It was a revelation to me to see him allowing the children to pull his coat tails and play with his watch, with never a cross expression or a word of impatience. I had never considered him in such a light before, but I believe that as well as making an excellent husband he will also make a very good father.

You see, aunt, I can find no fault with him. How long this will last I do not know, but I beg you will indulge me in this one letter and then I promise not to boast of his many perfections again. It must make you very tired; indeed, you are probably running over the lines with a quick eye and a sigh even now! And so I will tell you more of Cumbria.

The scenery is even more dramatic than it was in Derbyshire, with mountains whose sides are clothed in the colours of autumn and whose tops are hidden in the clouds. The walking here is invigorating and the scenery breathtaking.

Fitzwater Park is even larger than Rosings and more imposing. It is in an elevated position with grounds that stretch down to the lake. There is boating on the lake whenever the weather is suitable, I am told, and we hope to go sailing tomorrow. I have also been promised a view of Aira Force waterfall, which drops sixty-five feet and is said to be very splendid. I will write and tell you more when I have seen all the sights.

Your loving niece,

Lizzy


Mrs Jane Bingley to Mrs Elizabeth Darcy

Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire,

November 17

My dear Lizzy will forgive me for saying that she was quite wrong when she thought that she and Mr Darcy would be the happiest people alive, for I am convinced that that honour goes to Charles and myself. I cannot believe there was ever a time when I did not know him, for he is as necessary to me as breathing. I sought to be happy when I thought all hope had gone, but I could never concentrate or take pleasure in anything, all I could do was school myself to pretend. But now, how different everything is! I knew as soon as I met him that Charles was just what a young man ought to be: sensible, good-humoured and lively, with easy manners and good breeding. Now that I have him as my husband I have everything I could wish for.

Our visit to Yorkshire was interesting but I am glad to be back home—or where, for a time at least, we are making our home—at Netherfield Park. I like the house very well, I always have, but I must confess, Lizzy, that it is already proving to be too close to Longbourn.

When we returned from Yorkshire, we found Lydia and Wickham at Longbourn. They had overstayed their welcome, however, and Papa had given them a strong hint to be gone. They had ignored this hint, but when we returned they found it expedient to act upon it and in short, Lizzy, they came here. Fortunately, Wickham was called back north yesterday and they have left us now, but I dare say they will be here again before very long. They are finding it very difficult to manage on what little money they have. Lydia has never been good at economising and I am afraid they live beyond their means.

I hope it is not unkind of me to say that I am glad they have gone, for just at this moment I would rather not have guests. Charles and I are establishing our life together and it is not very convenient, particularly as Mama visits Netherfield every day. When she cannot get the horses for the carriage, she walks. I dare say the exercise is doing her good, and I think it is of benefit to Mary, for Mama must have company and either Kitty or Mary, or both, always accompany her. But for my part I could wish for rather more time to ourselves and rather less time with my family.

Charles bears it very well, even though he has already been persuaded to help Lydia and Wickham, and I fear that Lydia means to write to you, too. He says they are no trouble and that he is delighted to have them here, and he remarks that I was good to his family and that he has every intention of being equally good to mine.

Though his family are not what I am used to, I confess I like them. His mother is an affectionate woman who sincerely dotes on her children, and his brother Ned is very courteous. He reminds me of my uncle Gardiner: a man of business, and energetic in pursuit of it, but with good manners and good breeding besides. The little ones are lively and playful; in short I feel myself to be very fortunate.

You will be pleased to know that Mary studies less than formerly, which I think is a good thing. Mr Shackleton has persuaded her that too much study is bad for the brain.

Kitty has become closer to Maria Lucas in Lydia’s absence. Away from Lydia, she is becoming more sensible and is far better company.

I am not the only one to think so. The rector of Kympton, Mark Haydock, has been spending some time in the neighbourhood and he seems to find Kitty’s company amusing. I have caught him once or twice looking at her with an air of benevolent indulgence. For her part, I believe that Kitty has a liking for him, or will have, once she forgives him for taking Wickham’s living; for of course she has heard the story from Lydia, in a very partial form. Certainly she seems to want his good opinion, and as he is a sensible man, I have high hopes of his attentions being good for her.

Charlotte and Mr Collins were here for a short visit earlier in the week but have now returned home. We were invited to a party at Lucas Lodge in their honour and we accepted. Lady Lucas could talk of nothing but Charlotte’s interesting condition and Mama talked over her about Mr Darcy. I think Mama is growing bored, now that three of her daughters are married, and when Mary and Kitty marry, I think that it might be better if Charles and I were no longer in the neighbourhood, for she will have a great deal of leisure and will be here even oftener than at present.

After Christmas we intend to look about us for another house. Charles has long wanted to buy an estate, and as Netherfield Park is entailed on Frederick, it would not be possible to buy it, even if he wanted to. But I think he has a mind to move farther north, perhaps into Cheshire, and I am in agreement. The lease on Netherfield runs out next September and we hope to have found our new home by then.

Whether the Sothertons will move back to Meryton, who can say? It will depend on Mr Sotherton, and whether he has conquered his propensities for fast living. Frederick, at least, it appears, has been saved, for Susan writes that he has mended his ways. I am glad. I always liked him and felt he was good at heart. I would like them to return to Meryton and I know that Kitty and Mary would value Ellie and Lucy’s company.

But that is for another time, indeed, another year, and there are many things to look forward to before that. Will you come to us for Christmas? I am longing to see you again.

Your loving sister,

Jane


Mrs Elizabeth Darcy to Mrs Jane Bingley

Pemberley, Derbyshire,

November 22

Dearest Jane,

I can see that we will have to perpetually argue about who is the happiest, because I cannot forego my own claim. Is not marriage wonderful? I cannot think how I managed before! Everything about life is so much better now. Our visit to the Lake District was wonderful and even the travelling was not tedious. Cumbria was very striking—beauty on an impressive scale—and the Fitzwilliam family were very grand but for the most part they were friendly.

We will not be able to join you for Christmas, as we will be holding a house party here, and of course you must come to us. Do say you will. Mama writes to me every day, dropping hints about visiting, and if she has a firm invitation for Christmas, I believe it will protect us from an impromptu visit before then. I have invited Charlotte as well, but she is not inclined to travel, with her olive branch so near to being delivered.

I have persuaded Fitzwilliam to invite his aunt Lady Catherine. I cannot say that I particularly want her here, but the rift must be healed sometime so it might as well be now. My resentment, once incurred, does not last forever, you see, though I am relying on you to rescue me from her if the occasion demands!

But do not let the thought of her prevent you coming to us. I am longing to show you Pemberley and I am growing to love it more every day. Fitzwilliam says that I must redecorate it if I wish but I prefer to leave it as it is. Everything is in good taste, and besides, it reminds me of my first visit here with my aunt and uncle. I can scarcely believe it was less than a year ago.

Fitzwilliam loves it even more than I do. He enjoyed our time in the Lakes but even then I could tell he was longing to return. He was eager to show me all his favourite spots in the house and garden and he wanted to introduce me to all his neighbours. We have been dining out every evening and so far I have met eleven of the principal families of the neighbourhood. I hope to meet more when we host our first dinner party next week.

Their welcome to me has been varied. Some of them have been warm and friendly, showing an interest in Hertfordshire; indeed, the Braithwaites know the Lucases—it seems that they all met at St. James’s. But others look down on me shockingly. My dear husband left his conversation to give me his support last night when Mrs Yates drew her skirts away from me as though I were contaminated and asked me pointedly, ‘Who are your people?’ But I understood her malice easily enough, as her unmarried daughter was by her side, and I was not to be intimidated by the likes of a Mrs Yates, you may be sure. It is a good thing I have some irritations to put up with, or else my life would be in danger of being too perfect!