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Posted on Tuesday, 24 July 2001
Mary Darcy pulled the packets from the trunk.
"Look Jane Anne," she exclaimed, "I have found some letters written to your mother. Shall we read them."
"What fun," Jane Anne replied, "cousin Lizzie found some of her mothers old letters too. Perhaps we should get them together and read them and see if we can tell which where the originals and which were the answers."
"I know," Mary laughed, "let us write to our cousins and see if they might have some locked away at Longbourn also."
Six months later the cousins were together at Pemberley, each family bringing the precious letters to be read to one and all.
"Fitzwilliam, dear why don't you start with one of mother Darcy's," Mary asked.
Fitzwilliam Darcy II, the mirror image of his handsome father smiled as he started.
Longbourn House
December, 22, 1813Dear Mrs. Darcy,
How grand that sounds. Mrs. Darcy.
Mrs. Long and Lady Lucas turn quite green with envy each time I say it. Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
You and I can well understand their envy. After all my second daughter is now married to one of the richest and most powerful men in the kingdom, while Lady Lucas' Charlotte is married to a mere clergyman and Mrs. Longs Mary has no prospects at all.
The Collins' have recently departed Lucas Lodge for Kent. Lady Debourgh commanded that they should return. She did not care for the man who was taking Mr. Collins' place in the pulpit.
I visit our dear Jane daily, giving her full range of my knowledge on running a household.
Mr. Bingley is such a dear man and makes us feel so welcome and wanted.
Mary, of course spends most of her time practicing at the pianoforte. She says that the one at Netherfield is much better than the one at home.
Kitty goes with us, but complains of having nothing to do and no one to talk to unless Maria Lucas accompanies her mother to have tea with us.
How refreshing it is to have such a grand place to serve my friends their tea, I can tell though that they envy me even this. Lady Lucas refuses to come daily anymore. She says that I visit too much, that Jane and her husband need to be given privacy.
Is that not foolishness. Does she really think my dear sweet Jane would not miss me terribly if I were not there every day to give her advice and counsel.
Your father of course refuses to go with me. He says that Lady Lucas is quite correct, that I spend too much time at Netherfield, that I will drive them to buy and estate far away.
Have you ever heard such utter nonsense.
I do wish your father would not be so cruel to Kitty and let her go to visit Mr. and Mrs. Wickham. She would have such a jolly time and I am sure she would find a fine handsome husband just like Lydia. Your father however insists on being stubborn and refuses to discuss the subject.
Lydia writes that she has asked you to urge our dear Mr. Darcy to find Mr. Wickham a place at court and to provide him with an income. Not a large one, just a few hundred pounds a year.
I am sure your dear Mr. Darcy will find it in his heart to be generous with them. He can well afford it. I am sure he will agree that it is time to put the past behind him and become a true brother to our dear, dear, Wickham.
Your loving mother
Mrs. Thomas Bennet
Posted on Monday, 30 July 2001
Longbourn House
January 7, 1814Dear Mrs. Darcy,
Well miss Lizzy I am told that you had my brother and sister, Aunt and Uncle Gardiner at Pemberley to celebrate Christmas with you.
You did not even ask your family to come. It seems that Mrs. Darcy is too far above her poor mother to invite her to such a fine place as Pemberley.
I do not for a moment believe your fathers tale that you feared that my poor nerves could not stand the long drive in the winter and the state of the roads between here and there. If my brother could make the journey on such roads why could not your family.
I know what I know, Mrs. Darcy. You think we are no longer fit to be called your family. Why other would you ask Mr. and Mrs. Bingley to spend time with you after the new year and again cut your family out.
Have you no pity for your poor parents. Your loving mother sits and pines for the sight of her second daughters face while you go on your merry way entertaining all except me.
My heart is breaking, Mrs. Darcy at your insensitivity to your poor mothers feelings.
I am sure Mrs. Long and Lady Lucas enjoy gossiping about how now that my Lizzie is so well married she is too good for her family.
Lady Lucas is still so very jealous that my daughters have found such wealthy well placed husbands, while her Charlotte could only find a clergyman to marry.
Of course at Charlotte's age and with her looks she was fortunate to marry even Mr. Collins. I always knew that you were too good for such a man, but Lady Lucas reminds me often that I wished you to marry that him.
How silly is that, of course I tried to convince Mr. Collins that I wanted you to marry him. It would have been uncivil to do otherwise since the man was visiting our home.
I wonder if Jane and Mr. Bingley are going to town for the season.
Has she mentioned it to you?
When I ask they say that they have no plans made.
I do hope that if they do so that they will invite all of us to go with them. It would be a golden opportunity for Kitty and Mary to meet some rich men and perhaps prospectus husbands.
If you and Mr. Darcy go to London perhaps we can spend part of the season with you. I am sure that Mr. Darcy has many, many friends who would be looking for such lovely girls as Kitty.
Mary is another thing, but I am sure he must know some young rich men who enjoy books as your sister does.
What a shame Lydia and Mr. Wickham cannot be there too. Lydia I am sure would take the town by storm and many, many young noblemen would fall madly in love with her.
That is another matter I wish to take up with your Mrs. Darcy.
It was most cruel of you to refuse to send them enough money to come home for the holidays.
I know that your father says that you sent them money but my dear Lydia could not resist buying some new clothes for their visit and Mr. Wickham does deserve the chance to win at gaming once in a while.
I know Lydia says his luck was bad, but I think the other players must have cheated. He could not have lost the money you and Jane sent if they had not.
It is not as if either of you could not afford to send more but your are too cruel and self centered to do it. So your poor mother was forced to spend her holidays wishing that she could look upon the face of her youngest daughter and her handsome, charming husband.
I do hope Lizzie that you are not doing this because you are still jealous of Lydia for marrying Mr. Wickham.
Your father, of course too refused to send them the fare. How cruel of him to say that they could have been here if they had used some good sense.
How I would love to see them. Mr. Wickham is so, so charming. he tells me that since he could not marry me he settled for the daughter that was most like me.
Is that not the most charming thing for a man to say.
Alas though I must sit here with a broken heart because of your selfishness.
Have pity on you poor mother, Lizzie and send Lydia and her dear husband the fare to come to Longbourn to visit.
Your poor grieving mother,
Mrs. Bennet
Posted on Thursday, 16 August 2001
Pemberley, Derbyshire
15 January, 1814Dear Father,
I hope this letter finds all at Longbourn well.
I am sorry if Mama is still vexed at me for not inviting all of you to Pemberley for the holidays. I truly thought that the journey would be too much for her nerves at this time of year. The state of the roads and the cold I am sure would not be kind to her sensitive nature.
I am sure that you had a delightful time with Jane and Mr. Bingley though. It is well that Jane hosted the holidays leaving Mama with nothing to do but enjoy the company.
Charlotte says that her mother is going to visit the Bingley's no more than once a week now, that the newlyweds may have some time for privacy.
I do wish you could somehow curtail Mama's visits though. They are beginning to be too much for Jane. Every day is a little too much family.
Perhaps you could make the carriage unavailable. Of course if you do this you will have to have the cooperation of Uncle Phillips. I know that if you tell Mama that you need the carriage she will only send a message to Aunt Phillips to come round with their carriage and they will be at Jane's door in spite of your efforts.
I am sure that in time my mother will come to understand that I have duties at Pemberley now and cannot be there whenever she asks.
We did have a glorious holiday though in spite of my being the mistress her for so short a time.
Fortunately we have Mrs. Reynolds who is such a great help to me.
We corresponded almost daily after my first few days at Darcy House in London. We were able to have almost everything planned and in place by the time Mr. Darcy and I arrived home.
We had not planned to stay more than a sennight in London, but there were so many things to be done that it was almost a month before we were able to leave.
We are so glad to be here in Derbyshire away from the hustle and bustle of town. My dear husband says that he would very much like to stay here instead of going to town for at least part of the season.
He tells me that he likes being here where he has me to himself without friends and family coming to call daily or almost daily
We must however go to town sometime. Next month I think. We must do it for his sister.
Georgiana is far too shy and in need of society other than her brother and I and Mrs. Ainsley.
Jane and Charles are planning be there too. Jane says she needs to get away from Herefordshire in order to become acquainted with her husband. It seems that they are inundated with company from dawn to dusk each and every day.
Perhaps Kitty can come with them and stay at Darcy house with us.
Georgiana, I think could benefit from a little of Kitty's liveliness and Kitty could learn how to act like a lady of quality from Georgiana.
Mr. Darcy was so surprised to find that all the plans had been made for Christmas, new Years and Boxing day before we ever arrived.
He laughed and said he never dreamed that all those letters were coming to Pemberley.
He thought I was writing to Jane and Charlotte.
I wish I could invite Charlotte to Pemberley, but that would mean Mr. Collins would have to come too. I don't think my dearest Fitzwilliam could stand much of my cousin.
Perhaps Mr. Collins will be sent on a mission for Lady Catherine one of these days leaving Charlotte free to come to town for a visit as long as Lady Catherine knows not where she is going.
My Fitzwilliam says that he is very pleased that I have taken the reins of Pemberley so well. He tell me that he is amazed at how quickly I learned the servants names and their stations.
I felt most put upon when I was at home having to do so much of the managing of Longbourn because of Mama's nerves.
Now I am grateful, however, it prepared me to run my own home.
I am so very, very happy Father.
Mr. Darcy is the most attentive and loving husband ever there was. he says his mission in life is my happiness. Is that not dear.
He is a little disappointed that I do not ask for jewels and laces or a new dress for every occasion. He wanted to buy me diamonds while we were in London and could not quite understand that I wanted only the lovely gold locket that I now wear with a curl of his hair in it.
He tells me I can have whatever I want, but I want only to be here with my husband and Georgiana.
Georgie says he tells her that Lady Catherine would be very disappointed to find that I am not spending him to the poorhouse.
I must go now Father. I hear the sounds of horses in the courtyard. I am sure that that means my husband returns from visiting the tenants.
Be assured Father that I am well. I love my husband and my family here so very dearly and never dreamed that I could be this happy even in my wildest dreams.
Lydia still writes for assistance. She cannot understand why Mr. Darcy refuses to find Mr. Wickham a place at court. You and I both know what a disaster that would prove to be.
Mr. Darcy say's to tell you that you are welcome to come to Pemberley or Darcy House at any time.
He is most anxious to show you his libraries.
Your loving daughter,
Elizabeth Darcy
Posted on Tuesday, 21 August 2001
"Oh cousin Thomas read another of grandmothers letters to you grandfather Mary Darcy sighed. "I do so love them."
Her cousin smiled and picked another of the letters he had found at Longbourn. Now his home.
Pemberley, DerbyshireDoes that not sound wonderful. Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
July 15, 1815Dear Father,
My dearest father I am so very, very happy. I had thought that I could never be any happier than I have been this past year and a half.
Mr. Darcy is the most generous loving husband there ever was. He loves me so much father and I love him more than I ever thought possible. Every day I find something more to love about my dear Fitzwilliam.
As happy as we have been it cannot compare to what our son has brought into our lives. The fulfillment I feel now that I truly have a family.
He is truly the most beautiful child ever born. He looks so much like his father.
He has such a sweet disposition. He so very rarely cries that we for a short time thought he might be mute.
Mrs. Reynolds laughs when I mention it to her. she says he is just as good a babe as his father was. She remembers her mother, who was housekeeper before her, telling her that the Darcy heir was the most contented child she had ever beheld. Now the new heir to Pemberley is just the same as his father.
What wonderful news that has been to me. I want him to be just like his father so that the woman he marries will love him as I do my Darcy.
I am sorry if Mama is vexed at us for not inviting her to be here for the birth but I remember how hard it was on her nerves when Jane's Sarah was born.
She wrote me five letters telling me how long it took her to recover from the birth of her first grandchild and I wanted her to be spared that with my own laying in.
I do hope that you will come to visit us here very soon. I think the roads are in good enough condition at this time for Mama to travel. There are two very fine inns for you to stay at on your journey.
Fitzwilliam will give you the details.
Perhaps either Mary or Kitty could stay for the rest of the summer. Kitty and Georgiana formed a warm friendship last winter and Georgiana is most anxious to know Mary too.
If Mama could spare both of them I would like for both to stay.
I know that Mama is most anxious to see Pemberley since you have told her about what you have seen when you visited.
I shall have to close now. It is time for tea with my Fitzwilliam.
I love Georgiana dearly but I must say I am enjoying my time with my husband and son while she is at Matlock Manor. She will come home in a sennight along with Lord and Lady Matlock.
I wish you could be here before they depart. I know how much you enjoy their company.
Lydia is still angry because I will not ask Mr. Darcy to procure a place for Wickham at court and provide him with a living.
She is not too angry though to beg for more money. I sent her ten pounds and I am sure that Jane has sent her at least that much.
Let us know when you will be here and I will have Jane and Mr. Bingley here at the same time.
I do hope that Mama has forgiven them for moving up here by this time.
Charlotte writes that Maria is to go to London with Sir William and Lady Lucas next month. Perhaps you can persuade them to come to Derbyshire with you. I know Mama will be in heaven if she has the chance to show Lady Lucas the glories of Pemberley.
Maria would have a wonderful time too. I am sure that she and Georgiana will become fast friends.
Your loving daughter,
Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy
Posted on Tuesday, 7 January 2003
Pemberley, Derbyshire
May 7, 1817
Dear Father,
You cannot imagine my shock when I received your letter telling us that Mama had left Longbourn vowing never to return. I doubt that she will stay with the Wickhams long though considering that Lydia has problems keeping help because she does not deem it necessary to pay them. Two crying children will only make her nerves worse.
What ever did Lydia ask for that has put our mother so out of sorts with you for not granting her wishes?
I can well imagine it was for a large sum of money as she has been sending Jane and I endless letters asking for more and more.
I can well imagine how Mr. Wickham will react when he finds that you have not allowed Mama to have anything but traveling expenses for her and Sarah and have prepaid their coach fares.
Poor Sarah, they will run her ragged.
I know Lydia well enough to know that she will expect the poor girl to do all the work that three others would do.
Mama will having trouble with her nerves with the noise and she too will expect Sarah to be at her beck and call.
I do hope you do not lose her, she is one of the best girls we ever had.
Do not worry, Father, Mama will be back at Longbourn even before you receive this I think.
You have Mary there to help you and Kitty is there now to prepare for her wedding.
I hope that She and Mr. Porter have arrived and I have not let the cat out of the bag before the young man has asked you for her hand.
Let us know when she is safely back at Longbourn. I know she will return posthaste when Kitty writes to tell her of her engagement.
Mr. Darcy sends his regards.
Your loving daughter,
Elizabeth Darcy
Newcastle
May 9,1817
Dear Elizabeth,
I suppose your father has written to tell you that I have left Longbourn forever.
Mr. Wickham was in jail for not paying some trivial debts and your father is so cruel as to say that he will not help them and pay enough to get our dear Wickham out of that dreadful place.
My poor dear Lydia is beside herself. she cries that she misses her husband and wants him home, and the children cry for their Papa.
Your father thinks he has foiled me but my sister was so good as to lend me some money. Enough to get him home and buy food for them, so in spite of his cruelty my dear son will be home in a few minutes.
I shall write more tomorrow and let you know how we all are.
I started this letter two days ago when Mr. Wickham was to come home.
Our poor, poor boy. He took the money for food and went out to make some purchases when some dreadful men accosted him and stole all he had.
I heard Lydia shouting at him last night saying that he should not have gone without her, that he would not have lost it if she had been there.
How silly. She might have received a great injury if she had been there.
Sarah bought some food with what little she had and fed us tonight.
She is such a dear girl. I hope she is not too tired to help me prepare for a tour around town in the neighbor's pony cart tomorrow. She did have a great deal of cleaning to do here.
Lydia has never learned to keep house of course. It is criminal that she has no one to do for her now.
You must send your sister and brother some money, Elizabeth, they are destitute and Mr. Wickham says part of his pay is to be with held to pay his debts.
I think that is most unseemly. A man is serving in the regulars, which are the core of the military and they take money from him.
I must go now, Lydia calls.
Send the money soon, Lizzie and do not try to talk me into going back to Herdfordshire. I am determined that I shall never see your father again. I shall take a position as governess if need be but I will not go back.
Your poor Mother.
Newcastle,
May 10, 1817
Dear Lizzie,
I know that Mama has written to you explaining our situation.
Papa has been most cruel. It is only 150 pounds but he refused to send a pence. He said that he knew we were both gambling and were in debt because of that. He said he will send no more to two people who show no common sense and think everyone must always rescue them from situations that we get into because of our extravagances.
Wickham says that that sounds like Mr. Darcy speaking.
I know that you and your rich husband have talked Papa into deserting us Lizzy, so you owe us this money Lizzie.
Mama brought 50 pounds from Aunt Phillips, so all I need now is 100 and that is nothing to you. You probably get more than that a month for pin money.
You must make Jane and Mr. Bingley send us some too we need more to buy food and hire some one to keep house for us.
It would not hurt Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to send at least 50. They certainly can afford it.
Your sister,
Lydia Wickham
Posted on Saturday, 11 January 2003
Pemberley,
May 17, 1817
Dear Kitty,
Do not fret yourself dearest Kitty. I promise you Mama will be back at Longbourn long before your wedding.
Say no more of it to father for you know it only makes him more stubborn and determined not to write to our mother and beg forgiveness.
Say nothing to anyone of my promise, no one Kitty and burn this letter as soon as you have read it.
Believe me I know how to bring Mama home.
Tell Mary we wish her and Mr. Bonnet well. I look forward to meeting him.
Your Loving sister,
Elizabeth Darcy
Burn it Kitty at once.
Pemberley
May 17, 1817
Dear Mother,
How unfortunate that you will not be there for Kitty's wedding. She grieves that you will not be present.
Have no fear Mother. Mr. Darcy and I leave on the morrow got Herdfordshire and shall be there in two days time to give her all the assistance we can. Lady Marson will come soon and I am sure she will be a great help.
How sad that you shall not meet them, they are such kind amiable people and are so delighted with Kitty. Her ladyship said to me that she knew of no girl of her acquaintance who would be such a helpmate to her son as Kitty has proven to be.
Mr. Darcy, of course is most happy to hear such praise of his sister in law. The Porters have been friends of the Darcys for many many years.
Kitty has need of Sarah, You know that is the best we ever had at fixing hair and all those other last minute details that are necessary when one goes out into society.
I am sure that now that their bills are paid Lydia can afford a day girl and can spare Sarah for Kitty.
We shall be thinking of you, but I know you feel you must stick to your principles and stand behind your favorite daughter and son in law at this time,
How fortunate for you that Colonel Bixby's wife decided to engage a governess for her children at this very time.
I am sure you will be happy to accept the position so that you can be near Lydia and help with the household expenses.
I believe you said the children were 9 months, three and five. How delightful, they are at the most curious age and ask a thousand questions a day. I do hope that it does not prove too much for your health. The youngest is of the age to be teething. I remember when Cassandra was teething and Fitzwilliam was two. Sometimes I thought I should go mad.
I do hope it is not to much for your nerves, but you will bear it for Lydia and your principles.
Mr. Bingley say's that he will send Mr. and Mrs. Harris to fetch Sarah on the 24th so that she might ride to Herdfordshire with them.
Are Lydia and the children well by now? I seem to recall that you said the youngest was teething and Margaret had a cold.
Is Mr. Wickham returned from bath?
We shall be thinking of you at the church when our dearest Kitty weds and when Mary does too.
You daughter,
Elizabeth Darcy.
May 20, 1817
Dear Lizzie,
What nonsense you write. Of course I shall not take the governess' position with the Bixby's.
How could you believe that I would desert my dearest Kitty hen she needs me most. I shall go to Riverside with Sarah when the Harris' arrive and then on to Derbyshire with Jane and Mr. Bingley I do hope they will take two carriages so that Sarah and I will be able to ride in one while all the Bingley's ride in another. It would be so exhausting to travel that far with two lively children.
I do dread the ride and even more so the long one to Longbourn. I must however, even though it means I must sacrifice my principles and return to your father's house.
I do so look forward to meeting Lord and Lady Porter. I am sure that we shall get on well.
Why did none of my family tell me of Mary's engagement to Mr. Caldwell? How cruel that I should hear of it from my sister.
I had hoped she could do better, especially since her sisters have done so well and have put so many rich young men in her path. I suppose it is the best a girl as plain as Mary can expect.
I know you have not met the young man but he is amiable, though homely. I shudder to think of what their children must look like considering their parents.
How Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long must envy me. Five girls married and so well for the most part.
I am thrilled beyond words with Kitty. Lady Porter. How well that sounds.
Do not get that look on your face Lizzie, I know it is there now. You know it is possible that something could happen to the two older brothers before they have sons and Kitty would become her ladyship.
Mr. Wickham returns tomorrow. I know you think this journey has been a great and foolish extravagance Mrs. Darcy, but the poor dear boy needed it after those dreadful days in the goal.
I shall see you at Longbourn. Make sure Kitty and Mary know I am coming. I care not whether you tell your father or not.
Your Mother
Riverside
May 24,1817
Dear Lizzie,
How devious you are Lizzie. How Mr. Bingley and I laughed after Mama had gone to her room to rest.
She talked for nearly an hour about how you tried to make her take a governess' position and leave the preparations for Kitty's wedding to you and her ladyship.
She thinks you very cruel and ungrateful. We of course know that it was the only way to get her back to Longbourn without all of us begging for weeks.
Thank you dearest sister, Mr. Bingley adds his gratitude to mine.
Sarah said the bags were packed and ready within an hour of her reading her letter from you informing her of the arrival of the carriage. Mama wanted to leave immediately but the horses need a rest so they did not leave until the next morning. Sarah said she has never know our mother to be up and dressed so early in all the time she has been in service to us.
We have put her in the east wing where she will not be disturbed by Thomas and Lizzie
We shall leave Thursday and we shall take two carriages so that Mama and Sarah can ride together and not be disturbed by the children.
Your laughing sister'
Jane Bingley
May 27, 1817,
Dear Lizzie,
This will not be a long letter. Mr. Wickham is home and demands much of my attention.
Colonel and Mrs. Bixby are to give a ball in a fortnight's time. I saw some beautiful red silk in the window of the yardgoods store and I must have it for a ballgown.
You must send me five pounds Lizzie or I shall never forgive you.
Lydia
Posted on Wednesday, 22 January 2003
London
April 21, 1824
My Dearest Elizabeth,
How empty the house is without you here with me. As I sit here at my desk I picture you playing the pianoforte or reading, as you love to do in the evening.
Your father is good company but when he is gone to bed and I am alone here I feel how very much I need you.
The business is going very well and I hope to be home in a sennight.
Your father is enjoying himself very well here in town: in spite of his assertions that he hates London. He spends time at the chess club or plays cards with my uncle at his club most every night.
Our business has been completed and I can assure you your mother will be well provided for in the future.
Your father has repaid all the money he borrowed from us to join in this business venture five years ago. Things are going far better than we ever thought and he was able to repay us and now the papers are all signed making him a full, though silent partner. Mr. Collins will never be able to claim any of the money Mr. Bennet is now putting aside for your mother's care in the event of his death. He still insists on keeping this a secret from her.
I know fear he is right though. If she knew that they are becoming wealthy she would spend and spend. As he says Wickham would be there demanding everything and would cajole her out of all she has and gamble it away.
Fortunately we have it in a trust so that she will receive enough to live on each month and cannot touch the principle.
We enjoyed a marvelous dinner with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner last evening. After dinner we were delightfully entertained with music from the children. Though I don't think they are to be considered children anymore.
I am sure your cousin Mr. Collins will try in every way to take it all, but by borrowing the money and taking none from the estate Father has protected his family from the entailment.
He says he knows he should return to Longbourn but he is enjoying the peace and quiet at Darcy House. Your mother writes daily telling of all her ills.
He refused to return as long as Lydia and Wickham were there and I fear they talked your mother out of most of her household funds when they left a fortnight ago.
Your father is very angry at her for giving it to them and feels it will be a good lesson to her if she has to do without a few of the things she enjoys.
My business with cousin Richard will soon be taken care of and I shall return to Pemberley and my dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.
Tell the children how much I miss them and I shall be there for Jane Anne's birthday.
All my love,
Your lonely husband,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Longbourn
April 19, 1824
Dear Lizzie,
Lizzie, you must tell Mr. Darcy to go to London and tell Mr. Bennet that he must return home.
I am sure your dear husband has returned to Pemberley long ago while your father dallies in town making use of your town house for entertaining.
I am sure Lizzie that your father has taken a mistress and that is why he is gone so long.
Do not laugh daughter, you know how your father has always hated town. At least he has always said that when I begged to go for just one season. Now he is only too happy to stay there and leave us alone and unprotected here at Longbourn.
Do not say that all our friends are here and Mary and James are close by. I know, as he tells me that the servants are all here but It does not signify. What help would any of them be if an intruder were to break in some night when all of us are asleep. We would be murdered in our beds.
A mistress is the only answer. I know he is with her even as I write.
While I lie here with my heart aflutter and my nerves ajangle he entertains her in lavish style in the most beautiful house in London.
Mr. Darcy must go and send her away and tell Mr. Bennet he must return to Longbourn at once.
You must help me Lizzie. I lie here at death's door with no one to comfort me except my sister, and she is too busy most of the time with her husbands demands that she spend less time at Longbourn and more attending to her own household duties.
What selfish beings men are.
If Mr. Bingley had not made Jane move to the north I know she would be here with me every day to attend to my needs.
Mary is of little help. She says I must get off my couch and get some exercise. I must go and visit friends not lie here giving in to my pain.
How can I visit friends, they all know I am sure of Mr. Bennet's infidelity.
You must go with Mr. Darcy Lizzie. I know your father will listen to you and that harlot he is with will not dare defy his favorite daughter.
Your poor ill Mother
Oh yes, Lizzie, I nearly forgot would you please send the Wickhams some money. They are far in arrears this month and without your father here I have none to send them. I fear I gave them too much of my household money when they left a fortnight ago and have none to send them.
Posted on Wednesday, 12 March 2003
Longbourn
May 16, 1815
My dearest Lizzie,
I scarce can put quill to paper, I am so distressed.
My dearest daughter Mr Darcy must do something. He must speak to your father.
Oh, daughter I cannot write long, My heart palpitates, my nerves flutter till my hands shake so badly I do not know if I can finish this letter before I break again into tears of heartbreak.
Your father has gone to town once again, this time taking Kitty with him.
He says it is to purchase the wedding clothes for her but I know better.
When has your father taken the least interest in any of his daughter's dress.
He says that he goes with her because my health is too fragile for such a journey and walking about warehouses looking for the proper fabric and lace. He says that Aunt Gardiner knows where to go much more than I do.
It is all a front. I know the real reason he goes leaving me here with only Mary for comfort.
If only my dear Jane were still at Netherfield, she would be here daily to ease my pain and suffering.
It is Mr Bingley that I blame for my lonely state. If he had not forced my dear sweet Jane to move so far away I could have her here to give me consolation.
When I am in my grave before the year is out they will be sorry they have been so selfish and have treated me so shabbily.
I know I am at death's door, Lizzie, I can feel it more and more every day that I am here with only Mary, who gives me no sympathy at all. She only advises me to read a book or take a walk in the fresh air.
Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long are no better. They only say that I should follow Mary's advice.
Only my sister Phyliss is in the least interested in keeping me from passing through death's door to that great beyond.
I know your father has gone to see that woman.
Do not laugh and shake your head, Lizzie. I know that is what you do.
You, of course can think no ill of your father. You were always his favorite.
You know as well as I do that he hates London. Yet he goes there at least once a month for almost a year. He has found another woman Lizzie and I demand that you and our dear dear Mr Darcy confront him and find out who she is.
Lydia and our dear sweet Wickham are to go to a grand ball next month so she will need a new dress and shoes. Your father refuses to let me send them any money at this time and he keeps the household money from me. He pays the greengrocer and Mr Jones when he is home. He even tells the shopkeepers that I cannot charge anything without his permission. Just because I bought material and some trifles for Lydia a few times and sent them money. I did not send her that much from the household money either, but your father must be cruel.
I begin to believe that he is losing his fondness for Mr Wickham. I cannot understand why. He is the dearest sweetest man. He tells me that if I had not been married to your father he would have run away with me instead of Lydia.
Is that not the dearest thing?
Oh if they could only be here now I know I would be well. At least as well as might be expected considering what I suffer from.
Give my best wishes to Mr Darcy and tell him that I would have him travel to town with all haste to rescue Mr Bennet from the clutches of that woman.
Your poor suffering mother.
I hope this reaches you before my untimely death.
May 20, 1815
Dear Sister,
Mama writes to tell my dear Wickham and me that our father is in London with Kitty to purchase wedding clothes.
What a joke, How my dearest Wickham and I have laughed at the thought of Kitty marrying a clergyman.
What does he look like, Lizzie?
Does he bear a strong resemblance to our silly, stupid cousin, Mr Collins?
How I laugh when I think of Kitty being married to another Mr Collins.
He cannot be handsome. I have never in my life seen a clergyman who was not insufferably ugly.
What a fool she is. To go to Pemberley and meet Mr Mackay instead of coming here and finding herself a handsome young officer. Even though they do not wear the red coats of the militia it is still better than what she has.
You must send me more money, Lizzie, I need new clothes for the party season which is upon us even as I write.
Father is being so cruel and will not allow Mama to send me anything for how long I do not know and Jane says Mr Bingley has done enough for this season.
I sent a letter to Aunt Gardiner asking her to assist us. They certainly can afford it even though they are not as rich as you and Mr Darcy.
She sent me a most annoying letter telling me that Mr Wickham and I should learn to manage our money and she cannot contribute to our foolishness by sending us anything now or in the near future. She says she will make a gift to us when we have proven ourselves worthy.
What arrogance. What does she know of living on a military wage. She is rich and never has to worry about keeping up appearances or keeping servants to do her work.
I would imagine she is far more generous with them than she is with her own nieces.
Send the money with all haste Lizzie. Colonel Peters' party is but a fortnight away.
Your sister,
Lydia Wickham.
Posted on Saturday, 19 April 2003
Elizabeth smiled as she sat down in the window seat. Ahh, she sighed a letter from Jane.
The Willows
June 2, 1818
Dear Lizzie, I have had the most distressing letter from Lydia, which I enclose. Please read it before you go on with mine.
Elizabeth frowned.
Lydia!!!! what was she up to now?
Their Uncle Gardiner had spent three days at Pemberley a week before and what he had to report to them was not good news. He had been to Bristol and on the way back to Derbyshire before returning to London, had stopped to visit Lydia and Wickham.
She unfolded the letter and read.
Newcastle,
May 25, 1818
Dear Jane,
I suppose our Uncle Gardiner has told you about his visit here. He was most unpleasant. Preaching to us about our way of living all the time. He seemed most distressed to find that I now wear makeup.
I don't care what he thinks, I know that I am even more beautiful than you or Lizzie when I have it on. I suppose that is what vexes him so. You have always been known as the family beauty and Lizzie next.
Well now I am the most beautiful and he can not stand for that.
Mrs. Wilson has taught me how to wear it. She also taught me how to wet down my dresses when I go to a party. She is very wise about men and teaches me how to get attention from the other girls.
How we laugh when we see how much they hate us for keeping all the men from them.
Uncle Gardiner said I looked like one of the trollops walking down -----------Street in London. He refused to attend Colonel Mathews' party with us saying that he would not be seen with me until I looked like the proper lady I was brought up to be.
Well he missed a wonderful dinner and dancing. What a foolish way to spend the evening, sitting at home reading a book.
He was so angry when he found out that I had used the money Lizzie sent with him to pay the rent and pay the housekeeper, for a dress that he told me they will send us no more until we prove that we have gained some sense and learned to live responsibly.
What do I care what he thinks. He and Aunt Gardiner never invited me to their house in town except when they made me stay there and leave my dearest Wickham until we were married. Even then they did nothing but scold, scold, scold, but I did not pay them any heed.
They certainly asked you and Lizzie plenty of times and even Kitty after I was gone and you and Lizzie were married. They never thought I was good enough for their fine house and friends.
Uncle sounds just like Father saying that if they had seen any sign of good sense from either of us they would have made us as welcome as you.
You will have to send me the money for the rent and the housekeeper or we will be turned out and Mrs. Murphy says she is through in a fortnight if she is not paid. So send me the money with all haste.
I know you are a good sister and will help us again. We will pay you back sometime, I just don't know when.
I don't know why Uncle feels so put out, it is not as if all of you cannot afford to send us money when we want it. Is that not what rich relations are for.
Father is being cruel too. He will not let Mama come to see us or send us any money now.
Mama is getting on my nerves too. She keeps writing to me telling me it is time I had a child. She reminds me that both you and Lizzie have a boy and a girl and that Lizzie and Kitty are both going to have a child next month.
It seems impossible for me to imagine Kitty with a child, but what can she expect after marrying a clergyman.
Both Wickham and I laugh at the thought of Kitty being married to another Mr. Collins.
What a dull life she has.
I cannot make Mama understand that I do not want any brats hanging on to my skirts taking time and money from me and my dearest Wickham
If I had children there would never be any money for fun.
Even if I were to become with child I would get rid of it and make sure it never happened again.
Mr. Wickham sends his regards. He has just now come home.
How we laughed at Uncle Gardiner after he was gone. My dear Wickie now calls me his little trollop. Is that not diverting.
He says that Colonel Blakewell has been talking to Uncle.
Uncle Gardiner insisted on meeting Wickham's commanding officer.
Why I know not.
Colonel B hates my poor husband, all because his silly, ugly wife and daughter throw themselves at him.
It is not Wickhams fault that he is so handsome and charming that all the women love him anymore than it is my fault that the men love me.
Mr. Blakewell hates me because I am married to my Wickie and she has only a fat toad to go bed with, while she pines for Wickham.
Send the money as soon as you get this, Jane and tell Lizzie that she should send us at least 20 pounds too.
I know you will write to her as soon as you get this to tell her what a bad sister you have.
Remember I have a birthday in June and would love to have enough for a new dress from each of you.
Lydia Wickham
Lizzie then picked up Jane's letter to read what she had to say.
Dearest Lizzie you must tell me that Lydia is only trying to shock us by saying she would get rid of a babe if she were to conceive.
She has not grown up at all Lizzie, I think she is only more wild and silly than before she married. I fear for her Lizzie.
Bingley says that we will send them nothing more until we find a way to make sure it goes where it is supposed to. He says Mr. Darcy will know how to handle this.
Please answer quickly Lizzie
Love Jane and Charles Bingley
Pemberley,
June 8, 1818
Dearest Jane,
As I have said so many times before, you are too good Jane. You cannot see ill in anyone. Not even Lydia and her wretched husband.
I believe that she means what she says, Jane, she would have no guilt at all ridding herself of an unwanted child. I know Wickham must have knowledge of where such a thing could be taken care of.
Poor Colonel Blakewell I wonder how old the daughter is that Wickham is courting for seduction and I am sure that seduction is what he has in mind, especially if she is very young.
Mr. Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam is visiting us now. He says he will take the money to Newcastle and pay the landlord and the housekeeper. Lydia nor Wickham will get their hands on any money.
As much as I dislike doing it we cannot have them turned out onto the streets. They would most assuredly turn up on your doorstep if that were to happen.
They know they would not be welcomed at Pemberley so it would all fall on you and Bingley.
I am certainly not going to send them 20 pounds.
Poor Mama, I hope Lydia does not tell her any of this. The thought that her favorite does not want children would lay heavy on her nerves.
Paying her bills will be the only birthday gift she will get from me.
We will be at The Willows on Friday and Mr. Bingley can give Col. Fitzwilliam the money.
He will take it because he wishes to talk to Colonel Blackwell and warn him to keep his daughter as far from the Wickhams as possible.
He says that as soon as he gets back to town hew will see what he can do to take care of our problems with Wickham.
He doesn't say what he means but I believe that our brother and sister will soon be transferred across the ocean somewhere.
Love Lizzie
Posted on Wednesday, 12 November 2003
Longbourn,
July 12 1816
Dear Lizzy, I scarce have the strength to lift my pen to write to you. My heart palpitates and my nerves scream.
My heart is broken, daughter. Netherfield Hall is sold to a couple from town. He is a gentleman of great wealth and she is the daughter of the Earl of Wentworth. I do not know from whence comes his money, I only know that Mrs. Long says it is eight thousand a year or more.
I could not believe what my ears were hearing when my sister told me, but Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long confirmed it.
How could Mr. Hart sell Netherfield to anyone else when I have assured him again and again that Mr. Bingley and my dear sweet Jane will tire of the north and return to buy it. He has been all too cruel to us. He knows that it would break my heart if there is no place for my family to live if all the places around here are either sold or let. He would sell it to strangers in spite of my pleadings.
The young mistress is just that. She cannot be more than Jane's age. He must be at least ten years older than her.
I am remiss. I have not told you their names. They are James and Adelaide Carter. Perhaps Mr. Darcy is acquainted with them.
I am most vexed with your father. He has called on them. Called on them my dear Lizzy, even though I begged him not to. He says we must be good neighbors, that we cannot blame them for buying a home in the country.
My sister and I agree that we will be civil to them, but just civil, no more. I detest the thought of them. Lady Lucas, however has called and tell me that the furnishings are quite elegant and the Mistress even more so. Mrs. Long quite agrees, she went so far as to say they will be an asset to the neighborhood.
An asset! Can you believe the woman. Does she not think that my dearest Jane is far better suited to be the lady of Netherfield Hall.
Lady Lucas gives a dinner party tomorrow night and your father says that he and Mary are going even if my nerves are in no condition for me to leave my room.
Can You believe his cruelty, Lizzy. Does he think that I will stay at home while he goes and dines and makes up to these usurpers. Of course I shall go. I want to see these people who have driven a dagger into my heart.
Besides, your father does have a point. Perhaps they will bring some young men up from town. Some men of wealth and position who will marry Kitty and maybe even Mary.
If you could send some money to Lydia I would very much like a visit from her. It would bring me such joy and calm my poor heart and nerves. My poor sweet child misses her Mama so much and longs for a visit but your father is being cruel and selfish with her too. He refuses to send them a pence.
If you and Mr. Darcy could come for a few days all you would have to do is send her the fare to come to Pemberley and she could ride with you.
You poor grieving mother,
Mrs. Thomas Bennet.
Posted on Wednesday, 12 November 2003
Pemberley
August 2, 1816
Dear Mama,
I cannot believe that you should be so upset by the sale of Netherfield Hall to the Carters. Jane has told you again and again that she is perfectly content at Briarwood and has no desire to return to Herdfordshire.
Father is right. Mr. Hart has the right to sell to whomever he pleases. He does not have to get permission from the neighbors.
I hope that you have relented and will become friends with Lady Adelaide. She is one of the nicest people I have ever met and I shall be very happy to see her when we come to Longbourn.
I sent Lydia money to take the coach to Meryton but she spent it on a dress for a party so I fear you will not be getting a visit from your youngest daughter in the near future.
We are all well here and as you know I am to have my child in two months and so cannot travel. Therefore we will not be taking Lydia anywhere.
Mr. Darcy sends his greetings and Jane sends her love. Having her so near is such a comfort to me at this time.
Mr. Darcy has to go to town on business Wednesday so Jane and Mr. Bingley and the children are staying with me until he returns.
Your Darcy grandson is scampering about with his cousin and I am sure they both wish you well too.
I hope Aunt Gardiner will be able to come to Pemberley with him when Mr. Darcy returns. She has promised to come sometime this month but hopes Uncle Gardiner can get away for a few days to bring her.
Perhaps Father can take Kitty to town so that she could come to Pemberley with them. Georgiana would very much like a visit from her. They have become such good friends.
Lord and Lady Matlock arrive on the 15th. I look forward to their coming. I do love them both. They are so good to me.
I tire Mother so I must go to my room and rest. Jane will write to you soon.
Your daughter,
Elizabeth Darcy
Posted on Wednesday, 19 November 2003
Pemberley
February 18, 1814
Dear Amanda,
How silent the house is today. The Darcy's have gone to town for the season. They did not wish to go but Mr. Darcy felt that Miss Georgiana needs to be out in society more and the mistress agreed.
Poor Miss Georgiana. She has always been so shy and afraid to speak when there are others than the family about.
Mrs. Darcy has done wonders for her though. She has taught her that she is quite capable of holding a conversation with anyone. Though Miss Georgiana still struggles I can see more and more how she feels at ease amid company.
Mrs. Darcy has taught her to enjoy life, as she does. I can scarce believe that this is the same girl when I hear them laughing and singing. She had been like a little ghost around the house for the year before the master married. so sad and forlorn.
I know something happened when she was at Ramsgate last summer for that is when her unhappiness started. When the master brought her home she did nothing but cry and would never have left her room if her loving brother had not insisted that she do so.
Such joy as Mrs. Darcy has brought to this old house. The Master walks around with a smile on his face and can scarce let her out of his sight. He is as cheery as he was when he was but a lad and I came to Pemberley.
What a delightful child he was. Always laughing and dancing about. What a joy he was to his parents.
After the death of Lady Anne all that changed. His father took to his room or his office, scarcely speaking for three years. The poor lad knew not what to do. He walked so softly about the house with out so much as a smile. How difficult it was to see him so, such haunted eyes. He needed comfort such as I could not give him and his father was unable to think beyond his own pain.
His salvation I believe was his little sister. he looked after her like a father. He loves her so much. For so long she was all he had.
Do you remember how we worried that he might marry his sickly cousin, Lady Anne Debourg purely out of his feelings of duty. What a disaster that would have been. A marriage with no affection would have made him miserable, especially since his home had been so filled with love for the first 16 years of his life.
I believe that the only thing that prevented the marriage was the thought of being wedded not only to Lady Anne but to her mother was too much for him to bear. He knew that if his cousin came to Pemberley her mother would be here with her, interfering with everything he thought or did. He knew that she would have to change his home to suit her taste and he could not bear that.
Even worse for me though was the fear that he might marry Miss Caroline Bingley.
She certainly made no effort to conceal the fact that her greatest ambition was to be mistress of Pemberley and bring her dreadful taste for gross colors and show to the fore. Can you imagine this beautiful home being decorated in orange and puce, which are her favorite colors.
Mrs. Darcy though is quite happy with her new home just as it is.
The master encourages her to make any changes she would like but she simply tells him she is quite content with the simple elegance that were his mother's tastes.
She is such a delight for all of us. Not only the servants but also the tenants adore her.
Three days before they left she and Miss Georgiana delivered baby clothes and napkins to the Wilsons for their new son.
No letting the staff makes them, she would do it herself even though Mr. Darcy told her the servants had always done it before.
How pleased he was that she instead chose to do it all herself with Miss Georgiana's help.
She is the best mistress Pemberley has ever had is my deepest belief. She knew all the staff names before she even came here and once introduced she never forgot who was who, went where and their married status and their families. She is a wonder and a delight.
Her morning walks bring her home with wildflowers in hand which she places on Mr. Darcy's desk. Violets from the woodland, wild daisies and wild roses. Her favorite though are the buttercups from the hillside coming down from the pond. She says these are the ones Mr. Darcy strolled through the day she first came to Pemberley with her aunt and uncle so thy have a special meaning for her. From the look on Mr. Darcy's face when he looks at them I know his feelings are the same as hers.
I must get to work now but it is not the same as when my family is here.
I think they will not stay in town long. Mrs. Darcy shares the master's love for the country and would as lief not go to London at all. If it were not for their concern for Miss Georgiana I do believe they would not go at all.
Miss Catherine Bennet is to come with them when they return. She is another pleasure for us. she has a lively disposition and it just what Miss Georgiana needs. As Mrs. Darcy say she is as good for Miss Georgiana as Georgiana is for her. She learns to be more ladylike from her new sister and Miss Darcy learns to enjoy life from her.
Write to me soon
Your mother,
Mrs. Abigale Reynolds
Posted on Monday, 27 June 2005
Longbourn
December 1, 1814
Dear Lizzie,
I write to you with shaking hand. I really do not know how long I can hold my quill.
My heart is broken. I have only left my room to visit my sister or Lady Lucas since my dear sweet Jane and my first granddaughter were torn from my bosom and taken off to the north country. I thought Mr. Bingley was such a kind thoughtful gentleman, bur he has forced my firstborn to leave the home of her life and move far, far away from her grieving mother.
Your father is so cruel as to tell me that if I had given them some privacy and not made a daily visit to Netherfield they would never have left.
Can you imagine that, Lizzie, my own husband accuses me of driving off my sweetest daughter, He tells us that if Mary and Kitty and I had given them at least three days a week to themselves they would never have thought of looking for a different home.
What nonsense that is. Jane not wishing to see her dearest mother. She has not been from me for 22 years. Except of course when she was visiting her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Your Uncle agrees with your father of course. Men always stick together.
Your Aunt tells me that is would have been better if I had not been there every day. What do they know, they have all their children at home, too young to think of moving away.
I am sure that Jane is miserable. So far from home, knowing none of her neighbors. I am sure she wishes she was back at Longbourn in the warm loving arms of her family.
To think that Mr. Bingley was my favorite son-in-law. Well he shall never hold a place in my heart again.
To make matters worse your father say's that we should go to Pemberley for Christmas.
To Pemberley, I could never take such a long trip at this time of year especially. He is so cruel as to say that he and your sisters will go without me if I cannot make the journey.
I have invited Lydia and Mr. Wickham to Longbourn for the holidays but she says they have so many commitments, so many parties and balls to attend that they can in no way come to Herdfordshire. They will cancel all their plans however is an invitation to Pemberley should be received. I think it is time to put aside any feelings of ill will between our dear Darcy and Mr. Wickham. After all they are brothers now.
I will come with your father if you ask Lydia and Mr. Wickham though. I shall swallow my fears and force myself to bear the rigors of such a long arduous journey if all my dear family can be there.
I had a letter from Jane yesterday. In spite of her avowals of happiness with her new home I know she is most unhappy. A mother knows how to read between the lines. She tell me of the beauty of her new home, but I thinks she tries to hard to convince me. She is most unhappy with the house and her new surroundings. I know the neighbors are not nearly as amiable as all the people she has known all her life.
You must talk to Mr. Bingley and tell him that Jane wants to come home, Lizzie, for the sake of your sister's happiness.
I can go on no longer, I am becoming more and more ill as I write. I am so alone, my life is meaningless.
I get no sympathy from your father. He only says that if I am so badly off as I say we will have to refuse any invitations from the neighbor for dinner or cards.
I cannot tell him how ill I am or we would never leave the house.
By the by the Collins' are coming two days after Christmas to show off their girl. I imagine they will come calling to see how we are taking care of the home that will go to them when your father is dead.
Please write soon and tell me when Lydia and Wickham will be there. I am sure that in the spirit of the season Mr. Darcy will be generous.
Your grieving Mother.
Posted on Friday, 15 July 2005
The Willows
December 3, 1814
Dear Lizzie,
It is taking me a shamefully long time to write this letter. I must get busy and finish before Madeleine Elizabeth wakens. She is sleeping here beside me in her cradle, which I rock at intervals with my foot. I am so content sitting here looking out the large window facing the park.
It is so beautiful here. As I look out my window the snow looks like someone cast diamonds all over it. The trees looked as if they were made of crystal. The sun is fast melting the ice from them but I have enjoyed their beauty whilst they were still gleaming.
Winter was never so lovely in Herdfordshire. I never liked it there as it always seemed like the snow only meant mud .
I shall be eternally grateful to Mr. Darcy for finding our home for us. Mr. Bingley feels the same, he dearly loves being master of his own estate. I only wish there was some way to convince our mother that we are truly happy here and that my dearest Charles did not tear me from the arms of my family and drag us off to the north country.
She seems to think that I am dying of loneliness and that my heart is heavy with missing all my family and the neighbors I have known all my life. The neighbors here have been uncommonly kind. I have been visited by all those within half a days drive from us and we are invited to visit all of them in turn.
Her Grace Lady Wintower is especially kind. She tells me that we have some of the finest strawberry beds in all of England. She laughs and says she will be my most frequent visitor when they become ripe next spring as they are her favorite food.
Mama loves strawberries too, Perhaps she will not be afraid to travel in the spring and we can convince her to come and enjoy them.
I was so surprised that the duchess would be so friendly to new neighbors with no title and no great standing in society. She says that the ton tires her with their constant backbiting and abusing of one another. She decidedly dislikes Mr. Bingley' sister Caroline.
She is especially fond of you Lizzie. She tells me that it is so wonderful to find someone who can speak something besides the latest styles and who has been wearing the most lace and jewels.
She says that you have been so comforting and understanding about the death of her youngest son. That it is almost as if you have suffered such pain.
I too have heard from Lydia telling us that she and Wickham will be here as soon as he can get leave enough. I do wish she would wait to be invited, but you know how our youngest sister is, propriety has no meaning for her.
She sent me a long list of wants for Christmas too. I think we shall have to compare them when we get there so that we don't both send here the same thing.
My poor, dear Charles does not look forward to their visit. I do hope thy let us know when they are to arrive and do not just drop in.
My daughter begins to stir so I must conclude this as I still have to speak to Mrs. Ames about the schedule for today and Lady Bartwell is to be here for tea this afternoon.
We shall see you at Pemberley in a sennight.
All our love,
Jane, Charles, and Madeleine
Posted on Friday, 15 July 2005
Pemberley,
December 5, 1814
Dear Mother,
I am sorry to hear that you will not be here for Christmas, We shall miss you. I would imagine you could stay with Aunt Phillips while the rest of your family is here.
It sounds like Lydia and her husband are in for a very jolly Christmas. I would not dream of asking her to forego all those wonderful parties and balls for a dull time at Pemberley. I am sure they would be bored to death here as we plan no such balls or parties as they seem to be expecting where they are. I am sure it would be dull indeed sitting listening to the talk of children and farming methods instead of dancing and cavorting.
No, Mama I cannot ask them to give up what sounds like the merriest of Christmases only to have to listen to me sing and Miss Bingley play the pianoforte.
Jane and I shall send her gifts together so that it will give her more joy to unwrap her gifts all at one time.
I can assure you, Mother ,that Jane is most content and completely happy in her home. Her neighbour adore her and Mr. Bingley and are all too happy with them as neighbors. Who would not love the two of them, they are the dearest persons I know.
We are looking forward to the arrival of the Bennet family and only wish that you would find yourself able to come too.
Georgiana is so looking forward to seeing Kitty and Mary. She asks every day what they would most enjoy doing whilst they are here. She says it will be such a joyful season with her sisters with her.
Our love to all of you,
Elizabeth Darcy