Free Charlotte Collins: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Becton Page A

of her son's education."
    Mrs. Card leaned in. "That is not at all what I heard."
    "Oh?"
    "I have heard that the true reason is that Mr. Basford wanted to visit," she paused and her voice dropped, "his Parisian mistress."
    "Mistress?"
    "Indeed."
    The woman must be fabricating these stories. Two tales of such an illicit nature seemed improbable. "How could you possibly come to know that?"
    "How does not matter. What matters is that I know it. We must beware of these Americans."
    "If he were indeed joining his--" Charlotte could not speak the word and began again, "If indeed this were the case, why would he take Mr. Westfield with him?"
    "Yes, poor Mr. Westfield. I believe it is safe to say that he will certainly return to Westerham a changed man. We may not trust him with our daughters. In fact, I would not be surprised at all to discover that Mr. Basford was Mrs. Holloway's mystery lover."
    Charlotte stared at her companion. It was all so completely unbelievable. She acknowledged that evil existed in the world. She had seen it. But she did not believe Mr. Basford to be evil. She knew that stupidity existed in the world. She had seen even more of that. But she did not have the impression that Mr. Basford was particularly stupid. And Mrs. Card's accusations would mean that he was both evil and stupid.
    Charlotte had no reason to mistrust Mrs. Card, however. Perhaps it was best to exercise extra caution where the American gentlemen were concerned. She had witnessed the effects of trusting untrustworthy men, and she would not allow Maria to become a victim. Society was often more harsh on the victim than on the perpetrator of the crime.
    On the walk home, Charlotte was quiet, but Maria chattered on. "I am so pleased that I thought of the idea of an outing today, for it was just what my constitution required."
    Charlotte trudged onward and did not bother to point out that she, not Maria, had suggested that they call on the Cards. There was not much point in correcting her, for she had already skittered on to the next topic.
    "Mr. Card told me so many delicious stories, but I cannot seem to recall any of them. Have you ever had that happen? Your head is so full that nothing will come out? I suppose not, for you are far too sensible for that. Then we spoke of fashion. He said he very much hoped that the current enthusiasm over such tight fitting coats would soon pass, but I said I quite fancied a gentleman in a well-fitted coat. He seemed to value my opinion on the matter and vowed to see his tailor straightaway." Maria should have paused here, but instead she launched into yet another topic. "Mrs. Card seemed to be in spirits today. I believe I detected some color in her cheeks after her walk with you. Did you have a pleasant chat?"
    "Humph," said Charlotte. It was the best response she could muster.
    "Well, it was so jolly to be out, even if it was only with Mr. Card."
    Charlotte regarded her sister as they walked. She wanted to clutch her arms and give her a good shake. "You speak of him too lightly, Maria. You should be careful of his feelings."
    "Oh, pooh."
     

 
    Six
     
    Charlotte passed a restless night and arose early. She elected to enjoy a cup of chocolate, in the stead of her customary tea, as a consolation for her lack of sleep. The dark, bitter delicacy seemed to match her mood and yet also somehow brighten it. The house was quiet and cool at that hour, and the warm drink brought a measure of comfort to her restless spirits.
    Knowing that Mr. Card desired to propose to Maria and that she was completely oblivious to that fact made Charlotte extremely uneasy. Maria was sweet, but she was an artless girl and ignorant of the feelings of others no matter how much her sister instructed her. She certainly would not have the presence of mind to spare the feelings of her long-time friend.
    Charlotte contemplated simply telling her sister of Mr. Card's feelings. It had been a difficult temptation to resist, but resist it she