P&P The Untold Stories: Charlotte’s Wedding Reflections

Charlotte at the wedding

November 18, 2024

For at least the third time, Charlotte Collins felt an elbow poke itself into her ribs. Her sister Maria was beside herself with excitement at attending Lizzy and Jane’s wedding. Her parents were puffed up with pride as well, and her mother was no doubt taking note of every detail so that she could report on it later to her friends. Most of their neighbors were green with jealousy since only family members had been invited to the ceremony. Charlotte felt a distinct sense of satisfaction at knowing her family’s invitation was owing to her connection to the Bennets, not because of her father’s position.

It had been a revelation for her to return to Meryton as the future mistress of Longbourn. People who had little time for her in the past made an effort to ask her opinion on various matters. After years of being viewed as nothing more than the plain spinster daughter of the former mayor, now she had a position of her own in society and an enviable future. She had never realized before the extent to which she had been disregarded by many people. This was a definite improvement.

Of course, if the change in her status had been a shock to her, it was nothing to what Lizzy must be experiencing. In a few short minutes, she would be Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley. No longer would she be Mrs. Bennet’s least favorite daughter, the one whose liveliness had more than once caused people to whisper behind their hands that no man would ever take up with the likes of Lizzy Bennet. Now she would be the one they would go to, hat in hand, to beg a favor, that she put a word in the right ear, that she use her influence for this or for that. It was fortunate that Lizzy was not the gloating sort.

No, Lizzy was the generous sort, and so apparently was her husband to be. A few days ago Lizzy had taken Charlotte aside and told her that Mr. Darcy hoped she would contact them if there were to be any serious difficulties between her husband and Lady Catherine as a result of their marriage. Since Charlotte’s great worry these days was that Lady Catherine might make life in Hunsford intolerable for them, she was greatly relieved by her friend’s words. It would hopefully be many years before Mr. Bennet departed the earth, leaving Longbourn to Mr. Collins, and in the meantime, they needed a place to live. Charlotte had no desire to leave Hunsford; she was fond of her home and had made friends in the area, but it was good to know they would not be forced to remain in an unpleasant situation if Lady Catherine continued in her fit of pique.

And there was Lizzy now, being escorted in by her father, with Jane on his other arm. Lizzy’s gown of white silk gleamed in the morning light that shone in through the windows, set off with fine lace and a gold sash. The necklace of sapphires around her neck, a gift from Mr. Darcy, marked her future status even more clearly than her elegant dress. Charlotte would never own a dress so lovely, nor jewelry a tenth as expensive, but that was just as well. Lizzy in her finery looked like a rose in bloom; Charlotte would have merely looked overdressed and gaudy. She would not have enjoyed some of the duties Lizzy would face, either. Charlotte was just as glad not to be part of the ton, however often her father might speak of his presentation at the court of St. James.

As Lizzy reached Mr. Darcy’s side, Charlotte sent her silent best wishes to her dearest friend that her marriage would bring her all the joy she deserved.

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