Lydia has already written to me, saying that Wickham would like a place at court and asking me to speak to Fitzwilliam about it. I have no intention of asking my husband to help Wickham any further, but I sent Lydia some money; otherwise I fear she will bankrupt the shopkeepers in her town before she is done.

It is interesting to hear that Kitty likes Mark Haydock. I think I will invite her to stay on at Pemberley when the rest of our guests leave after Christmas so that she can see more of him. Kympton is not too far away and she will be company for Georgiana. Georgiana is still very shy, although growing less so, and she would benefit from Kitty’s lively spirits, as Kitty would benefit from Georgiana’s elegance and poise. The two of them will complement each other very well.

But now I must go, for if there is anything I like more than writing to you, dear Jane, it is spending time with my husband and being the mistress of Pemberley. For all its grandeur, it is home—as anywhere would be home that held my dear Mr Darcy.

Fondest wishes from your loving sister,

Mrs Elizabeth Darcy