they have shown you these days."

Elizabeth made no objection—then the door was shut, and the carriage set off.

"Dear me!" exclaimed Maria, after a moment's silence, "we've only been here for a day or two! But how much has happened!"

"A lot indeed," sighed Elizabeth.

"We've been to Rosings nine times, and had tea twice! How much I have to tell when I go back!"

Elizabeth said secretly in her heart: "How many things I have to bury in my heart."

They went on their way with their own thoughts, without speaking much, without being startled; and four hours after leaving Hansford they arrived at Mr. Gardiner's house, where they were to remain for a few days.Jane's body looks good, because the kind aunt has arranged various activities for their arrival, and Elizabeth has no time to go to him to observe Jane's emotions carefully.Fortunately Jane was coming home with her, and there would be plenty of time for such observations at Longbourn.At the same time, it was not so easy to be patient, and to tell my sister about Mr. Darcy's proposal of marriage when I got back to Longbourne.Knowing that she herself could say things that would astonish Jane, and how much they would satisfy her vanity, which reason had so far been unable to overcome, had a great allure for her to speak, only because she could not make up her mind. How far she should reveal the secret, she kept it only because she was afraid that if she talked about it, it would inevitably involve Bingley and hurt her sister even more.

(End of this chapter)