Jane Austen Society of Australia
Writing Competition 2000 winner
Charlotte Lucas on Mr Collins
Topic: Dear Diary ... write a diary entry for one of Jane Austen’s characters
which has something to do with proposals or engagements.
This is an extract from the diary of Charlotte Collins (née Lucas)
and was found in the attic at Longbourn, Hertfordshire home of Charles Edwin William
Collins and his wife Mary Elizabeth (née Long). Their daughter, Esther Eliza Charlotte
Collins married Thomas Edwin Woods and subsequently departed for Western Australia as free
settlers in 1864. The diary was given to her as a parting gift and as a reminder of her
ties with the family remaining in England. It has now been passed on to me through the
Woods family.
This day I have made my most practical decision ever. I trust I
have not been foolhardy, as the situation has arisen all so hastily. Yet I have accepted
Mr Collins’ proposal, amid doubts and fears and even against my better judgment. How
my head spins with messages of confusion and bewilderment at such a sudden and perhaps a
rash solution to my predicament. My greatest fear is telling dear Elizabeth. Will she
understand? I think not. Her ideals and I know Jane’s too, do not match my own and
they may never feel comfortable with my relationship to their kinsman, who will one day be
master of the Longbourn estate. Yet she knows I am not of the romantic kind, so this I
must tell her again and explain the grim reality of the situation left to me on not
entering into a marriage contract. Here I am three years short of thirty and with so few
eligible men passing through my life, I must now choose, decide to be happy, and take hold
of this respectable opportunity that has come my way. The militia regiment offered nothing
for me, for all the Redcoats were either too young or firmly attached, and the Netherfield
gentlemen were but a brief acquaintance, and despite my father’s garrulous
efforts, are now removed to London and what would be to them a superior society.
I must too consider Maria and my younger sister’s positions –
my acceptance of Mr C’s proposal, should allow them to come out. For until I am
firmly ensconced as mistress of my own household – according to the etiquette and
code my father translates from the Court of St James – their prospects amount to
naught.
Oh, Dearest Diary, what have I done?
I hardly know this man, apart from his vocation, patronage and
connexion with my dear friends the Bennets, and yet I am to spend the rest of my life with
him. Resignation – take a hold of me and turn this around, how often I have stated
that pride offends! Yes, turn it around into an opportunity for marital security, for
happiness is entirely a matter of chance. Let me show no regrets at any time. Security
– that is all I require. Love in all its truth and beauty is for idealists like my
dear friends Elizabeth and Jane – yes especially Jane, she is such a dreamer –
but I must remain practical and all I really want is material comfort and the occasional
opportunity for society. Surely for that I can do my duty as a wife. I must have
forbearance on my side. Mr Collins and I are so unlike to start with, we will surely have
our share of vexation as character defects will be in evidence, however I am determined to
show outward satisfaction despite what may appear to be unsound thinking.
So many questions pervade my thoughts. Will Lady Catherine consider me
a suitable companion for her protégé? Will I be gracious enough to inhabit the portals
of Hunsford Parsonage? How will I adapt to the grandeur of Rosings and all its splendour,
the countless windows, numerous fireplaces etc. after my own residency and simplicity of
life here at Lucas Lodge? These thoughts overwhelm me and yet I have faith and comfort in
knowing that I WILL adapt. I reconcile myself knowing that I will have as much chance as
anyone of happiness on entering the marriage state. I will tell Lizzy this. I know her
mother will be tiresome and perhaps even rude about my possible future residence in
‘her’ abode at Longbourn. It is not my desire to oust any incumbent from their
household. I pray this will have no ill effect on my enduring friendship with any member
of the Bennet family. I will soften the announcement by asking Lizzy to visit Kent as soon
as is mutually convenient. Perhaps March, when Maria and my father will attend me.
I must too find ways of encouraging my husband. Perhaps to extend his
knowledge of horticulture. I will send for the ‘Annals of Gardening Husbandry and
Vegetable Propagation’ by Lancelot Green – that would be beneficial on many
counts. It, I understand from the travelling library, is such an extensive volume
extending to at least 1000 pages. Surely such an addition would be an asset to any library
in winter and for practical external purposes in summer. (Any advancement of the de Bourgh
Estate must surely be pleasing to Lady Catherine.) Such a book may even provide analogous
information to be included in Mr C’s sermons. I am of the understanding that the
Parsonage already has a worthy library which I intend to remain the exclusive domain of my
husband. I will have my own little sitting room, simply furnished, yet comfortable, with
chintz, and still retain my privacy.
Dear Diary, my friend, you must be kept concealed. We have shared so
many secrets, but this surpasses all other confidences. Upon my transference to Kent you
will be my consolation and you alone will know the thoughts of my heart. I know they will
be guarded within your pages whilst I show the encouragement, duty and display of
affection that will be necessary for my forthcoming position. But that is of future
concern. I must deal with the matter at hand and will inform Lizzy at first opportunity
tomorrow.
I have sought to reflect upon the deprivations and ‘advantages’ that may soon
be my lot in life. I now put this aside to seek rest as my solace and companion.
Jeanette Woods
Other winners:
2nd prize ~ Marjorie Jones ~ Charlotte Lucas on Mr Collins
3rd prize ~ Ruth Williamson, NZ ~ Mrs Weston's journal
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03 February 2003
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