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  Well now we come to the beekeeping. The Parsonage came with an old bee gum and an old skep which was falling apart. The bee gum, a hollowed out tree really, was rotting. And the old skep, which looks like a basket, was refreshed with newly woven straw when Mr. Collins became rector. It was a woefully inefficient system, whereby every hundred hours he spent in his beekeeping efforts yielded a spoonful of honey. I was delighted and encouraged Mr. Collins in this as he had time on his hands due to my administrative improvements. I confess, I’ve never given much thought to the fact the inefficiency is partly due to the bees being killed each fall by gas and the beekeeper starts fresh in the spring. So cruel! Well, as Mr. Collins spent more time on his beekeeping, he also started making adjustments to the equipment. He started doing research. He bought Thomas Wildman’s Treatise on the Management of Bees! He joined the Beekeepers Society of England! Through his contacts with said Society and his acknowledged connection with Rosings, Mr. Collins was selected to participate in a scientific experiment! A Mr. Prokopovitsch of Ukraine has designed a new structure in which to keep bees and has been looking for beekeepers to test the new equipment. A Mr. Barnes of the Beekeepers Society of England is monitoring the experiment’s results in England. So new equipment was sent to us and Mr. Collins has been using the new equipment. He and Mr. Barnes correspond by letter. The equipment looks like a wooden cabinet or stack of crates and it sits outdoors on a pedestal of rock. The crates can be removed. Inside the crates are drawers or perhaps they are panels and they can be removed. And the panels don’t fit perfectly, apparently so the bees can move around inside the cabinet. The results are measured by how much honey and beeswax Mr. Collins can remove from the contraption. The record keeping is precise. I am certainly no proficient, but it seems they are testing to find out how imperfectly the pieces should fit. Too broad of gaps and the bees just produce wax to fill them. Too narrow of gaps and its difficult for the bees to make anything. Now I come to the point. In addition to my improvements to Mr. Collins’s office, I have also taken up managing his correspondence including that going to Mr. Barnes. I included everything that Mr. Collins dictated, except for his flattery of Lady Catherine. I purposefully left it out. He and Mr. Barnes have been corresponding most cordially for months and since Mr. Collins’s honey and wax production has surpassed all the other participants in the experiment, Mr. Barnes requested a visit to the Parsonage. Well, Lizzy, I was mortified! Of course I had to confess my meddling with Mr. Collins. He was quite alarmed, but not for the reason I expected. I thought him to be affronted at my exclusion of Lady Catherine, but his first thought was nervousness about meeting Mr. Barnes! He wondered if they would be able to enjoy one another’s company and if he would be able to appear consistent with his letters. He has immensely enjoyed his connection with the Beekeepers Society of England and to find that his value there really had nothing to do with Lady Catherine left him quite shocked and overcome.

  As I am sure you comprehend, he has difficulty not mentioning her in conversation! We practised this for a few days before Mr. Barnes’ visit. And much to our mutual relief, his visit was a complete success, albeit for Mr. Collins’s poor nerves! Their correspondence has continued and evolved beyond just beekeeping into a true friendship. Mr. Collins looks at the letters he dictates now before they go out. And I confessed to him that I preferred conversation with him that was not centered on Lady Catherine. Although surprised, I think he was a little flattered. Mr. Collins’s honey production has outstripped anything we might have imagined and even the parishioners have become involved by bringing their glassware to our garden to collect honey. This has been quite a treat to the entire neighborhood and Mr. Collins has become more popular, I daresay. He has also been collecting the build-up of beeswax and selling it to the local candle maker. Lady Catherine has made a few suggestions relating to the beekeeping which upon their implementation have all failed spectacularly. So it fell to me to counsel Mr. Collins that just as Lady Catherine has never milked a cow, packed a trunk, or played the pianoforte, she doesn’t know much about beekeeping either. We have many conversations before us, but I believe Mr. Collins may have finally come to acknowledge that Lady Catherine is indeed mortal, like the rest of us.

  Your devoted friend,

  Charlotte Collins

  Elizabeth folded up her letter and smiled. This was quite promising news coming from Hunsford and Elizabeth could not be happier for her friend. She wondered if she could contrive a visit to see the Collinses. She broached the subject with Fitzwilliam who thought an upcoming trip to London might serve the purpose perfectly.

  “If you join me on the way to London, I think I should bring Georgiana, too. She and I can stay at Darcy House and find some entertainments. I need to meet with Mr. Buckworth and another business partner, Mr. Morris. I could invite Mr. Buckworth to dinner even. And Georgiana would love to see her Uncle and Aunt Fitzwilliam. You could travel on to Kent and visit with the Collinses. And we could stop at Longbourn on the way home. Would that suit?”

  “That would be wonderful! I miss my friend and this could really satisfy all parties. Possibly Mary and Kitty could return with us for a visit to Pemberley. I am not sure how Lady Catherine will react to me visiting the Parsonage without staying at Rosings or seeing her.”

  “If you are in Hunsford, you should definitely pay a call to Lady Catherine. If she refuses you entrance, it will just give you more time with the Collinses. If she receives you and then insults you, it changes nothing. Be prepared for her to commandeer more of Mr. Collins’s time while you are there, just to be spiteful. And Mrs. Collins should be forewarned that Lady Catherine might sink to issuing them invitations to dine at Rosings which specifically do not include you. Mrs. Collins will need to be able to decline such invitations or risk not seeing you at all.”

  “How do you know all this?”

  “This is how she always behaves when she does not get her way.”

  Chapter 14

  On the agreed upon day, Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Mrs. Annesley set out for London. Georgiana was quite excited about her plans with Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth was happy for her. Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley would do some shopping on the first day whilst Fitzwilliam met with Mr. Morris and then Mr. Buckworth. There would be a day to spend with the Fitzwilliams at Matlock House, which would likely include shopping and a trip to the theatre. They would also host Mr. Buckworth for a dinner as he was not solely a business partner but had truly become a friend of the family. Fitzwilliam promised to convey Elizabeth’s regrets to all. For such a short visit and without the lady of the house in residence, Fitzwilliam had thought to keep the knocker off the front door. But Elizabeth thought it would be a good opportunity for Georgiana.

  “It’s only for one week. Surely you think she has recovered to the point that she can receive female callers? She might not even be home with the amount of amusements she has planned.”

  “Why don’t we ask Georgiana?”

  “I agree. That would be for the best. If she feels capable, then the house will accept callers.”

  “Female callers,” Fitzwilliam laughed.

  Visiting the Collinses and not staying at Rosings was likely to be awkward, but after corresponding with Charlotte about it, Elizabeth resolved not to let it trouble her. Charlotte assured her she was able to decline invitations to Rosings when she was not available. There was also the question of how the Parsonage would measure up against Elizabeth’s new circumstances at Pemberley. Elizabeth could understand the Collinses’ concern. But she assured her friend she was the same person as before and would be just as comfortable staying with them as she had been on her prior visit before her marriage. Elizabeth was most curious to see what changes Mrs. Collins had wrought in Mr. Collins. Their correspondence had indicated a host of small improvements and subtle alterations. In essentials, Mrs. Collins believed him to be the same man as before. He was still foolish. But in particulars, she believed him to be more pleasant.

 
Elizabeth’s journey was as agreeable as could be in the carriage she had at her disposal. Her curiosity was equally as strong as during her first visit to the Parsonage. Although she had initially considered Charlotte’s marriage to Mr. Collins an imprudent gamble, she was able to own she was in error. It was a good match. Mrs. Collins was comfortable, useful, and prodigiously happy as a mother and mistress of her own home. If she had been able to alter Mr. Collins, even minutely, Elizabeth felt it would add to her friend’s contentment considerably. At last she saw the sloping garden and the laurel hedge announcing her arrival.

  Mrs. Collins exited the Parsonage and joined Mr. Collins who was already outside as Elizabeth approached and both nodded and waved from the gravel walk. After the coach stopped and Stephenson helped her down, Elizabeth greeted both Mr. and Mrs. Collins warmly.

  “Elizabeth, you are actually early, we are so glad your journey was uneventful! It is a delight to have you here again!” Charlotte enthused.

  “Yes, everything went well with no delays and the weather is quite fine. I am so pleased to see you both. You look wonderful! Fitzwilliam and Georgiana both send their regards.”

  And they did look the part of a prosperous and active country squire and his lady. Charlotte had on a soft yellow morning dress that Elizabeth had never seen her in before and Mr. Collins, rather than wearing his customary vestments, was wearing a workman’s collared shirt with rolled up sleeves and dark trousers with boots. This new look suited him for his at home duties.

  “We are most honoured by your visit, Mrs. Darcy. You must go in and refresh yourself. Charlotte can take you. I am just finishing up in our garden, but I will see about your trunks with your footman.”

  “Thank you cousin, I appreciate it”, said Elizabeth as Mrs. Collins linked arms with her and escorted her into the Parsonage.

  The Parsonage was as pleasant and comfortable as before, but Elizabeth noticed an extra servant. The Collinses were doing well! Soon Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins were in the drawing-room having tea.

  Elizabeth smiled at her friend, “I can see what you mean Charlotte, he has changed slightly. I am so pleased for you both. I rank domestic harmony alongside good health in importance.”

  “Thank you Lizzy. It will be interesting to observe your reaction to spending several days with Mr. Collins. I see him every day and it’s difficult to objectively judge his progress. You haven’t been here in a twelvemonth, so it should be more apparent to you. But I find him more pleasant. He is still somewhat foolish, but devoted to his profession and a little less enraptured with Lady Catherine. He is a good man and a good father.”

  “How could I forget? Forgive me Charlotte, I simply must meet little Sarah!”

  “I’ll have Mrs. Higgins fetch her.”

  So the new servant was the nursemaid. Mrs. Higgins was dispatched and Miss Sarah Collins was quickly presented. Sarah was a bonnie toddler and all curiosity. Elizabeth laughed merrily for she had the looks of both Charlotte and her younger sister Maria, with brown curls and blue eyes. She held her for some time and then let her down so she could continue her exploring of the room. She crawled and scooted about. She was starting to talk, although little of it made sense yet. Occasionally, one could make out “Mama” or “Papa”. The Collinses spoke to her affectionately. Both clearly adored their daughter.

  Mr. Collins made no mention of walking to Rosings, Elizabeth noticed, and the dinner hour was soon upon them. The Collinses ate dinner at five o’clock as was customary for most in the country. Dinner was a festive affair and the conversation flowed. Mr. Collins still said silly things about his humble abode. But his speeches were shorter and allowed others their share of the conversation, Elizabeth noticed. Such a small thing! But Elizabeth thought this to be an immense improvement. He spoke of Lady Catherine less frequently, but always with great respect. However, Mr. Collins did not boast about her or her finery in her absence. Charlotte had assured Elizabeth that Mr. Collins still flattered Lady Catherine excessively when he was in her presence, but this seemed a worthwhile compromise. The dinner was much finer than Elizabeth had expected and she hoped she had not put her hosts to too much trouble. The first course was a delicious vegetable soup with fresh vegetables and herbs from their garden. It was accompanied by fresh filets of cod.

  “This fish is wonderful, Charlotte. Your cook has outdone herself,” Elizabeth remarked.

  “She is very talented and we appreciate her very much. Being such an easy distance from the sea, we have enjoyed more fish in our diet than I ever had in Hertfordshire.”

  The second course included roast beef, braised ham, creamed onions, asparagus, and a stuffing. The ham was served with a savory glaze which Charlotte explained was one of their flavored honeys. She promised Elizabeth she could sample several more at breakfast.

  Dessert featured a rice pudding with fresh raspberries and a small glass of sherry. Elizabeth enjoyed the meal thoroughly.

  “You must show me your garden to-morrow, for I assume it has grown since my last visit. I do not recall seeing raspberry bushes the last time I was here.”

  “It has grown somewhat. The raspberry canes were started some time ago when I first became rector, but they were not producing any fruit yet, during your first visit. This is our first year with fresh raspberries!”

  “Cousin, I hope you will also show me your bee hives to-morrow, for I am quite curious. Charlotte has written about your beekeeping at length in her letters and I am very impressed.”

  Mr. Collins blushed.

  After rising early and walking about the grounds for an hour, Elizabeth repaired to the Parsonage to have breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Collins. In addition to cold salmon, eggs, toast and tea, she sampled some of Mr. Collins honey from his bee hives. It was lemon flavored and delicious and he positively beamed when she told him so. It was a pleasure to give a deserved and unaffected compliment to Mr. Collins for a change! Usually Elizabeth found herself trying to marry the truth with what she knew he expected to hear. This was a pleasant surprise and Elizabeth and Mr. Collins discussed for some time how he was able to infuse flavoring into the honey which was a novel concept to Elizabeth. Mr. Collins delight knew no bounds, but he was quick to credit Mrs. Collins with her assistance on what flavors to try and how to prepare the herbs. Some of the Collinses’ honey was thyme flavored. Other variations included, mint, sage for a sore throat, and even lavender. Then Mrs. Collins had obtained some discarded lemon and orange peels from Lady Catherine’s cook and those variations had been the best of all. Mrs. Collins determined that if the peel remained in the honey long enough the peels themselves became soft and edible. Not only were they delicious, they were medicinal as the fruit rinds would prevent scurvy.

  “Charlotte, may I ask which flavors go with what foods?”

  “Certainly. As you have hitherto sampled, lemon honey is wonderful on toast and with tea. But we also have used the more savory flavored honey on ham, as you saw yesterday evening, and chicken. The sweeter honeys work well with pheasant and turkey. The mint honey can be boiled into a jelly and is wonderful on lamb. And of course any sweet honey is lovely on custard or cake. I am still experimenting with making dressings for salad. I confess, I never knew I would enjoy cooking quite this much! And the honey is quite practical in our larder as it does not spoil.”

  Jars of the Collins’s honey production had been a sensation at the latest church bazaar and had helped to raise a considerable amount of funds for the church’s charitable causes. Mr. and Mrs. Collins were already selling the beeswax to the local candle maker and had begun selling their excess honey to the local mercantile which supplied them with the necessary jars. They had been able to augment their savings. Mr. Collins appeared quite grateful.

  “I admire your industriousness and creativity. This is certainly a wonderful activity to enjoy together. And what a wonderful addition to your menus and your income! I hope I can take back one small jar for Mr. Darcy to try. He may decide to expand our honey production with both
of your improvements!”

  “I thank you, cousin. You are too kind. I confess my adventures in beekeeping have surpassed anything I might have hoped for. I’ve made friends at the Beekeepers Society of England, especially Mr. Barnes. I believe the findings of our experiments may have improved the productivity of other beekeepers. And my dear Charlotte seems to enjoy our time together bottling and flavoring the honey. I do insist on doing the actual beekeeping myself. I worry about Sarah a bit with the bees around. But I have researched it and in case of multiple bee stings from a swarm, the recommended treatment is to quickly remove any stingers and to immediately apply ice to reduce swelling.”

  “Cousin, I am sure you are aware Sir William owned a highly successful mercantile before his eventual knighthood and presentation at court. Charlotte was practically raised in the shop as she and her mother were there so often. Indeed she was the only child for many of the years he owned the mercantile and it is where Charlotte and I first met as girls! I wonder if Sir William might have some ideas about how to sell your honey most profitably to the mercantile here. He may have recommendations on whether you should provide your own jars, and what size would be best. Honey is an unusual luxury item and the fact it does not spoil is singular.”