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Part 9

Posted on Friday, 11 January 2002

Matlock Hall, Derbyshire
5 January, 1813

EXPRESS to Mr. William Price, Mansfield Park, Northamptonshire

Mr. Price,

I hereby forbid you to marry my daughter. I am disgusted by your presumptuous application. I formally withhold my consent, and do not give you permission to address my daughter in any way. You are to remove yourself from her presence immediately. I shall arrive at Mansfield Park tomorrow, and expect to find you gone from the premises, and preferably from the county of Northampton.

Your alliance would be a complete disgrace. Do not think me ignorant of the condition of your family. They are not respectable in any way, are practically destitute, and have no connections worth mentioning. I cannot imagine how you can support my daughter in any way that would not be a complete deprivation of every comfort with which she has lived since her childhood. She is the daughter of Sir Lewis De Bourgh, baronet. On her mother's family, she is descended from the noble line of Fitzwilliam, and is the granddaughter, niece, and cousin of the past, present, and future Earls of Matlock, respectively. You, who can barely claim the title of gentleman, are in no position to address a woman of such noble ancestry.

I need not mention the disparity in wealth between Miss De Bourgh and yourself. She is the heiress of Rosings Park, of extensive property, and of a great fortune. You have nothing at all. I imagine that is why you are addressing her to begin with. Many gentlemen before you have tried to marry a wealthy woman instead of gaining your wealth by more honorable means. You are clearly a fortune-hunter, a rake, and an opportunist, trying to use my daughter for your immediate financial gain. You shall not, however, succeed in this endeavor.

Your occupation and your success in it are irrelevant. With your low connections, you cannot hope to ever rise through the ranks of the naval elite, and therefore shall never be in a position to address a woman such as Miss De Bourgh.

I refuse to even give your application a second hearing. Do not presume to address myself or any of my relations ever again regarding your preposterous scheme. I assure you, we shall see through it as clearly then as we do now.

I shall not allow my daughter to be sullied any farther by your acquaintance. Do not think to be in her presence ever again.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Matlock Hall, Derbyshire
6 January, 1813

EXPRESS to Miss Anne De Bourgh, Mansfield Park, Northamptonshire

Dear Anne,

I am excessively displeased with you. How could you even consider marrying a man such as that worthless sailor? You, who could have any number of wealthy gentlemen from which to choose? You must have been taken in.

I certainly hope that your cousin Darcy has nothing to do with this foolish application. Do you think to take revenge on him for marrying a low-born nobody by doing the same thing yourself? Trust me, it shall not work.

At any rate, the sailor's application has been refused. You are safe. Poor soul, if you had not taken after your father, from whom you inherited your sickly constitution, you would have been able to mix more with society. You would never have been deceived by those of his ilk had you been able to move in the society into which you were born. As far as that rogue who addressed you is concerned, I order you to think of him no more, and to think instead of your errors and how to avoid making those sorts of egregious mistakes in the future. I shall require you in future to spend at least two hours each day in moral study with Mr. Collins once we have returned home.

I shall be arriving at Mansfield Park tomorrow in order to collect you and bring you home to Rosings where you belong. Mrs. Churchill has recently told me of a nice young man, a Mr. Balfour-Boswell, who I am certain shall be just the person to drive this foolishness out of your head and help you to form a connection worthy of your heritage and fortune.

Your loving mother,
LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Matlock Hall, Derbyshire
5 January, 1813

EXPRESS to Miss Frances Price, Mansfield Park, Northamptonshire

Miss Price,

I have made my opposition to any ties of friendship between yourself and my daughter, Miss De Bourgh, very clear. You are not in a condition of life to be her intimate friend or confidante. You are a poor relation, and an indigent niece, who is only given the veneer of respectability by the pity of Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram. I hereby demand that you refrain from speaking to or associating with my daughter any longer. Your corrupting influence can be seen by my daughter's apparent acceptance of your rakish brother's nefarious proposals. She would never have done such a thing without having been under the influence of those who are beneath her level socially, financially, and morally.

I send you no regards and insist that you comply fully with my requests. I shall arrive at Mansfield Park tomorrow and expect you to be elsewhere.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Matlock Hall, Derbyshire
5 January, 1813

EXPRESS to Sir Thomas Bertram, Baronet, Mansfield Park, Northamptonshire

Sir Thomas,

I strongly condemn you for not watching more closely over my daughter, who is currently a guest in your home. She has apparently been taken in by your disgraceful relation, William Price, and had even accepted his advances. I, of course, refuse to allow my daughter to marry an unconnected, insignificant, poverty-stricken sailor. I am certain that he only addressed her for the sake of her thirty thousand pounds.

You alone are to blame. As master of your house, you should have control over everyone and everything in it. I demand that you set this all to rights before any further damage is done.

I would have expected more from you. You are fully responsible for the safety of everyone who is in your home. You have failed my daughter in the worst possible way. I expect a full apology to myself and to my daughter, and I shall never allow my daughter to stay in your home again. I shall be arriving to collect her on the morrow.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Matlock Hall, Derbyshire
5 January, 1813

EXPRESS to Lady Maria Bertram, Mansfield Park, Northamptonshire.

Lady Bertram,

Throughout our friendship, which has lasted these thirty years at least, I have always been aware of the fact that your intelligence and wit are seriously lacking. Never, though, in all my years, could I have imagined that you would be as dim-witted and foolish as to allow an acquaintance, or what is worse, an intimacy between my daughter, Miss Anne De Bourgh, and your impoverished, corrupted nephew. Can you not see how dangerous it was to allow my daughter, heir of the House of De Bourgh, and relative of the noble Earls of Matlock, to form an acquaintance with a dashing young rogue of a sailor? The poor girl, just broken-hearted because of her cousin Darcy, was an easy target for such a man. The blame lies at your feet, Lady Bertram. You failed my daughter, a guest in your home, and allowed her to be taken in by a common rake while in your protection.

I expect a full apology to both my daughter and to myself. She shall never be allowed to be in your presence again. I shall arrive tomorrow to escort her personally back to Rosings Park.

Do not think to ever address me again on the basis of our friendship. You have betrayed me, Lady Bertram, and you have lost the privilege of my respect forever. I shall leave you to your pug-dog and to your carpet-work. You have now forfeited the right to anything more.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Mansfield Park, Northamptonshire
6 January, 1813

To be given to Lady Catherine De Bourgh when she arrives this afternoon

Dear Mother,

I know not how to begin a letter such as this. While I do not wish to displease you, I find it necessary to take extreme measures to ensure my own future happiness and my well-being. By the time you read this, I shall have been married to Mr. William Price at Gretna Green. We departed last night, and I have no doubt of our future happiness.

I know that you believe Mr. Price to be addressing me only for my dowry. I must tell you, though, that until you mentioned it in your unforgivably rude response to his application, I neglected to tell him how much my dowry was worth, and I never once mentioned that I was the heiress of Rosings, simply so that no one could ever say that he married me for my wealth.

Before you try to dissuade me from this marriage with offers of other, richer men, I have already made the acquaintance Mr. Balfour-Boswell while in London with my Aunt Matlock. Believe me when I say I have no intention of ever marrying a man who is that foul-tempered and that horribly ugly.

All the wealth and grandeur that is Rosings Park means nothing to me unless I can share it with someone whom I love. I should sooner endure the greatest deprivation with William than enjoy the greatest luxury with those who are unkind to me. And I do love him. I love him so greatly, so firmly, and so deeply, that I cannot imagine any kind of life, whether wealthy or destitute, without him by my side. I do not know if you can understand that, Mother. If you have ever know what it is to love, please believe that I share the deepest imaginable love with my William, and we are both prepared to face whatever consequences our love will bring upon us.

Mother, I know that you always tried to be a good parent, but I have not heard someone speak words of kindness or love to me since my father died when I was a small child. I have been unwell not because of a sickly constitution but because of the environment in which I lived. You did not allow me to walk, to run, to jump, to sing, to dance, to laugh, to cry, or to enjoy life in any way. "It is not ladylike to do those things, Anne," you always said. You employed governesses who were so afraid of you that they did your bidding and kept me prisoner in my own home. They were so cowed by your descriptions of my delicacy that I was not permitted to develop any talents, skills, or accomplishments at all, because they feared I was not strong enough to pursue them. I was not weak by nature, I was weak because I was never given the chance to become strong. I am taking that opportunity now. My life with William will not be easy; I know that. However, I relish the challenge and look forward to being a richer person with a modest life as William's wife than I could have ever been had I remained in the splendors of Rosings.

I know you will not support my decision, and I imagine that I shall never see or hear from you again. I can only hope that someday you will understand why I have done this, and realize that I shall have happiness now, more happiness than I have ever dreamt of.

I love you, Mother, in spite of it all. I hope you will understand someday.

ANNE DE BOURGH

Part 10

Posted on Sunday, 20 January 2002

Rose and Crown Inn, Mansfield, Northamptonshire
7 January, 1813

To Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pemberley, Derbyshire

Darcy,

I imagine that you have not heard yet the depths of dissipation to which you have driven your poor cousin Anne. She has run off to Gretna Green with a mere penniless midshipman, William Price, who is both the son of an injured ex-sailor and all around drunken sot, and nephew to the Bertrams of Mansfield Park. I was unable to catch her, as they had over eighteen hours of progress before anyone thought of pursuing them, and from all appearances, they traveled straight through the night. I have every reason to believe that the marriage is now formalized in every way, and thus her debasement is complete.

Had you done what you ought, she would have been your wife by now. But as you chose to dishonor yourself, you have dishonored your cousin twice, first when you spurned her, and again now, when she ran off with a pitiful rake, broken hearted and with only the shreds of her dignity left.

The fault is yours, but I do not ask for an apology. None can be given, as she has ruined herself beyond hope of amendment. I simply wanted you to know the tragic results of your actions. May your repose at night be quiet, for mine shall not be again.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

The Rose and Crown Inn, Mansfield, Northamptonshire
7 January, 1812

To Mr. Price, 4 White Hart Road, Portsmouth

Mr. Price,

I imagine you have heard by now that your eldest son is a rake and a seducer of gentlewomen, and has eloped to Gretna Green with my only daughter, Miss Anne De Bourgh.

I do not know whether this is all some sort of scheme to raise the fortunes of your entire family, and if so, I know not whether you are a party to it. If you are, however, know now that it will not work. Do not expect any notice, any assistance, or any acknowledgement from myself or from any member of her family. My daughter has made her choice and has debased herself for life. That cannot now be changed. However, do not expect to profit by my daughter's disgrace. No aid of any sort will be dispensed to you or your family. I acknowledge no connection of blood or marriage with any of you. That would be beneath our station as members of the noble and ancient Fitzwilliam line.

Rather than raising you all to the exalted level of the Fitzwilliams and the De Bourghs, the foolish actions of your son have only led to the ruination of an innocent girl, who shall now never again live in the style to which she is accustomed, and who has been forced to renounce all polite society forever. This is the reward of your presumption and your wicked plans.

I send you no regards, and recognize no relationship with you or any of your family.
LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Mansfield Park, Northamptonshire
8 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Lady Catherine,

I do not write you to reopen the topic of your daughter's elopement; our arguments on that topic were well-stated before your departure from Northamptonshire yesterday morning. I do not believe that discussing it any more will serve any purpose; in fact, I doubt that we shall ever agree on anything regarding the issue.

I do, however, understand the pain you must be feeling. However, any amount of emotional discomfort does not excuse your behavior while in Northamptonshire. I would have thought public drunkenness to be beneath you. I would have taken pains for the sake of your personal respectability to hide your condition, but you were already beyond concealment. I am told by the innkeeper of the Rose and Crown in Mansfield village that you drank an embarrassing amount of alcohol while in his establishment, and raved about your current difficulties to all the patrons in the room. I do not need to rely on the reports of my loyal tenants to inform me about your behavior for the rest of the night, as I was unfortunate enough to witness it with my own eyes. You burst into the sitting room, where I was seated with my wife, Mrs. Norris, my niece, and my younger son. As you swayed and staggered through the door, you began hurling abuse at all of us. I am ashamed that my son and my niece saw you in such a condition, but for the sake of your own reputation, I am more ashamed that you were seen and heard by the majority of the servants in the employ of this estate.

I shall not comment on the violent abuses which you addressed to each of us in turn, as you were clearly not yourself, and I shall assume that you did not mean what you said. However, if you choose to vent your spleen at my family again, I will not be so tolerant. My family is very important to me, and I shall not tolerate any ill-treatment of them under my roof.

I know not if you remember your actions that night, as you were obviously quite out of your wits. I fear, however, that the ensuing scandal is more than I will be able to cover up, as you were seen by a large number of people, some of whom do not have a great deal of discretion. I therefore suggest that you do not return to Northamptonshire in the near future. I do not know if I can prevent the rumors from traveling beyond the county, but for the sake of the thirty-year friendship you and my wife have enjoyed, I shall do what I can.

I send you my sincere wishes for your return to your senses, and the restoration of well-being in your family.

Yours sincerely,
SIR THOMAS BERTRAM

Longbourn, near Meryton, Hertfordshire
13 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Lady Catherine,

I find myself compelled, by the closeness of our family connections, to wish you joy on the occasion of your daughter's marriage. I imagine, though, that you are not feeling a particularly great amount of happiness regarding the event, so I shall only venture to wish that your sufferings may be short, and your pain not severe.

Mr. Collins has chosen to relate all his feelings on the occasion to me, but as I did not understand half of them, I shall not sport with your intelligence by any attempts to reproduce them in this missive. Suffice it to say that he is quite confused as to whether he should praise the extraordinary merits of Miss De Bourgh (now Mrs. Price), or whether he should condemn her entirely due to your presumed opinion of the matter. The result of these vacillations of opinion is unclear, and I cannot tell you at this time which philosophy he will eventually follow. Due to his confusion, though, I do not expect that you shall hear from him any time soon, as the only clearly expressed thought in the man's head seems to be an intense fear of Your Ladyship.

I shall take the liberty of encouraging him to return to Hunsford soon, though, as I am certain you are in need of pastoral counseling at this time. I am certain he will be happy to be of use to Your Ladyship at this difficult moment. His wife, I imagine, will be well pleased to stay in Lucas Lodge through her confinement while Mr. Collins returns to his ecclesiastical duties.

Rest assured that you are in the thoughts of all your extended family here in Hertfordshire, including those of
MR. THOMAS BENNET

Enscombe, Yorkshire
15 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

My dear Catherine,

I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling, dear Catherine, at your daughter's foolish mistake! Poor Anne, why would she do such a thing to her dear mother?? Suffice it to say that I have heard everything, as dear Mr. Churchill happened to be in Northampton seeing to one of our smaller estates when it all happened. But Catherine, really, you should not turn to the comforts of wine when the comforts of life are gone. But I shall not mention those ugly rumors again; I do not wish to upset you at this time.

Is there anything I can do, dear friend, to lessen your sufferings? I imagine not; nothing can bring dear Anne back to us. Although, I imagine, if she were widowed soon, the whole matter could be hushed up and soon quite forgotten. I do not suggest that anything be done to hasten her widowhood, of course, but you know that these young midshipmen are simply cannon-fodder anyway, and I give it less than six months before he ends up somewhere under the Atlantic or the Mediterranean. After that, Anne can be kept in the country somewhere for the duration of her mourning period, and then everything can be just as it was before this little indiscretion. I am certain that everything will work out just as it should.

You are in my fervent prayers at this time, Catherine, and if there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to ask it of your dear friend
FELICITY CHURCHILL

Lucas Lodge, near Meryton, Hertfordshire
18 January, 1813

To the Esteemed Right Honorable Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

To the Right Honorable and Most Noble Lady Catherine,

I hesitated to address Your Ladyship after the events of the recent month, as I was not certain that my humble attempts at solace, condolence, or assistance would be welcomed. I am, however, planning to give myself the incomparable satisfaction of returning to my humble abode, and Your Ladyship's service, on Saturday. I shall expect to be conducting the holy rites on the morning of the Sunday following, and shall take it upon myself to inform the Rev. Brookfield that his services will no longer be necessary.

If it is not pleasing to Your Ladyship that I return at the suggested time, I humbly request that you send me notice by express, and I solemnly engage to stay in Hertfordshire until such time that my presence is required in Hunsford. Mrs. Collins shall not be returning with me, as she prefers to stay with her mother and sisters as her time draws near.

I shall end this missive here, as I have committed to memory Your Ladyship's request that I not address letters of more than one page to Rosings. Rest assured, Your most noble Ladyship, that I will be completely at your service once in Hunsford again, and will humbly undertake to provide Your Ladyship relief from your current sufferings in any way that I am able to do so.

Your most humble and reverential servant,
REV. WILLIAM COLLINS

Milsom Street, Bath
18 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Lady Catherine,

I have just had a letter from Felicity Churchill, telling me all about your current difficulties! You poor dear, how you must suffer! I wonder how your nerves can bear the strain. But you were always the strong one; you bore everything so much easier than I ever could.

A marriage contracted under those circumstances must always be suspect in the eyes of society. I can only be grateful that the engagement and marriage between my son and Mrs. Maria Rushworth was carried out in a more respectable manner. But my dear son would never involve himself in anything that would bring the slightest hint of disgrace. Poor Anne! I wonder why she did such a thing... but one never knows with young people these days.

I must go, dear Catherine, as I am engaged to dine tonight at the home of Sir Walter Elliot, a baronet from Somersetshire. I believe he is attempting to gain my favor. We shall see what, if anything, comes of this. I shall keep you informed. Until then, please know that you are in my thoughts, and I remain your dear friend,
LOUISA RUSHWORTH

Rose and Crown Inn, Mansfield, Northamptonshire
19 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Lady Catherine,

As you were not in a condition to settle your accounts before you left my establishment, I am forwarding an itemized invoice of the charges you incurred while here.

For One Night, Single Room Accommodation with Servant's Quarters and Sitting Room: £2, 6s.
For One Night, Carriage Storage and Stabling and Feeding of Four Horses:
£1, 3s, 4p.
One Dinner of Roast Venison, Celery Root, Turnips, and Granary Bread:
£1, 8s, 2p.
One Dessert of Baked Apple Tart, Double Cream, and Coffee:
4s, 6p.
Two Pitchers of Ale:
3s, 6p.
One Bottle of Antiguan Rum:
8s, 9p.
One Breakfast of 2 Rolls, Butter, and 2 pots Coffee:
1s, 6p.

I would appreciate it if you would forward the required sum.

Mr. John Cooperson, Proprietor

Rosings Park, Kent
18 January, 1813

To Mrs. Felicity Churchill, Enscombe, Yorkshire

My dear Felicity,

I hardly know what to write. Thank you for your letter of friendship; I do not know what I would have done without your words of kindness over the past several months. This is the latest and the hardest blow. My own daughter; to betray me so heartlessly and to contract such a marriage under such disgraceful circumstances! It pains me even to write it.

I find myself alone here at Rosings Park. Even the clergyman of the parish, Mr. Collins, who is normally here far more often than I would prefer, is away visiting his wife's family in Hertfordshire. Hertfordshire really is a dreadful place. I sincerely wish that my nephew had never set foot in Hertfordshire; my daughter would have been honorably married to her cousin by now, and would not have been in any danger of falling in such a way.

I have not heard from or about Anne. I know not whether she has gone to Portsmouth to be with the Prices (disgraceful, barbarian, uncivilized people that they are), whether she is at sea now with her husband (unlikely, given his low naval rank), or whether they are lodging in dingy inns, wondering when their next meal is going to come. I know not, and I care not. She threw me off; it would be beneath my dignity not to do the same to her.

But I must confess, dear Felicity, to certain remnants of maternal fears and solicitude for Anne's destiny. I wish I could forget the girl, but I cannot. She is my only daughter, my only close family. She was to carry on when I am departed from this earth. Now, there is nothing left. I shall endeavor to be stronger; but I believe it will take some time before I am able to do so. I shall recover from this.

Thank you again, my dear friend, for being there for me at such a difficult time. You will probably never know how grateful I am. I shall not speak of Anne or her marriage much in the future; it only serves to weaken me, and now more so than ever, I need to develop my strength. I shall recover.

Fear not for your friend
LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

White Hart Road, Portsmouth
19 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Lady Catherine,

I can't say I know ye, and I can't even say that I've heard yer name before. So I'm not sure why ye wrote to me, and why ye said such bl@@dy nasty things about me and my family. Don't you go insulting my William, though, as the boy's my pride an joy. He'll be a great one someday, by G--, and your daughter's a lucky one to have caught him before he's richer than you are. We don't need yer money, and we don't care who ye are or how big yer house is, or what fine old high and mighty family ye come from. We're doing just fine right here by ourselves.

So, Lady Catherine Pointy-Nose, or whoever you are, I think ye ought to keep yer opinions to yerself. We don't want em.

MR. WILLIAM PRICE, SR.

Rosings Park, Kent
19 January, 1813

To Mr. Collins, Lucas Lodge, Hertfordshire

Mr. Collins,

Come back whenever you choose. It matters not to me.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Pemberley, Derbyshire
20 January, 1813

Dear Lady Catherine,

I am writing not in response to the characteristically rude letter I received from you a few weeks ago, but to assure you that your daughter Anne is healthy and well.

Madam, I am aware that this information will most likely upset you, but I appeal to your sense of honor and family responsibility and request that you read this letter through before you act rashly.

Mr. and Mrs. Price came directly to Pemberley after the solemnization of their marriage at Gretna Green. Knowing the current state of discord existing between Pemberley and Rosings, they felt that they would receive a welcome here that they might not find elsewhere. Due to the relatively convenient distance between Gretna Green and Pemberley, they arrived here only a few days after the wedding. Mrs. Darcy and I welcomed them as we would any member of our family, and our hospitality will be extended to them as long as may be necessary until a more permanent establishment can be found. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley are also our guests at Pemberley at the moment, and my wife, my sister and Mrs. Bingley have been spending a great deal of time with Anne. Anne was quite distraught at the beginning of her stay at Pemberley, as she was sensible that she had quite seriously overstepped the bounds of propriety and decent behavior with regards to her marriage. She is consumed with feelings of guilt, regarding both the general scandal surrounding the marriage as well as her perceived betrayal of her friends and family. She is also afraid of your reaction; as she has never defied you in any meaningful way, she is uncertain as to what the future might bring to her relationship with you. I flatter myself, though, that she improves every day under the watchful and caring eyes of the three women who are devoting many hours of each day to restoring her cheerfulness and peace of mind.

I am not certain if this information will be pleasing to you or will cause you further resentment. However, I feel that it is important to relate it to you, and hope that your maternal solicitude for the true well-being of your daughter might be aroused, so that your anger may be allayed somewhat by her happiness. I believe Mr. William Price to be an exceptional young man. Granted, he is slightly less refined in society than one might wish, but he is sincere, intelligent, and I am convinced he has very good principles and a great deal of good sense. Most importantly, from close observation, I am fully confident of the mutual attachment, respect, and love existing between Mr. and Mrs. Price, and truly believe that their union will be a happy one. His liveliness supports her spirits, which are (as you are aware) often low, and her thoughtful demeanor encourages him to think seriously on meaningful topics. I assure you that I have learned not to make judgments such as these regarding the mutual compatibility of two young people without serious reflection, and have observed them closely before forming any opinions of the kind. I am convinced that he loves her by the kindness and adoration in his eyes when he gazes upon her, and I am convinced by the newfound animation in her step and the rosy glow of her countenance that she returns his feelings. He claims to be the happiest of men. I am not certain of that, as I have known more than one man who has claimed that title recently, but I believe he deeply loves your daughter, and will do everything in his power to secure her happiness and comfort.

As all who consider themselves friends of Mr. and Mrs. Price wish to advance their happiness and position in the world as much as possible, we are in the process of trying to improve their current situation. As you may know, Mr. Price was until recently a midshipman on the H.M.S. Antwerp. Through the combined interest of Col. Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bingley, who are acquainted with Admiral Baldwin and Admiral Croft, respectively, I am glad to announce that Mr. Price has received a commission as First Lieutenant of the H.M.S. Laconia, under a Captain Wentworth, a man with quite a good reputation among naval circles. The position of First Lieutenant on that particular vessel was suddenly vacant, as the First Lieutenant had unfortunately been killed on the last voyage when he caught his foot in the rigging during a storm, was thrown overboard, and was eaten by sharks. A dreadful business, really, but he had attained his position solely through birth, and was widely considered to be an inferior, cowardly, and relatively dull-witted young man. I truly believe that Lt. Price has the cleverness and the quick wits to avoid a similar fate. Although the position of First Lieutenant is not in itself a source of fame or riches, it is a definite step up from his previous status, and Col. Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bingley, and I are fully convinced that his talents will carry him far in his chosen field. There is also no better role model than Capt. Wentworth, as he rose from very obscure origins to fame and a large fortune very quickly, through a combination of raw talent, bravery, and a great deal of hard work. I have made his acquaintance in passing while in London a few years ago, and was quite impressed with the man. I sincerely believe that everything shall presently work out for the best.

Mr. Price has gone to Portsmouth to acquaint his family with the events surrounding his marriage and his promotion, as well as to make all the necessary arrangements to take up his new position, and is expected back tomorrow. His first voyage in the Laconia is scheduled to commence in two weeks, as the Captain himself is recently married, and as a result he obtained a slightly longer shore leave for himself and all his crew before the next voyage begins. They are scheduled to sail out to the West Indies, but given the current state of affairs in France, they may be diverted to duties in that area instead. While Lt. Price is at sea, Mrs. Price is planning to stay on with us. It is our hope that on his next voyage, Lt. Price will be able to earn enough in salary and prize money to form a permanent establishment for himself and his wife.

I urge you not to do anything rash. Remain at Rosings, and do not venture to Pemberley at this time. Your daughter is safe and under our protection for as long as is necessary, and she shall be welcome here for as long as she chooses to stay. I do not believe that your presence here at this time will remedy any of the current difficulties, and in fact may hinder their resolution. I shall write you again when anything further is determined.

FITZWILLIAM DARCY

Part 11

Posted on Monday, 11 March 2002

Rosings Park, Kent
22 January, 1813

To Mrs. Felicity Churchill, Enscombe, Yorkshire

My very dear Felicity,

I have determined to go to Pemberley and find out once and for all what is happening with that troublesome family of mine. It is a long and inconvenient trip from Kent, to be certain, but I feel I have no other choice. My Anne is apparently being left in the care of the dreadful Miss Bennet, Mrs. Bingley, her equally worthless sister, and Georgiana, who I am sure has already gone mad from the events of the recent months and is certainly useless in counteracting the nefarious influences of those other two women. If I do not do something to save Anne, I cannot imagine what will happen to her. I would not be at all surprised if those country peasants have her eating out of a trough with the pigs in the garden.

At least Darcy is trying to help, misguided though he might be. I cannot comprehend why he would think that maintaining this sham of a marriage between Anne and that sailor-boy at Pemberley is better than sending her home to her family where she belongs and dismissing the sailor to his boat and sending him somewhere far away, from whence he preferably would not return. But at least he is making an effort to keep this whole sordid affair hushed up, and I am grateful for that. However, in his last missive, he instructed me to stay at Rosings until he is able to manage things at Pemberley. Obviously, that indicates a serious problem that he does not wish me to see, so I must leave immediately. Perhaps while I am there, I may be of use to Georgiana, and help her escape the disgrace of the Bennet sisters. I may bring her back to live with me at Rosings; yes, that should do nicely, and I shall ensure that she retains the place in society due to her illustrious Fitzwilliam ancestry. I shall also be able to give instructions to the servants there to fix whatever Miss Bennet has done to the place. It would be a terrible shame to allow Pemberley to fall into disrepair, neglect, and disrepute. I believe that Darcy himself is probably desperate for me to come and sort things out once again, but is probably prevented from extending a formal invitation by that woman. So, I shall save him the trouble.

At any rate, dear friend, I know not how long I will be gone. I shall simply have to install myself at Pemberley until I can manage to sort things out. I cannot leave immediately, however, as I need to ensure that everything at Rosings and in Hunsford is well prepared in case my absence is an extended one. I hope you are feeling somewhat better than you were when last you wrote, and I hope dear Frank is not plaguing you too severely. If he is, however, please be assured of a sympathetic ear in your own

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Rosings Park, Kent
21 January, 1813

To Captain Frederick Wentworth, H.M.S. Laconia, H.M. Royal Naval Encampment, Portsmouth

Captain Wentworth,

I hereby demand that you release one Lieutenant William Price from your employ. He is a disgraceful young man who makes a habit of seducing and kidnapping young ladies from their families and marrying them for their money. A reprobate character is certainly no asset to those who are employed in His Majesty's service, and I fear that your own career will suffer if you choose to keep Lt. Price in your crew. In fact, I shall make certain that it will. If no action is taken by you, I shall ensure that my vexation and displeasure is felt in the highest levels of the naval hierarchy, and will certainly be noticed in your career prospects.
I appeal to your sense of honor, sir, to see that justice is carried out in this matter. You may, if you choose, refer Lt. Price to the local law enforcement and mention my name as a character witness. I am well aware of the fact that you come from an obscure family and are not at all connected to the Wentworths of Shropshire. Therefore, my word regarding Lt. Price's character may carry more weight with the relevant authorities.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Hunsford Parsonage, Kent
23 January, 1813

To The Right Honorable and Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam De Bourgh, Most Graceful, Noble and Elegant Proprietress, Patroness, and Mistress of Rosings Park, Near Hunsford, Kent

Your Most Noble Ladyship,

I humbly venture to address Your Ladyship to apprise you of the fact that I, your humble servant, have returned home to the glorious beneficence and residence you have so graciously bestowed upon me. I hope my absence has not inconvenienced Your Ladyship in any way, and I offer my humble services to Your Ladyship in this, your hour of need. If you are in need of pastoral counseling or any other assistance I can possibly provide for Your Ladyship, please summon me, and I shall come directly. I would not consider any delay; if summoned by Your Ladyship, I shall come with the utmost alacrity and shall humbly refuse to put any task in front of that of pleasing Your Ladyship and being of assistance to You.

I ventured to stop at Bromley on my way home from Hertfordshire, as Your Gracious Ladyship so kindly suggested, and the proprietor at the Bell was most attentive and helpful. I am certain that is wholly due to the influence of Your Ladyship's recommendation, and I once again express my humble gratitude.

My dear Charlotte sends her most grateful and humble greetings to Your Ladyship, but did not accompany me back to Hunsford, as she wishes to be with her mother and sisters through her confinement. I sternly instructed her to promise that she will not associate with any member of the Bennet family while I am not there to ensure that she does not fall into the sin of disobeying Your Ladyship. She will obey me, and through my humble person, she will obey you. Have no worries that Your Ladyship's wishes will be contravened through myself or my family.

Again, I humbly offer any services or assistance Your Ladyship might wish to request from me.

Your most humble and grateful servant,

REV. WILLIAM COLLINS

Matlock Hall, Derbyshire
23 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

My dear sister,

I am writing to you in an effort to ease the distress you must be feeling, due to the recent dramatic events which have befallen our family. I wanted you to know that Isabella and I have just returned from Pemberley. We had traveled there four days ago to see how dear Anne was doing and to get a feel for who this William Price truly is.

The results of our journey are truly something to rejoice in, and I can only hope, dear Catherine, that you will eventually be able to rejoice in them yourself. I have never seen Anne in better health or better spirits. Her countenance was glowing, with none of the pale, wan, sickliness that has plagued her in the past. Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Bingley, and Georgiana have been unceasingly kind to her, and have succeeded in assuaging her guilt and fears, as well as helping her to feel more comfortable in society. I know you are afraid that Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley will have a deleterious effect on both Anne and Georgiana, but I can assure you that I see nothing of the sort. Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley are all that is proper, elegant, and charming, and I honestly believe that no harm will come to either of the young girls by association with them.

I also had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of Lt. Price himself. His situation in life is truly an evil, in that I agree with you. In all that he cannot change, such as his family and the financial situation in which he began his career, he is most unfortunately circumstanced. However, his close connection to the Bertrams of Mansfield is truly an excellent advantage, as is Sir Thomas's active patronage of his advancement. He is also obviously a very active and ambitious young man, and has undoubtedly chosen a very good career path for his interests and his talents. I believe that he will do very well in the Navy, and shall advance as far as the vagaries of fortune inherent in that field will allow him. While Anne will probably never enjoy the financial benefits she would have, had she married a peer of the realm or a gentleman of great fortune, I believe she will also never be in need, nor will she suffer for the lack of any material thing. In short, I am impressed with the young man, and foresee a happy future for the both of them. I also indicated to Lt. Price my willingness to help him in his career path if possible, although my acquaintances tend to be more closely connected to the Army than to the Navy.

Isabella had the opportunity to speak with Anne at length regarding her marriage to Lt. Price. I will enclose a letter from her on this subject, as I find that my pen cannot possibly do justice to such a tender subject. Rest assured, however, that I believe Anne to be in excellent hands, and I hope that one day, the rifts brought to our family by the recent marriages can be healed, and we shall all fully be able to appreciate one another's merits. Knowing my sister as I do, I am certain that you have already told your servants to pack your trunks for a trip to Pemberley. Please, dear Catherine, reconsider. I urge you to allow a bit of time to go by before rushing in to the situation. I have always found that time tends to improve any situation, and all of this shall certainly be easier to deal with after the violence of emotion has subsided a bit. Remain at Rosings, and try to stay calm. I do not mean to anger you, but I feel I must be direct. This situation must be dealt with, and it will be dealt with most easily if you remain in Kent. As the head of the Fitzwilliam family, I shall ensure that everything turns out well in the end. Your interference will just make it more difficult for Mr. Darcy and myself to manage the situation, and it is certainly challenging enough as it is. I strongly suggest you follow my advice, as any rash actions by you will most likely make the affair more public, which will affect us all. I do not wish to become displeased with you, but I am determined to effect a happy ending to this as soon as possible, and will do whatever I need to in order to ensure that result. If that entails preventing you from seeing or corresponding with any other member of the family until the situation is resolved, then so be it, although I would certainly prefer that you make the decision to be calm on your own.

With love from your brother

LORD HENRY FITZWILLIAM

Dear Catherine,

I know that you and I have not always been the best of friends, but please believe that what I shall write here contains nothing but my observations and my honest opinions. I am not out to slander anyone dear to you, nor do I wish to upset you with what I write. In fact, I see reasons for joy in the current situation, reasons which may one day outweigh the current unpleasantness, and make it all worthwhile.

When Henry and I arrived at Pemberley, we did so unannounced, so that we would be able to ascertain for ourselves the true state of things, without allowing time for the young people to prepare themselves for observation. When we arrived, my husband went to see Darcy in his study, while I was shown to the South Drawing Room, where the ladies were seated. I paused at the door to hear what the general state of the room was before entering. Although expecting to hear silence, or polite, stilted conversation, I was pleasantly surprised to hear all four women laughing together and conversing as though they had been intimate friends for years. I then entered the room. The women looked at me, and Anne immediately stopped smiling, her face became ashen, and she was silent and grave. I believe she was afraid that I was there to convey to her a message of her family's displeasure at her actions, or even that I was to notify her that her family was casting her off. Not certain how to relieve the sudden tension which encircled the room, I sat down on the sopha next to Mrs. Darcy and said, "My dear Mrs. Darcy, we have come to surprise you with a visit. Or do I presume too much? You seem to have quite a houseful here, and we would not want to intrude. Knowing that so much of our beloved family is currently at Pemberley, my husband and I could not resist coming to see you all for a few days." Mrs. Darcy smiled and replied, "Of course, Lady Matlock, you know that you are always welcome here at Pemberley. We certainly have enough space here; we could have half of Derbyshire staying with us and still have room left over! It is a very pleasant surprise to see you once again, and I am certain that Mr. Darcy will be delighted when he hears that you and your husband will be staying here for a few days." She then rang for tea, and I took the opportunity to observe Anne. Although she appeared very nervous, and not yet quite believing that I was not there to deliver her condemnation, I was still very pleasantly surprised. Her form, which had been so often stooped and weak in appearance, now was held straight and tall. She had obviously purchased new clothing, and the pale blue silk she was wearing showed her off to advantage, and was a much better color for her than were the duller shades she had been accustomed to wear. Her hair was cut in a slightly different way and curled fashionably, and was put up more elaborately than the simple buns I have so often seen her wear. There were even ribbons and small silken flowers woven into her hair, which is a fashion in which I have never seen her indulge. Her often pale countenance had become animated, her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes appeared bright instead of listless. Catherine, I have never seen her look so well before; in fact, she put me in mind of the lovely portrait of your mother at a similar age that hangs in the gallery at Matlock.

After drinking tea and enjoying some lovely pastries (the French cooks at Pemberley are always outstanding), I realized that the lively conversation which had been taking place in the room before my arrival had, well, died. I decided to deal with the situation directly, so I said, "Anne, I would like to speak with you privately, if possible. Mrs. Darcy, is there anywhere we might go to speak for a few moments?" When rising from our seats, I saw Georgiana clasp Anne's hand in a gesture of support and friendship. I am glad to see such a fervent friendship between the two girls; I think they are good for each other.

Mrs. Darcy, with a concerned look on her face, showed us to the blue salon just across the hall from the drawing room, where we sat down in the midst of a rather awkward silence. Anne could not even meet my eyes, and spoke in a small voice (the first time I had heard her speak since my arrival), "Dear Aunt, I cannot express the sorrow I feel for causing such pain and disgrace to my family. It is only that I felt that I had no choice..." I interrupted her and said, "Anne, my dear, I am not here to condemn you. I am actually very pleased to see you looking so well. Your uncle and I are here simply to see your felicity for ourselves; we carry no unpleasant messages or displeasure from anyone." She looked up at me, and I smiled at her. "I cannot say that I completely approve of the way in which this marriage was contracted," I continued, "but contracted it was, and now we all have to make the best of it. I would like to hear of your happiness, so that we can try to move beyond the initial unpleasantness attached to your wedding, and help the rest of the world forget it entirely." "Oh, Aunt," she cried, and embraced me with tears in her eyes. "I was so afraid of my family's disapproval, but I could not imagine my life without my William at my side. I know that my mother will throw me off and most likely will never see me again, or acknowledge me as her daughter. I also know that I have most likely been cut off from Rosings, and will not receive any of my marriage portion. I told William that before we went off, and he said 'Your money is not important to me, my love. I wish - I fervently wish that I could support you in the finest way imaginable, drape you with silks and jewels, and surround you with the grandest estate in England. I know you are accustomed to a far wealthier environment than I, but I promise that you will never want for the things that are necessary, and I shall do whatever I can to ensure that you have whatever you wish for. On my salary, I shall be able to afford us a home and all the necessities of life, and in your possession lie my heart and deepest love - and there they shall remain. I hope they will sustain you through any deprivations we may suffer in the future. Just say you will be my love forever, and I shall be complete in every way. It is better to create a warm, loving home for ourselves than to depend on the gifts of relatives who may or may not wish our happiness. I prefer to make my own way in the world, and then I will see all the things I have been able to give you, and I shall feel that your happiness has been partly due to me.' I shall never forget that moment..." She then trailed off. I encouraged her to continue; she blushed and smiled, and continued to tell me of her attachment to Lt. Price.

Lt. Price was not at Pemberley when we arrived, as he had gone to Portsmouth to meet with his new captain, and prepare for his imminent departure. After our long talk (for we had been speaking for over two hours), Anne and I rejoined the other ladies in the drawing room. Everyone visibly relaxed when they saw Anne's smile, and we conversed pleasantly. I was very pleased to see that the four ladies truly enjoyed each other's company, and were fast becoming very intimate friends. Although I had not known either Mrs. Darcy or Mrs. Bingley very well before that day, I grew to know them better as well, and I must say I am very impressed with them. Both of them have a great deal of sense and intelligence. Mrs. Bingley seems to have the sweeter disposition and a natural elegance of mind, while Mrs. Darcy is warm, clever, and a very competent mistress of her husband's estate. I look forward to deepening my acquaintance with both women in the future, especially since the Bingleys are planning to purchase an estate somewhere in the area. I know this will incense you, but I must say it anyway. The Bingleys and the Darcys are two of the happiest couples I have ever had the good fortune to meet, and I believe they are perfectly matched. Except for the slight disparity of fortune, I see nothing whatsoever to criticize in the matches. They are also very deeply in love, and it makes me happy to see our dear Fitzwilliam Darcy content again. Pemberley is alive once more, and I for one am very glad to see it.

Presently, a servant entered the room and announced that Lt. Price was just coming up the driveway. Anne jumped out of her seat, eyes sparkling, and followed the servant out the door. The other three women exchanged grins, while I walked over to the window to get a look at Lt. Price for the first time. Anne ran - she ran, Catherine - to the carriage and as soon as the door opened, her husband jumped out and embraced his wife. I know it was improper for me to observe, but I could not help myself. He swept her up into his arms and swung her in circles like a little girl, and I could hear her laughter from where I stood. They presently recollected themselves and walked back to the house, hand in hand. Dear Catherine, Lt. and Mrs. Price are obviously very much in love, and very devoted to each other. Please do not castigate them; welcome their happiness. Both of them truly deserve the felicity they have found.

Before dinner that evening, as we gathered in the drawing room, I was finally introduced to Lt. Price. He is a rather tall and remarkably handsome man, with an alert, sensible countenance. He has light brown hair and green eyes, and carries himself very well, as a man who has been in His Majesty's service so long would be expected to. I was seated next to him at dinner, and was pleasantly surprised by his intelligent conversation on many topics, as well as his stories about his life and adventures at sea. He was also obviously well thought of by both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, and was able to converse with everyone in the room equally well, from Lord Matlock to Mrs. Bingley. Even Georgiana, shy as she is, was able to speak comfortably with him, and I believe that shows that he possesses a truly amiable disposition.

I see that this letter is already far longer than I intended it to be, so I shall try to summarize the rest of our visit. Both Henry and I were pleased to find that Anne and Lt. Price are very much in love, and have decided to support them in any way that we can. Lt. Price is a good man, an honest man, and truly wants to make Anne happy. I am firmly convinced that her fortune had nothing to do with their elopement. I believe he is an asset to our family, and I am glad he has entered into it.

Once again, I do not mean to offend you with anything I have said. I hope that one day you will be able to be happy for your daughter, as she truly has found something rare; something that only the fortunate ever find.

I shall close here, with best wishes and fervent hope for a happy outcome to all this from your own sister

LADY ISABELLA FITZWILLIAM

Rosings Park, Kent
24 January, 1813

Mr. Collins,

Thank you for informing me of your safe arrival home.

In the future, when sending correspondence from your parsonage to Rosings Park, please remember that you do not need to use my full title and address on the envelope, as you give the letters to your manservant who brings them directly to my housekeeper. The letters do not even go through the post. Putting the full address on it is at best a waste of time and ink.

By the way, please avoid over-use of the word "humble." At my count, you used that word or a derivation thereof nine times in less than half a page. All this humility is really a bit much, and after a while it simply does not ring true. I can lend you a good thesaurus from the library here at Rosings if you are in need of such a volume.

Please refrain from coming to Rosings Park at present unless I request your presence. I would greatly prefer solitude at this time.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Enscombe, Yorkshire
25 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

My dearest Catherine,

I certainly hope this letter reaches you before you do something so silly as to march off to Pemberley. Forgive me, dear friend, but that is the worst mistake you could make at the moment. All you will succeed in doing is antagonizing the Darcys, and as much as you might like to do that, it would not serve your current and most important purpose, which is of course to get your daughter back and rebuild her reputation.

Consider this, dear Catherine. Mrs. Darcy must be a selfish creature to have done what she did in marrying Mr. Darcy. She therefore will definitely not allow Anne and that lieutenant to stay at Pemberley for very long. They would simply get in her way, as she will of course want as few people around as possible to see her assume total control over her husband's fortune and properties, so that she can squander and exploit them as fully as possible. Soon, then, Anne will be banished from all good society (not that Mrs. Darcy is good society, but Mr. Darcy and his connections are), and forced to live in some hovel near the dockyards. She will not have enough to eat, will not be able to afford a single servant, and shall have to do all the manual labor of the house with her own hands. Her gowns will become ragged and worn, and her coarse, low husband will soon lose his charms, as he will of course spend far more time at the local pub with his deck-swabbing sailor friends and in the company of women of ill repute than with his wife.

I sincerely do not wish such misery on dear Anne, but in making the unfortunate mistake of being taken in by that sailor, she took that fate upon herself. However, once all these things have come to pass, she will without question regret the step she took. She will come back to Rosings, begging for your forgiveness and her reinstatement into the family. At times, dear Catherine, we are all forced into making difficult decisions, and I understand how it might be difficult to even give the appearance of neglecting your daughter. However, I fear that poor Anne must suffer before she understands what her true destiny must and should be. Take heart, dear friend, and remain strong, and remember you always have a true friend in

MRS. FELICITY CHURCHILL

Rosings Park, Kent
26 January, 1813

To Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pemberley, Derbyshire

Darcy,

After much thought, I have decided, reluctantly, to follow the advice of my brother and not come to Pemberley at present. I had every intention of making the journey, but my brother convinced me that the inconvenience and trouble of such a journey is not necessary at the moment.

However, I shall require frequent information as to the condition of my daughter, as well as the condition in which my daughter is currently living. I hope that Pemberley is much as it always was, and that Miss Bennet has not seen fit to damage the house or the gardens in any material way. I also hope that my daughter is given the respect and the deference that is her due from her ancestors. Although she has squandered her hopes of an equal, respectable alliance, perhaps forever, she is still one of the daughters of the House of Fitzwilliam and should be treated as such.

I would ask that you restrict the number of hours that my daughter should be subjected to the company of Miss Bennet or any of her sisters. Poor Anne must still be suffering from the ignominy of being forced to remain in a household with both the man who spurned her and the woman he chose instead. Although she has committed grievous errors, I do not wish for my daughter to suffer that kind of mortification.

I would also request that you notify me when Miss Bennet decides to turn my daughter out of Pemberley. Although I understand your desire for privacy as a newly married man, I wish to be able to intervene if my daughter finds herself homeless. I shall be highly displeased if I find out that you have turned her out without informing me first.

If my daughter causes you difficulty, you are to inform me at once. I cannot, however, take responsibility for the sailor. His deportment is far beyond my control, and is most likely frightful. But, since you have chosen to allow him into Pemberley, then you must take responsibility for the damages or losses his presence will undoubtedly cause. I shall not be liable for anything of the sort.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

H.M.S. Laconia, docked at Portsmouth
26 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Lady Catherine,

I am unaccustomed to receiving letters such as yours, so in responding I shall come right to the point. Given both the lack of any evidence whatsoever against Lt. Price's character and the shortness of the time before my ship is scheduled to set sail, I shall be unable to consider your request that I dismiss him from my crew. I have heard nothing but the highest approbation of both his abilities and his character from his former captains, as well as particular recommendations in his behalf from both Admiral Baldwin and Admiral Croft. Any captain would be pleased to have an officer in his crew with a reputation such as that. I look forward to the privilege of having someone of Lt. Price's talents as a first lieutenant on my ship.

Your Ladyship will allow me to be frank. I have never made your acquaintance, nor have I heard your name mentioned, and as a result I imagine you are also wholly unacquainted with my character. I do not take threats well, nor do I appreciate insults directed at myself or my family. I trust that my own reputation as a naval officer and my respectability in private life shall protect me from any slander you may choose to throw at me, and shall also prevent my career being threatened by your baseless accusations.

I will thank you not to address me on this subject again.

CAPT. FREDERICK WENTWORTH

Pemberley, Derbyshire
28 January, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Aunt Catherine,

I am glad to hear that you have decided to stay at Rosings to be comfortable. My Uncle Fitzwilliam is a wise man, and I believe it is good that you have decided to follow his advice. I shall however refrain from commenting on your accusations regarding Mrs. Darcy destroying Pemberley. Suffice it to say that she has not done so, and the only alterations made recently have been for the better.

I have made every attempt to keep you informed on the situation of your daughter and shall continue to do so. At the moment, Anne is slightly distraught, as Lt. Price left yesterday morning for Portsmouth and his first sail on the Laconia. The voyage is set to commence in two days, and Mrs. Price is both mourning for the loss of her beloved husband's company and is very naturally fearing the dangers which often accompany a naval career. Mrs. Darcy, Mrs. Bingley, and Georgiana are consoling her as best they can, and I feel that she is doing as well as can be expected, under the circumstances. I have also invited her friend and sister, Miss Frances Price, to come and stay with her for several weeks, in hopes of helping Anne through the first separation from her husband. She will be arriving tomorrow; her cousin Mr. Edmund Bertram shall be escorting her to Pemberley and he shall also stay a few days with us, before returning to his duties as clergyman of the Northamptonshire parish of Thornton Lacey.

You need have no fear regarding Anne's accommodation. As I have said before, both Anne and her husband are very welcome to stay with us at Pemberley for as long as they like. Fear not, though; I shall certainly not force your daughter into anyone's company for a longer time than she would wish. Anne does, however, greatly enjoy the company of my wife, her sister, and Georgiana; they are well nigh inseparable, and it is difficult to prevent them from spending many hours of the day together. Mrs. Darcy and Anne have grown to be quite particular friends, and my wife has remarked on more than one occasion, "I do not know what I shall do once Anne has left for a home of her own!" I resent the implication that my wife would turn out a family member in need, but I am well aware of your implacable disgust for my wife, and shall therefore not waste my time in futile argument against your unreasonable preconceptions. Regardless of your opinions of my wife, I do however expect you to treat her with respect both in her presence and in your correspondence with others, including myself. I shall not tolerate anything less.

I shall write you again and update you on your daughter's situation. Until then I remain

MR. FITZWILLIAM DARCY

Excerpt from the London Times, 30 January, 1813

A great fleet of several of His Majesty's finest ships has left the docks of Portsmouth on a mission to patrol the waters near northern France. Included in this fleet are the H.M.S. Providential, H.M.S. Laconia, the H.M.S. Indubitable, the H.M.S. Nightingale, the H.M.S. Helmsley and the H.M.S. Farningham, as well as a number of smaller support vessels. They are expected to be gone for at least two months, considering the current instability of the area to which they are to sail. This is widely thought to be a very important mission, as at least two of the ships were pulled away from an expected voyage to the West Indies, and another was to have been sent to India. The Prince Regent himself, accompanied by several of his top naval advisors (all very influential and highly respected Admirals) shall be sailing out to inspect the fleet during their maneuvers. Could this mean another escalation of hostilities with France? The editors of this newspaper cannot answer that question, of course; it must be left up to those who govern us. However, it is necessary for all of His Majesty's subjects to remain alert during these difficult times.

Part 12

Posted on Monday, 11 March 2002

Rosings Park, Kent
2 February, 1813

To Felicity Churchill, Enscombe, Yorkshire

My dearest friend,

I have chosen to take your advice and refrain from going to Pemberley at present, although I have certainly not ruled it out in future if the situation does not improve quickly. My brother also asked me to stay at Rosings, and to be honest, dear Felicity, he was quite rude about it. He practically threatened me with dismissal from the Fitzwilliam family. I grow more and more vexed whenever I think of it.

As for Darcy, I heard from him again. Apparently he is throwing the scheming wife and her sister together with my daughter and Georgiana at every opportunity. I shall not tolerate this.

I am somewhat displeased with you as well. I believe in your last missive to me you displayed a shocking lack of regard for the well-being of my daughter. Although I sincerely wish that she had not committed such grievous errors in the past several weeks, I do not wish poverty, degradation, or misery on her, and I would thank you not to do so either. It shows a coldness of character and a smallness of mind that I had not previously associated with you.

I hope your health is improving, and I still hope to see you sometime in the spring. Regardless of your recent offenses against me, I remain your friend

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Rosings Park, Kent
2 February, 1813

To Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pemberley, Derbyshire

Darcy,

Thank you for the update about my daughter's health. I am sorry for her sadness regarding the sailor's departure, but it is her own fault for marrying him in the first place. She should count herself lucky if he doesn't slip off the deck and drown on his next voyage.

I have been patient with you. However, I insist now that you remove your wife from my daughter's presence. She has more of a right to a home at Pemberley than your wife ever will, so I insist that you send your wife and any of her relations who may have already descended on Pemberley back to Hertfordshire where they belong while my daughter is in residence. This includes Mr. Bingley, who is certainly as culpable as any of the Bennets, as I am certain he encouraged you to make such an imprudent marriage. I refuse to allow my daughter to be upset by the presence of the woman who robbed her of her rightful husband and home. In addition, for you to propose to bring a woman such as Miss Price to Pemberley in order to be my daughter's particular friend is in itself evidence of the depths of depravity to which you have been dragged by your wife. Miss Price is even lower in connections, fortune, and society than the Bennets, if such a thing is possible. I insist that you put her out of your home and send her back to from whence she came. Mr. Edmund Bertram, although the son of a baronet, is not acceptable at Pemberley either, as I am certain he helped forward the disgraceful event by which my daughter was bound to a common sailor. Perhaps he was hoping for the living at Hunsford once Mr. Collins has inherited Longbourn, or perhaps he was hoping for a share of my daughter's marriage portion. Either way, his designs will not be fulfilled.

I insist that these conditions be fulfilled. If you choose not to comply, I shall know how to proceed.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Rosings Park, Kent
3 February, 1813

To Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet Darcy, Pemberley, Derbyshire

Mrs. Darcy,

I address this letter to you as Mrs. Darcy only because I know that your husband shall not give it to you unless that is the name by which I refer to you. However, you need to remember that you were born a Miss Bennet, you continue to be a Miss Bennet, and you shall always be a Miss Bennet. One does not acquire the exalted ancestry and family connections of the ancient Darcy family or the nobility of the Fitzwilliam family simply by marrying into it. One must deserve those advantages before they can be awarded, and Miss Bennet, I do not foresee you ever being awarded that recognition.

I am writing to you to demand that you remove yourself from the company of my daughter. She has fallen far enough from the pinnacle of society which she used to enjoy; she does not need your base connections to blacken her reputation any further. I suggest you remove yourself from Pemberley during her stay there, and return to your father's house, where you rightfully belong.

I send you no regards or good wishes of any kind.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Rosings Park, Kent
2 February, 1813

To Mrs. Jane Bennet Bingley, currently staying at Pemberley, Derbyshire

Mrs. Bingley,

I realize that you and your husband are very socially ambitious. Given your descent from a father who can barely claim the status of a gentleman, and your husband's direct descent from a family in trade, I fully understand this. After all, every family must start somewhere. However, this does not give you the right to ingratiate yourself into Pemberley, nor does it give you free passage into the noble families of Darcy, Fitzwilliam, or De Bourgh. You do not improve upon your lowly origins simply because your sister was artful enough to marry my nephew, or because your husband's sister spends far more than she can afford on elegant clothing and high living in London, trying to marry far above her own modest station.

I condescend to write to you solely to request that you immediately remove yourselves from Pemberley. You shall not take up residence in that estate, and I refuse to allow you to pollute my daughter any further. Either purchase an estate of your own (if you are able to afford it), return to your leased accommodation, or find another family member on whom you can impose. You shall not be permitted to take advantage of us.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Rosings Park, Kent
2 February, 1813

To Miss Georgiana Darcy, Pemberley, Derbyshire

Dear Georgiana,

I understand the difficult situation that you are in at the moment. Your brother has been taken in and you do not know how to escape. You are truly fortunate, then, that you have a relative such as myself, who is prepared to offer you a choice of two ways out of your current dilemma.

Firstly, you are invited to come to Rosings and live with me. You are always welcome, my dear, and I can effect your introduction into elegant society, as well as ensure that you are never tainted by the disgrace of your brother. I will certainly be able to find you a good husband, most likely a very wealthy man, possibly a Peer. My circle of acquaintance is such that I shall have little or no difficulty finding someone who will do.

Secondly, if you insist on staying at Pemberley, you can report all the unpleasant occurrences, the embarrassments, the degradations, and the general havoc wrought by the Misses Bennet to me, and I shall do what is necessary to circumvent it. Fulfilling that function would be a very appropriate way to honor your family and your heritage by preventing it from falling into further disrepute.

Please write back to me as soon as possible and inform me which of these two options you will accept.

Your loving aunt,

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Rosings Park, Kent
2 February, 1813

To Mrs. Reynolds, Housekeeper; Pemberley, Derbyshire

Mrs. Reynolds,

As one of Mr. Darcy's closest relations, I am entitled to manage all his affairs whenever he is obviously incapable of doing so. I therefore am taking control of the running of the estate at Pemberley until the Miss Bennets are removed from the vicinity.

I shall require a copy of all the estate's account books from the steward. You are to request that he send them to me as soon as possible. I shall also require from you a full accounting each week of all the household expenses. I am determined to ensure that Pemberley is not being run into the ground.

You are to dismiss any servants immediately who have been hired to serve either of the Misses Bennet. If any member of the staff complains about this policy, you are also to dismiss that person without question.

You are to cancel any orders for clothing, jewels, furniture, wallcoverings or similar which have been requested by Miss Bennet, or which have been sent for by Mr. Darcy on her behalf.

You are to ensure that no guest invited to Pemberley by Miss Bennet is given accommodation or refreshments of any kind.

You are also to ensure that Miss Bennet is prevented from seeing Miss De Bourgh at any time and for any reason.

You are to allow no relations of Miss Bennet to take up residence at Pemberley, or for that matter anywhere in the vicinity of the estate or the village of Lambton.

You are also to inform the gardener that no plants of Miss Bennet's choosing are planted in any of the gardens at Pemberley. If anything has already been planted, it is to be dug up immediately.

I shall also require from you a full weekly report on all activities at Pemberley.

You are also to report to me immediately whenever Miss Bennet attempts to contravene my will.

I expect to hear from you as soon as possible with your first report.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Rosings Park, Kent
2 February, 1813

To Miss Frances Price, currently staying at Pemberley, Derbyshire

Dear Miss Price,

The only reason I lower myself so far as to address this letter to you is to demand that you remove yourself from the presence of my daughter. You have already ruined her chances for any kind of life such as the one to which she has been accustomed by forcing her into the marriage with your despicable brother. I shall not allow you to corrupt her any farther. Believe me, I am both able and willing to prevent any of your desperate and insidious plans to elevate yourself in society and to impose on reputable families of good fortune. If you do not cease your devious insinuations immediately, your name shall never even be spoken by any family of a respectable situation.

You are to remove from Pemberley at once. Where you go from there is not my concern, but I would prefer never to hear your name mentioned again.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Rosings Park, Kent
2 February, 1813

To Rev. Edmund Bertram, currently staying at Pemberley, Derbyshire

Rev. Bertram,

I am not one to disparage those men who have entered the service of God. However, the way in which you are currently behaving does great dishonor to both your profession and your family, and I insist you stop at once. You, along with your impertinent cousin, Miss Price, are taking advantage of the Darcys of Derbyshire, and by extension, you are taking advantage of me. You are also culpable in the disgraceful matter of my daughter having been forced to elope with the impoverished sailor.

I insist that you remove yourself from Pemberley. You are never to set foot within its gates again, and I hereby forbid you to have any contact with my daughter. If you do not abide by what I demand, I shall write of your conduct to all of my acquaintances who are currently serving in high positions in the Church. I assure you, sir, that your career shall be ended, and you will undoubtedly be forced into very difficult circumstances. As a result, it is in your best interest to acquiesce to my requests.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Hunsford Parsonage
4 February, 1813

To the Most Gracious and Right Honorable Lady Catherine De Bourgh of the Exalted Estate of Rosings in Which Neighborhood my Humble Parsonage Also Stands

Your Noble Ladyship,

I am attempting to address my correspondence to you in a manner which is more pleasing to Your Ladyship, and shall refrain from using the word "humble" as much as possible, though without failing to acknowledge Your Ladyship's great superiority in both fortune and birth to myself.

I venture to write this note to say that I have been in residence at Hunsford for several days now, and Your Gracious Ladyship has not requested my assistance in any matter, nor has Your Ladyship asked me to come to Rosings. I would like to request the knowledge that Your Ladyship is simply too busy to call upon the talents of my lowly self, and is generally in good health. I beg you to remember that I stand ready to help Your Ladyship in any way, no matter how small or insignificant the task may be. I would never wish to neglect the obligations of my position, with which Your Ladyship in your boundless generosity have entrusted me.

Once again, I am your servant
REV. WILLIAM COLLINS

Enscombe, Yorkshire
5 February, 1813

Dear Catherine,

I am in receipt of your last letter, and I should say that I am sorry to have offended you, but what I wrote was the truth as I see it, and so I cannot and shall not apologize for stating my opinions. It is your daughter who has disgraced herself; I am simply trying to help an old and very dear friend through a difficult time. If you do not desire my advice, do not ask me for it. It is the curse of the wise to be ignored by many; you shall not be the first or last to spurn my wisdom.

As for myself, I am indifferent at best. I have been feeling particularly bad of late; you know how the winter weather always aggravates my rheumatism, frays my nerves, and worsens my digestive problems. I declare I have not been able to keep down solid food this fortnight; I have restricted myself to gruel and porridge, which as you know causes intestinal effusions and spots about the face. It is all very vexing.

To make the situation worse, Frank has finally gone and done it. He is off to visit his father in Highbury. That Weston man makes the Misses Bennet look as though they have the elegance of the royal court itself; I am certain of it. Obstinate boy! He should throw his father off; the connection can only hurt him in the future.

At any rate, I should close here, dear Catherine. I fear my stomach is starting to twitch again, and I wish to return to bed. Remember those friends of yours who are trapped in their sickbeds, especially your own

MRS. FELICITY CHURCHILL

Rosings Park
6 February, 1813

To Rev. Collins, Hunsford Parsonage

Mr. Collins,

Your concern for my well-being is noted. However, I am too busy at the moment to admit your company, and my mind is far too occupied to even attempt to absorb your conversation. Simply appear in church on Sunday mornings and I shall consider your obligations fulfilled.

I beg you, Mr. Collins, leave me in peace.

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH

Pemberley, Derbyshire
8 February, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Aunt Catherine,

I must respectfully decline your kind offers. I find that I am quite comfortable living here at Pemberley, and have no desire to remove to Kent or anywhere else. In addition, I find myself not equal to the task of reporting to you regarding everything that occurs at Pemberley. I do not see anything occurring which matches your requests for information - at Pemberley at present there is neither havoc, nor disorganization, nor chaos, nor disgrace, nor anything of the sort. Therefore, I have nothing to report.

I hope you are in good health, and offer familial wishes for your well-being from your niece

MISS GEORGIANA DARCY

Pemberley, Derbyshire
8 February, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Lady Catherine,

I am reluctant to become involved in family quarrels, particularly when I am only tangentially related to several of the participants in the dispute. Perhaps it would be best if you contact Mr. Darcy directly with regards to any problems which you may have with himself, with his wife, his sister, or with his management of his estate.

However, I should say that my husband and I have no intentions of imposing on the Darcys. We are fully able to support ourselves in the style in which we live, and anything beyond that is really not anyone else's concern. Nor am I willing to accept any responsibility for the actions of Miss Bingley. She manages her own affairs, and beyond offering advice to her, neither my husband nor I plan to attempt any wholesale reformation of her character or her habits. Her fortune is her own, and is hers to dispense with as she pleases, and it is also not appropriate for me or my husband to select the men with whom she associates. Perhaps, Lady Catherine, you were happier when she was attempting to marry your nephew. As that is no longer a possibility, I respectfully suggest you either forget about the marriage prospects of my sister-in-law, or offer your advice directly to her. I can provide you with her address in London, if that is your choice.

Again, I send my best wishes for an amicable resolution to the current family disputes.

Very fondly yours,

MRS. JANE BINGLEY

Pemberley, Derbyshire
9 February, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Dear Lady Catherine,

The relationship between our respective families has existed longer than my own lifetime, and I know that my mother deeply regrets the recent altercations which have interrupted that friendship. I have the highest respect for all of the connections of my family, and do not wish to sow further discord. However, I must take issue with the abusive letters you sent to myself and my cousin, Miss Price.

I am not in the habit of taking advantage of others, and I am at Pemberley at the express invitation of Mr. Darcy, who I believe is both the owner and the administrator of the estate. Regardless of your opinion as to whether that invitation is valid or not, I choose to remain here. Mr. Darcy is, I believe, the only one who has the express right to issue or revoke invitations to his estate, and he has assured me that my presence is both welcome and desired by more than one person who is currently staying at Pemberley.

Most importantly, I shall not allow you to insult my cousin in such a manner. I understand your objections to her familial origins; in fact you have made them perfectly clear on each visit you made to Mansfield Park after she took up residence there eight years ago. However, regardless of the merits or faults of her immediate family, she is highly valued, and dare I say, loved, by every member of the family in which she now finds herself. Miss Price is highly educated, elegant, and refined, with an unusual delicacy of mind and of impeccable moral character. In no way does she deserve your slander.

Threats do not become you, Lady Catherine. As a clergyman, believing that it is important to forward both civilized behavior and family harmony, I suggest you cease slandering others and pursue instead reconciliation and familial peace.

REV. EDMUND BERTRAM

Pemberley, Derbyshire
9 February, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Lady Catherine,

Until this time, I have refrained from involving myself in the arguments existing between you and my husband. I chose this course of action out of respect for his family and his place within it. On several occasions, I have advised him to attempt a reconciliation with you, as I do not wish to be a focus of family strife, nor do I believe that it is good for disputes to exist within families. Unfortunately, it seems that rational relations between you and my husband are yet quite a way off.

As I am legally the mistress of Pemberley now, in that official capacity I must ask you to address any correspondence regarding the estate or the people in it to my husband or myself. Please do not send rudely written letters to our guests. Any letters which you choose to write to your daughter you are of course welcome to send here, but I would also ask you not to heap abuse on her. She does not deserve it any more than the rest of us do. There is nothing about my family or the family of anyone here which deserves your scorn.

I would like to say, furthermore, that I am proud of who I am, and I am proud of where my origins lie. My father's estate may not be as grand or as ostentatious as your own, but it is his, inherited from his father, and is unencumbered by debts or decay of any kind. If my husband does not object to my family's situation in life, forgive me, but I fail to see what business it is of yours.

The behavior of my mother and certain of my sisters is questionable, I admit, but I believe that every family has at least one member who behaves in a less than optimal manner. At times, however, that sort of behavior may be excused due to wealth or perceived consequence. That does not, however, mean that it is acceptable, nor does it mean that others should tolerate bad treatment at the hands of others. I shall not accept abuse directed at myself, my husband, my family, or anyone else at my home.

MRS. ELIZABETH DARCY

Pemberley, Derbyshire
9 February, 1813

To Lady Catherine De Bourgh, Rosings Park, Kent

Aunt Catherine,

You have surpassed even yourself in rudeness and inappropriate behavior. Suffice it to say that I have seen each and every letter you recently sent to Pemberley. I left it up to each person to determine how he or she would respond to your individual attack, but there are a few things which need to be clarified by myself personally.

Firstly, I and I alone am the owner of Pemberley. I inherited it from my father, who inherited it from his father, who was a direct lineal descendant of the Norman knight and nobleman Alain D'Arcy, who was granted these lands, among others, by William the Conqueror after he invaded England in 1066. Our family arms were confirmed by King Henry II for exceptional service to the Crown in 1173, and our claim to these lands in Derbyshire was reconfirmed at the same time. It has never since been challenged. At no time did anyone with the surnames of De Bourgh or Fitzwilliam hold the title to Pemberley. The first member of the Fitzwilliam family to have been at all associated with Pemberley was my mother, your sister, who married my father in 1782. After her death, my father still owned Pemberley (it was not transferred to my mother's family, and certainly was not settled upon you). When he died five years ago, I alone inherited this estate at the age of 23. At that time, I was of a sufficient age to hold the estate in my own right, and so succeeded to its full rights and responsibilities, although now I am both honored and blessed to be able to share its administration with Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, who is, regardless of your objections, my lawful wife.

While I am honored to be related to the Fitzwilliams, and value them to varying degrees as relations, friends, and trusted advisors, none of them have any rights of control over my estate. More specifically, you yourself have never been appointed as my guardian, nor have you ever been granted any responsibilities of overseeing my finances, my properties, or myself. I therefore must ask that you to cease once and for all any attempts to control anything that goes on at Pemberley. I am its owner, and I therefore have the final say in all matters concerning this estate, including the hiring and maintenance of all employees, the furnishing and decoration of my estate, and the company whom I choose to welcome into my home. Your letter to my housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, was completely uncalled for, and was one of the most egregious examples of overbearing, rude, officious conduct that I have ever been unfortunate enough to witness.

I must ask you also to refrain entirely from venting your hatred towards my chosen wife in abusive letters directed toward you or to any member of her family. Mrs. Darcy has been a model of patience and good breeding in each of her encounters with your infamous and unreasonable treatment of her, and is an example of how a respectable woman such as yourself should be behaving.

It is also very bad form to address vitriolic letters to guests in my home, simply because they have committed the sin of being there at my invitation. I do not question your right to invite any of your circle of acquaintances, such as Mr. Collins, to Rosings; you should therefore respect my right to invite whomever I choose to my own estate. It is disgraceful for you to address those kinds of letters to people of unquestioned good breeding and character such as the Bingleys, Rev. Bertram, and Miss Price.

I regret having to speak so bluntly; it is unfortunate that you are seemingly unresponsive to more civilized requests for proper behavior. I must ask you to cease directing letters such as those to my home or to anyone in it. If you cannot behave properly while communicating with the members of my household or with myself, I ask once again that you refrain from communicating at all.

MR. FITZWILLIAM DARCY

Excerpt from the London Times, 12 February, 1813

Naval Battle - Hundreds Feared Lost, including that of His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent

Three days ago, the editors of this newspaper learned that a fleet of His Majesty's naval vessels came under attack by a flotilla of French ships while patrolling off the coast of Guernsey. The battle was begun during the twilight hours, just as the Prince Regent had boarded one of our ships, thought to be the H.M.S. Laconia. It is believed that the French ships were taking advantage of the confusion created by the Royal Tour as well as the windy, stormy winter weather. Chaos reigned for several hours, cannonballs were being shot back and forth in massive volleys, while the brave men of His Majesty's Navy did all they could to protect the life of their Royal guest. Two men are known to have escaped from the large ships, Midshipmen Thomas Fuller and John Brumley of the H.M.S. Farningham, both of whom jumped on a small support craft which had been travelling with the fleet. The men of that vessel, who are mostly skilled craftsmen involved in weapons repair, also escaped, and were blown by the storm some miles from the site of the battle. When they were able to return in the morning under sunny skies and calmer seas, they saw nothing of the ships with which they had traveled.

It is not currently known whether there are any additional survivors from this fray.

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