Your friend,
Lizzy
Miss Mary Bennet to Miss Lucy Sotherton
Longbourn, Hertfordshire,
March 23
Most noble Friend,
My sister Jane is in London still and my sister Elizabeth has left for Kent, which means that I can practise on the pianoforte for hours together without any interruption. To be sure, Mama says my playing gives her a headache and Papa asks if I would not rather be outdoors, and Kitty cries whenever I approach the instrument, but these are no more than the ordinary obstacles which fall into the path of the Learned Woman.
Mr Shackleton agrees with me. I discussed the matter with him this evening, when we both dined with my aunt Philips, and he said that the lives of the great were always fraught with difficulty.
I was prevailed upon to play the pianoforte after dinner. I was just embarking on my second sonnata when I was alarmed to find Mr Shackleton’s arm around me. He was shocked when I reproved him and said that I had mistaken his motives entirely, explaining that he had merely been reaching round me to turn over the pages of my music.
Harmony was restored, as I remarked to him as I embarked on a third sonnata, and he laughed at my witticism and said that I should make a note of it in my book of extracts. I have duly done so. My only regret is that no one ever reads the book. I am sure my sisters would benefit from it, for it would be sure to impart learning and wisdom to anyone who opened its pages. I have tried to encourage Lydia and Kitty to read it, and to be sure Lydia started to do so, but she only laughed when she read that Mr Shackleton had had his hand on my knee, and Kitty was no better, saying that there should only be one n in sonnata.
Your sister under the skin,
Mary
Miss Elizabeth Bennet to Miss Susan Sotherton
Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent,
March 24
You will be anxious to know all about my visit to London and my arrival in Kent, and so I sit down now to write you a letter.
Jane was very happy to see me and I to see her, as you can imagine. We have been apart for a long time and we had much to talk about. But on questioning my aunt later, I found that my dear sister has periods of dejection, and who can blame her? She has lost the attentions of a most amiable young man, through no fault of her own, and does not see how she will ever meet a man she likes half as well. I sympathise with her deeply, for I am no luckier in my attachment to Mr Wickham, but I believe my spirits are of a sort to better bear the disappointment. Besides, I was not separated from him by others, but by his own choice, and that I think makes it easier to bear.
Through all this, though, I cannot help blaming Mr Bingley, for if he was as much in love with Jane as he appeared he should have resisted his friends’ efforts to influence him and followed his heart; which leads me to think that it is possible for a young man to be too amiable. But even as I write this I remember Mr Darcy saying that Mr Bingley was easily swayed by his friends; how much more blameworthy, then, must those friends be for influencing someone they knew would not be able to resist. But blame will not help Jane, and I believe that she is in the best place, where there is congenial company and plenty to do.
The company here at Hunsford is not so congenial. Charlotte is the same, but I cannot place such confidence in her as formerly, for I cannot forgive her for marrying such a stupid man. She has a home, it is true, and a life of her own, but the price she paid is a heavy one and although she does not resent it, I resent it for her. Oh, why can there not be as many amiable and sensible young men in the world as there are women who deserve them! She welcomed me affectionately, however, and I was very pleased I had come. Despite everything, I miss her. Meryton is unfortunately not supplied with so many sensible young women that I can easily bear the loss of another one.
Mr Collins was in all his glory, displaying the good proportions of the rooms, their aspects and their furniture—everything from the sideboard to the fender—and showing us around the garden, pointing out the numbers of fields beyond. Sir William and Maria were as admiring as he could have wished for, pleased with everything they saw and exclaiming over the sight of Rosings Park in the distance.
Luckily I did not have the right shoes for walking over the fields, nor did Maria nor Charlotte, and whilst Mr Collins conducted Sir William thither, we three returned to the house. With Mr Collins forgotten there was an air of comfort throughout, and I believe he is very often forgotten. And when he cannot be forgotten, and says something particularly foolish, then Charlotte is wise enough not to hear.
We are to have the honour of seeing Lady Catherine at church on Sunday, and I am assured by Mr Collins that she is all affability and condescension; although I was warned by Mr Wickham that she is authoritative and self-important, and I suspect his judgement is the true one. Apparently, she is likely to include Maria, Sir William and myself in every invitation issued to the Collinses for the length of our stay—courtesy indeed!
And so our time is to be spent sharing Charlotte’s daily activities, which will be enjoyable enough. It will only be made vexatious when we are interrupted by Mr Collins or patronised by Lady Catherine.
Then, my dear Susan, I will have more pleasures to look forward to, for my aunt and uncle have invited me to go on a tour of the Lake District with them in the summer. I am already looking forward to it.
Write soon and tell me all your news.
Lizzy
Miss Susan Sotherton to Miss Elizabeth Bennet
Bath, March 25
Dearest Lizzy,
Your letter makes me ashamed—I have not written to you in an age, for my Mr Wainwright is keeping me busy. I have been to visit his family and found them all charming, and a wedding date has been set. We are to be married in August. My mama is very happy, for it is a better match than she hoped for me, and I am overjoyed, as I truly love my Mr Wainwright. Papa is happy, as Mr Wainwright’s mother has insisted on arranging the wedding, so it will not cost Papa a penny, and he went out to celebrate by getting drunk. Frederick, however, said he wished me happy and gave me a small present, a brooch, bought with money he had saved himself from his inheritance from our late aunt. Although it is not a large fortune, it is not inconsiderable and he has begun to husband it, spending less than its income so that he is gradually restoring the capital. News of this has spread and he is no longer shunned so resolutely by the Bath mamas. Eleanor is now more hopeful of finding a husband for herself, and Lucy hopes that Frederick will restore the library at Netherfield so that she might continue her studies there when we return home. If we return home. But as Jane no longer needs Netherfield to be let to Mr Bingley, I hope we will return home sooner rather than later. Alas, until Papa mends his ways it is not likely.
I am glad that Charlotte is happy. I wish her many fine days and a husband who is busy elsewhere. And to you, Lizzy, I wish fine weather for country walks and a handsome stranger.
Your dear friend,
Susan
Miss Elizabeth Bennet to Miss Jane Bennet
Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent,
March 26
My dearest Jane,
I have had my first sight of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. We dined at Rosings last night and saw her in all her glory. She is a tall, large woman with strongly marked features and a sense of self-importance which rendered Sir William speechless and reduced Maria to perching, in fright, on the edge of her chair.
Miss de Bourgh was as unlike her mother as it was possible to be, for she was thin and small, with insignificant features; there was neither in face nor figure any likeness between the ladies.
The dinner was exceedingly handsome, and Mr Collins could not have been happier as he took his place at the bottom of the table, by her ladyship’s desire. Lucky Mr Collins, to be so easily pleased! He commended every dish, his flattery echoed by Sir William, so that I wonder Lady Catherine could bear it; however, she seemed very pleased. We ate almost in silence, although when we retired to the drawing room after dinner,
there was a great deal of talking, all on Lady Catherine’s side. She held forth at length, enquiring into Charlotte’s domestic concerns and giving her a great deal of unnecessary advice, and then turned her attention to me. Oh, Jane! I could scarcely keep from expressing my astonishment at her impertinence when she asked about my sisters, demanding to know if any of them were handsome or likely to be married soon, where they had been educated and what kind of carriage my father kept! She then demanded to know about our governesses, and on learning that we had none, remarked that our mother must have been a slave to our education! I did not know where to look, nor how to keep from smiling! She then deigned to tell me that my sisters should not all be out at once, and was surprised when I answered her back, saying that I saw no reason why the younger girls should not have their share of society and amusement as well as the older. I do not believe anyone has ever answered her back before.
The gentlemen soon joined us and we played at casino, but there was no conversation that did not pertain to the game. When Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh had played as long as they wished, the tables were broken up and the carriage was ordered, and I was asked for my opinion of Lady Catherine on our way home. I gave what praise I could, but Mr Collins was not satisfied and took matters into his own hands, praising Lady Catherine as he felt she deserved. He had not done by the time we reached the parsonage, and he followed me upstairs so that he could continue singing her praises. It was only when I bid him a firm ‘Good night’ that he gave over, but I heard him saying, ‘affable…condescending…’ to Charlotte as they went downstairs.
How I am to manage here over the next few weeks I do not know. I am sure I will find it more and more difficult to remain silent whilst Lady Catherine gives her decided opinion on everyone and everything; however, I am determined to be on my best behaviour for Charlotte’s sake.
Sir William will be here only for a week and will then return to Meryton, but Maria will stay here for six weeks with me. I wish you could be here, too, Jane, but I am persuaded you will be much happier where you are.
Your loving sister,
Lizzy
Miss Jane Bennet to Miss Elizabeth Bennet
Gracechurch Street, London,
March 30
Dearest Lizzy,
Your letter made me smile. I am sure I am glad it is you and not I who have to face Lady Catherine; she sounds to be as formidable as I had expected. I am very glad to be here with my aunt and uncle instead. We have had fine weather since you left and I walk in the park with the children every day. We have been to the theatre again and this evening we go to a concert. My aunt has invited a number of young men to dine. She says nothing but I know she is hoping to help me over my disappointment by reminding me that other young men exist. And indeed, I know that they do, only none I like as well as…But there, I will not mention his name, it is better not. He is destined for another and there is no use repining.
I have had a letter from Mama, telling me not to hurry home, for she is sure there are many more eligible young men in London than in Meryton. Lydia included a note, asking me to send her a sketch of the latest fashions, for she is going to one of Colonel Forster’s balls, and Kitty asked me for some sarsenet. My aunt and I are going to Grafton House tomorrow to buy it. Mary has asked for some music, as she is planning to play a sonata. I cannot help thinking that there will be little call for a sonata at a ball.
Your loving sister,
Jane
APRIL
Mrs Charlotte Collins to Miss Susan Sotherton
Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent,
April 14
Dear Susan,
As you know, Elizabeth is our guest at the parsonage, together with my sister, but what I think you do not yet know is that Mr Darcy is here also, staying with his aunt Lady Catherine. He has only been here a few days and yet I suspect as much as I did last autumn that he is attracted to Elizabeth, though she persists in thinking he does not like her. It is possible that he looks at her only to find fault with her, as she thinks, but I do not believe it. When Mr Collins went to pay his respects to Mr Darcy and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, who is also a guest at Rosings, the gentlemen returned to the parsonage with him. I am sure that Mr Darcy would not have waited on us so soon if Elizabeth had not been here. He had little to say for himself, but his eyes were drawn to her and at last remembering his manners, he enquired after the Bennets. Eliza could not resist saying that Jane had been in town for three months and asking if he had seen her, to which Mr Darcy replied that he had not. Elizabeth pursued the subject no further and I think Mr Darcy was happy to let it drop. However, he continued to look at her until he and his cousin returned to Rosings.
We dined with Lady Catherine, and Mr Darcy was once again very attentive to Elizabeth, as was his cousin, and I am not surprised for Elizabeth was at her liveliest. Even Lady Catherine demanded to have her share of their conversation. When coffee was over, Colonel Fitzwilliam invited Eliza to play the piano and Lady Catherine engaged Mr Darcy in conversation, but the latter abandoned her soon enough and walked over to the piano to listen to Eliza. He positioned himself so as to be able to see her face and Elizabeth teased him, saying that he had come to frighten her. He looked surprised, but not displeased. I am sure he has never met anyone like Elizabeth before. She continued to tease him, saying to Colonel Fitzwilliam that Mr Darcy had danced only four dances at his first Meryton assembly. I thought he would be angry, but instead a smile played about his lips. He is ready to fall in love with her, if he is not in love with her already. I wish she would show him some encouragement, for I am sure he would offer for her if she did. It would be a brilliant match for her. Mr Darcy is a man of consequence and wealth, and moreover he is very well-thought-of hereabouts. His cousin joined in with the teasing, saying that Mr Darcy would not give himself the trouble to talk to strangers, and instead of being angry, Mr Darcy took it all in good part.
But that is not all. This morning, Maria and I walked into the village and when we returned we found Mr Darcy in the parsonage, and learnt that he had been talking to Elizabeth for half an hour. I was sure he must be in love with her, or he would never have called on us in such a familiar way, but when I said as much to Elizabeth, she said that he had been silent for most of the visit. It is very odd, but I cannot shake the feeling that he is deeply attracted to her. I do not want to press the idea with her, however, because I do not want to raise expectations which might only end in disappointment. But if she were sure of his affections, I think her dislike of him would evaporate, and why should it not? He is tall, handsome, intelligent, well-bred, wealthy…the sort of man that any woman would be proud to call husband.
I cannot help thinking that it would be a good thing if Lizzy were to marry him, for he has several wealthy livings at his disposal and it would be no bad thing if Mr Collins were to be appointed to one of them. But only time will tell.
Charlotte
Mr Bennet to Miss Elizabeth Bennet
Longbourn, Hertfordshire,
April 16
Lizzy,
You will no doubt be surprised to receive a letter from me, though I half promised one, but I find I cannot manage without you here at Longbourn. Your sisters grow sillier every day and your mother is no better. Without you and Jane, all sense has gone and I am longing for your return. I am sure that you will find it difficult to tear yourself away from Mr Collins, and I know that my company cannot possibly compensate you for the loss of his sensible and erudite conversation, but I miss you, Lizzy, and I am writing to hurry you home. Come as soon as you like; it cannot be too soon for me.
Your affectionate
Father
Miss Elizabeth Bennet to Mr Bennet
Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent,
April 18
Dear Papa,
I will come as soon as I can, but it will not be for a few weeks, I fear. Charlotte depends upon me to remain with her until the start of May and my aunt Gardiner expects me to stay fo
r a few days with her before returning home. Though I doubt if my sisters will ever be sensible, yet something might be done to curb the worst of their excesses and in the process you might make them better companions for yourself. Lydia would benefit from some attention and Kitty, too. At present they have nothing to think of but red coats. Could you not give another turn to their minds? I doubt if they will ever become scholars but there are some books in the library they might like; if you will take the trouble I am sure you will find them willing to give over at least a small portion of their day to rational enterprise.
There is very little that is rational here, save Charlotte, of course. She tends her household and her parish with great success. Mr Collins continues to flatter Lady Catherine, who accepts every word graciously as though it is her due. Maria is in awe of everyone and everything. Mr Darcy stares us all out of countenance—yes, he is here. It is not so very surprising, I suppose, as his aunt is Lady Catherine. What pleasure he gains from his visit I cannot guess, since his aunt’s behaviour is such as to make any sensible person blush. But perhaps he likes it. I suppose he must, for he is his own master, and he could just as easily spend Easter in Derbyshire or London if he had a mind to do so. Instead he plagues us here at Rosings.
Your loving daughter,
Lizzy
Mr Darcy to Mr Philip Darcy
Rosings Park, Kent, April 20
Philip, this letter might surprise you, or then again, not. I think you guessed that I was speaking of myself when I wrote to you about an inferior woman at Christmas, and not Bingley as I protested; or, at least, not entirely about Bingley, for it is true that he was attracted to a woman of inferior birth and that I saved him from an imprudent attachment. But it is my own case that now concerns me, for I was also enamoured of a woman who was unsuitable in every way.
Dear Mr. Darcy: A Retelling of Pride and Prejudice Page 20