Hunsford
The Kentish parsonage becomes a carefully managed refuge where Charlotte limits Collins's presence and receives the Rosings circle.
Story so far
At Hunsford, Charlotte Lucas has made a neat, comfortable home in the parsonage, with a garden that Mr. Collins prides himself on cultivating and displaying. Elizabeth sees that Charlotte's domestic arrangement is shrewd: the ladies use a rear drawing room, while Collins spends much of his time in a front book room, garden, or at Rosings, which limits his intrusion without open conflict.
The rectory is now close enough to Rosings for frequent calls by Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Anne's passing phaeton, and the arrival of Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. It is both Charlotte's practical establishment and the modest threshold through which the grander world of Rosings enters Elizabeth's visit.
Appearance
A neat, comfortable Kentish rectory with a garden sloping to the road, green pales, a laurel hedge, a rear drawing room, and a front book room. Its other rooms and exterior architecture are not described.
Role
It is Charlotte's managed domestic territory and Elizabeth's base for encountering Lady Catherine, Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Relationships
Sources — 2 recorded facts, by chapter
- A valuable Kentish rectory near Westerham, held by Mr. Collins under Lady Catherine de Bourgh's patronage.
- The Kentish parsonage becomes a carefully managed refuge where Charlotte limits Collins's presence and receives the Rosings circle.