Letters From the Heart
Page 3
Your affectionate sister,
Elizabeth Collins
February 2, 1812
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Dear Richard,
I am pleased to learn you will remain on English soil for some time hence. I know you do not find the War Office to be as stimulating as the front, but I have no doubt you will excel in your position. If you find yourself at loose ends, you could always consider your parents’ offer. At Christmas, even Hargrove began to speak of his concern should you return to the continent. I shall say no more. You are your own man, and you will surely come to some decision soon. Perhaps the charming Lady Amelia will be of some assistance.
As you see, I remain in Hertfordshire. It is exquisite torture. She is everywhere and nowhere, and I can no more leave now than I could have stayed in November. I see her in each of her sisters, their goodness and liveliness, and especially in their fierce devotion to one another.
While I am overset by females, Bingley is besotted and can see nothing but his dear Miss Bennet. Our party now includes Miss Bingley, Mr and Mrs Hurst, and Georgiana. Once Bingley announced his engagement, his sisters were anxious to return to their brother’s side. As the ladies were to join us, I saw no harm in allowing Georgiana and Mrs Annesley to travel with them from town. Georgiana tells me the delights of Hertfordshire are almost enough to earn her forgiveness for my choice in her escort hither. She has pronounced the country charming, and she finds all the company agreeable despite the dire warnings of her travelling companions. She will not hear of departing before the wedding. It appears not even our dear girl is immune to the charms of the Bennet sisters as they managed to have her giggling within moments of being introduced. ’Tis good to see her smile again.
Perhaps you should join me at Netherfield. It is not defending against the bloody French but may require as much intrigue as any intelligence operation. There is scarcely a room that is safe from ribbons, lace, and giggling. I had no idea the gentler sex could be such noisy creatures. Miss Bingley continues in her determination to become the next mistress of Pemberley, and after more than one delicate encounter, I have begun locking my door at night. There are other dangers afoot as well; with Georgiana here, I must take greater caution in calling at Longbourn as a certain member of the militia continues to make himself comfortable there. I do wish Mr Bennet would recover. His daughters are in danger, and their mother will not see it. I begin to think I should have allowed your will to be done after Ramsgate.
Your cousin,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
February 15, 1812
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Dear Richard,
Congratulate Hargrove on his engagement. I have written already, but as he is with Lady Harriet’s family, I expect you will see him before he receives my note. I suspect it will not be a long engagement. Lord Haliwell has been trying to marry off his eldest daughter these five years at least, and it appears there is some affection between the couple. As to the request of my last, I naturally understand you cannot take additional leave, and I would not wish to face even a day in Kent outside your company. I require your assistance in deflecting our aunt’s continuous hints about uniting Pemberley and Rosings. I believe even Anne grows weary of her mother’s blind insistence on a match we neither one desire. Perhaps if I had not fled Hertfordshire in November…but it no longer signifies.
In any event, I do not believe Georgiana will join us this year. She is comfortably ensconced with the Bennet sisters and not likely to uproot for so trifling a cause as visiting her aunt. In truth, I have not yet determined whether I am dreading this visit more than in years past or whether I am anxious to arrive. I do not know how I shall survive Kent, but it must be done. I did not mention before, but Miss Bennet has received a letter from her sister. She relates that Mrs Collins finds our aunt to be quite attentive. If that is all Mrs Collins said, I shall declare her to be the mistress of understatement.
In an attempt to pass the time, I joined Bingley yesterday for a shooting party. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself welcome amongst the group, all of whom were area landowners. When the shooting was finished, we retired to Bingley’s study for brandy and cigars. A day spent in company was sufficient for more than a few of the local gentlemen to begin questioning me regarding our friend in the militia and the stories with which he has regaled the neighbourhood. I wonder that I did not set all this to rights sooner. How could I have left these good people to suffer from the proclivities of that man? Of course I spoke nothing of last summer, but I did make it known that he is not a man to be trusted. ’Twas a novel experience to have my word taken not because I am a Darcy of Pemberley but because I was judged an honest fellow after a day of sport.
Mr Bennet continues in his illness. I believe I shall summon Dr. Cartwright. Whatever ails the man seems to be beyond the capabilities of the local apothecary, and I have rarely seen a family in more need of their patriarch than this one. On my previous visit to this country, I thought Mr Bennet to be somewhat indolent in regards to his family, but it would seem I have been once again mistaken. Whatever little influence he held over his wife is now gone and is sorely to be missed.
Despite my effort at impartiality, I find I have no goodwill for the woman. Mrs Bennet has not a single concern for the welfare of her daughters except as players in her games. To one she is indulgent, to another attentive in the extreme, another is no more than an afterthought, and to the last, she is censorious and cruel. Of her married daughter, she speaks only to brag of her own good sense in having both secured the future of Longbourn and rid herself of an ungrateful child. No matter how wretched the mother, I cannot but feel protective of the remaining daughters. To that end, I encourage Georgiana to have them as frequent guests. In this house, even the youngest—whom I believe I have described from my previous visit—begins to display some sense. Wild shrieks and running about have given way to endless giggles, piano duets, and the taking up of drawing pencils. Georgiana is pleased with her new friends, and, to my great surprise, I am scarcely less so.
I confess I have found an additional benefit to the near-constant presence of the lively Bennets. It appears the very suggestion of a pending visit from that family is enough to cause Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst to develop the headache and remove themselves from company for the day. I find we all manage to bear the slight with good humour.
Your cousin,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
February 17, 1812
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Dear Anne,
I confess myself surprised at the receipt of your letter and can only trust your discretion with my response. I am curious to know more about this Mr Addison. How did you come to meet him, and what are his prospects? I should wish to meet the young man. Perhaps something can be arranged? I cannot fathom how you have managed to keep such a thing from my aunt. She must be very distracted indeed by her efforts to oversee the changes in her parson’s living arrangements. I can very well see how you would wish for me to convince her there can never be an understanding between us, but I cannot see how it is to be done. Certainly speaking with her has had no effect. I had hoped…but it does not signify. I shall give the matter due consideration, and perhaps between us, Richard and I shall have a suggestion when we visit at Easter.
I am no less pleased to know you find Mrs Collins to be an amiable neighbour. I daresay the dinner conversation is not dull when she is a guest at your mother’s table. You are correct in your belief we are acquainted. I met Mrs Collins, then Miss Bennet, last autumn while visiting a friend who had leased an estate in the area. I know not how intimate she ever was with Wickham, but if she is asking, then certainly tell her the whole of our history with him. Mrs Collins has a strong sense of justice, I believe, and it is likely he won her over with his universally charming manners. I knew she was outraged on his behalf last November, but could not bring myself to disclose what I knew. It is one of many regrets I hold from that time. I
am afraid, cousin, I did not recommend myself well to those in the neighbourhood on my first visit. If Mrs Collins has a low opinion of me, it is due to my own reticence in company. I have been informed by no less a person than the lady’s youngest sister that I was thought to be “a proud, distasteful sort of fellow.” Miss Lydia shows no restraint in offering her opinions. In many ways, she reminds me of her sister though the younger is not so discreet as the elder. She tells me I am now much improved. I shall accept her words as the compliment for which they were intended.
I plan to depart Hertfordshire for London on March 17. I have some few matters of business to attend, and I wish to call on Hargrove to offer my felicitations. Once there, I shall join Richard, and together we should arrive at Rosings on the twenty-third if the roads are passable. If I thought coming sooner would make any difference to your situation, I would happily do so. As it will not, I must stay with my original plans and ask for your continued patience. I shall do all in my power to promote your happiness.
Your cousin,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
March 1, 1812
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Dear Richard,
By your convoluted train of logic, one would assume that a second son might never marry—or at least might not be able to marry where he chooses. It is either this or you think Lady Amelia to be a flirt who has accepted your attentions only as a means of diversion by which she might pass the season. Do try to not be quite so ridiculous. I certainly hope you have not expressed such thoughts to your lady; else, she might not be your lady any longer. Bah. Who am I to give advice in these matters? Had I but spoken sooner, we might even now be celebrating my own betrothal. You would do better to ask your brother. He has made his match and managed to please the family in the process. Do as you will. Only try to recall that a lady’s heart is to not to be gained in the same manner as a soldier’s obedience. Even I know that much. It is good we soon leave for Kent. You will be able to do far less harm to yourself from there.
I had hoped you might have some advice for Anne’s situation. Perhaps between us we can devise a plan. It seems she would very much like to know this Mr Addison better. For my part, I cannot object without knowing him better myself. I shall think on it more before we travel, and I ask that you do the same. At least one of us should find happiness. Since I have lost my chance and you seem determined to ruin yours, we are left with Anne to succeed where we have not.
In Hertfordshire, we continue much as we have these many weeks. I believe Bingley grows tired of one Bennet sister even as his affection for another continues to grow. Miss Mary has proven herself to be a most effective chaperone, and I daresay the couple has enjoyed scarcely a moment’s privacy. We shall have to seek someone of her talent when Georgiana is out. Though I still long for the sanctuary of Pemberley, I find myself thinking how empty that place will be. I have grown quite accustomed to the noise and activity of four busy young ladies. Each of the Bennet sisters has discovered some occupation, and Netherfield is frequently filled with their chatter. It happens that Miss Mary does have some talent for the piano, despite her earlier showing to the contrary. She wanted only proper encouragement and some direction. Miss Catherine is learning to draw, and Miss Lydia seems content to sample both for now. How pleasing it will be to have news of her sisters’ well-being to deliver to Mrs Collins.
I hope to also bear news of her father’s improvement. Cartwright seems optimistic that a change in treatment will make all the difference to Mr Bennet. Naturally, I am not privy to all the most intimate details of the situation, but I am given to understand that the man had some sort of apoplexy. His recovery has been hindered by a series of colds that have now caused an illness in his chest. He has been made worse by a lack of good air, stress, and numerous other factors. Though it has been only a few days since the changes were made, I have already noted a difference in the Miss Bennets when they speak of their father. There is something less of despair in their manner and tone. We are now all optimistic that Mr Bennet will be able to attend his eldest daughter’s wedding, at least, even if he cannot yet escort her down the aisle.
There is another matter of grave importance where the gentleman is involved. Miss Bennet has confided in Bingley of her father’s ignorance regarding the marriage of Mr and Mrs Collins. Only Mrs Bennet seems unconcerned as to the impact this news might have on her husband’s health. She is wilfully blind to the potential consequences of her actions and remains convinced her husband will understand.
Her daughters are not so ignorant as the lady herself appears to be. From what I understand of the story, Mr Bennet first took ill only days following my departure from the area. It was this that kept Mr Collins at Longbourn and renewed his hopes of pursuing Miss Elizabeth. As her husband’s health continued to fail, Mrs Bennet became desperate and begged her brother the attorney to act in Mr Bennet’s stead and approve the suit of Mr Collins. Thus, the betrothal was effected and the banns read whilst Mr Bennet was yet unable to speak or write on his daughter’s behalf. The whole thing was accomplished in a matter of weeks.
Now he has begun asking, in his own manner, after the presence of his second child. Mrs Bennet prattles on as if she has not understood him, and the daughters have been instructed to say their sister is staying in London with friends of their aunt and uncle. ’Tis a sorry mess, and I know not how to be of service to Bingley or the family. Good God, Richard. She was forced by her own mother to marry that obsequious, ill-mannered, simpering, foul-smelling parson! What sort of woman would subject her child to such a fate? Even I, a virtual stranger to this family, could see Miss Elizabeth’s evident disdain for her cousin. Was there no one who would protect such a lively and intelligent woman from being bound to the stupidest man in all of the kingdom? I wish to cry out to the heavens against this injustice, and yet I must accept my own fault in it. If I had not run from my heart, she would not be chained to a man she can never respect. How can I face her in Kent knowing that whatever evil she found there is my doing?
Your cousin,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
March 16, 1812
Hunsford Cottage, Kent
Dear Jane,
My dear sister, how I wish I could be with you to share in this time of courtship. I believe I would make a very useful chaperone though perhaps not so observant as our sister Mary appears to be. Your happiness fairly leaps from the pages of your letter, and I am glad. I know you will not think me too wicked when I say you must disregard Mama’s advice as to the amount of lace on your dress unless, of course, you wish to be covered in so many yards of the same that your Mr Bingley cannot distinguish his bride from the drapes. I know you wish to be an obedient daughter, but please believe me when I say that sometimes obedience is bought with rather too high a price. You know your own preferences, Jane. Choose those that will bring you happiness.
As to my mother’s other advice, I fear I can be of no use to you. I believe your experience will be vastly different from mine because there is such love between you and Mr Bingley. I do wish your Aunt Gardiner were available. ’Tis a prodigiously bad time for their trip to the Indies. Perhaps you might overcome your mortification at the subject and seek the counsel of Mrs Brown, who is much closer to you in age and seems very much in love with her husband. That lady, I think, will prove to be a much better resource and certainly less prone to hysterics.
Your news that our father has begun to regain his health brings a lightness to my heart. ’Tis so light, I believe I shall risk my cousin’s ire by defying his advice and daring to pray for my father’s speedy recovery. Mr Collins is convinced this will only prolong Papa’s suffering, but I defer to your intelligence on the matter as you are situated so much closer to the subject than any of us in Kent.
Things here continue much as they have since I first arrived, so I must beg your indulgence when I fail to share significant news.
I remain, your affectionate sister,
Elizabeth Collins
> March 16, 1812
Hunsford Cottage, Kent
Dear Mary,
I cannot begin to express my delight in receiving your letter! Though I sometimes have news from Jane, I often think her tendency always to think well of others colours her view and causes her to see things as better than they really are. From you, I can depend on unvarnished truth. It is for this reason I find great relief in your report of our father’s improved health. I cannot be easy with the knowledge that Papa has yet to learn of my marriage. I do hope your mother does not intend to perpetrate her deception much longer. Staying with friends of our aunt and uncle indeed! I must implore you Mary: speak with Jane and this Mr Cartwright. When that man determines our father is well enough to hear the news, you and Jane must be the ones to tell him. I confess I am surprised at Mr Darcy’s summoning of his physician from town. Why would he take such an interest in our family? Perhaps it is a credit to his friendship with our future brother.