Charlotte spoke at last: ‘Herr Rosenstein, perhaps we could impose on your kindness, and pray that you would send us a copy once you return to your homeland? I cannot read any word of German but, as Mr Darcy says, there may be translations. And Mr Collins can read it to me, I think, and explain the meaning to me.’

‘Oh, I do not pretend to be any great scholar of the German language and its literature, I assure you,’ cried Mr Collins. ‘But for you, my dear, I shall be spurred on to attempt my best, and even to make humble efforts at improvement. If the subject matter is unsuitable for children, I can read it to you in the evenings after our girls go upstairs. Herr Rosenstein, we would indeed be most grateful for such a gift, and indeed any further recommendations you might make. I am determined to conquer my old prejudice against fables,’ he added, nodding earnestly around the table, ‘if only the better to entertain my dear Charlotte.’

Charlotte raised her head and met Jacob’s eyes, and saw there only warmth and generous hope for her future happiness. She did not think she would ever again experience such a strange commingling of pain and pleasure. She could not help a smile breaking through, and she noticed Lizzy’s glance flickering her way.

After the ladies left the gentlemen, Mrs Darcy lost no time in commenting on the strange alliance between Mr Collins and the musician they had just witnessed: ‘Mr Collins, a partisan for the novel! And discussing Teutonic romance at dinner! I did not think to see or hear such a thing. But Herr Rosenstein seemed very eager to aid and abet the programme of family reading for you all. He seems to value you highly, as indeed he ought, my dear Charlotte.’

Charlotte made sure her voice was light and even as she replied, ‘We have indeed formed a friendship which – for my part – I hope will survive the vicissitudes of distance, time, national origin, and religion. I will always value Herr Rosenstein’s good opinion.’

The gentlemen soon returned, but the party did not sit long together after dinner, as Mr Collins, who was no great rider, had been much fatigued by the journey, and was prompted by violent yawns to excuse himself early. Charlotte, with so much to think of, was grateful to have time to sit alone in her chamber and try to reorder her world.