Introducing Mrs. Collins
Dear Mr Collins,
I was delayed in reading your letter but now reply to it with haste, in the hope that I might catch you before I lose your approval of yet another of my daughters.
Perhaps Kitty will be next; I hardly know whether to expect you to propose to her or condemn her; either seems possible, or perhaps both.
Thank you for your condolences and your fears on my behalf.
I was of a mind to throw off my youngest daughter’s affections, as you so keenly suggest, but after reading your letter, I no longer feel inclined to.
She will have plenty in the world who will do that, you and your patroness chief among them, and I think I shall not add to their ranks.
By the by, my youngest daughter is lately married; I can assure you that has no effect on my shift in sentiments.
Lydia is not the most sensible of young ladies, but she is of good heart, and she does not judge others for their errors, as some do.
‘Judge not, that ye be not judged’ in Matthew is a passage well-thumbed in my Bible; presumably that chapter remains pristine in your own copy.
I suspect we will have little to do with each other these next few years, until that time arrives when you will be seated here at the very desk where I now sit.
I wish you, and more particularly your wife, happiness.
I have learnt many lessons these last few weeks, and I continue to do so as I reflect on the whole affair.
My situation would not have been happier had I chained my daughter to my hearth but might have been improved had I educated her better, and not only with the word of God.
Should you be blessed with a daughter, I hope that she thrives and that she breaks every expectation you have of her – and is all the better for it.
My best to Mrs Collins.
P. Bennet Esq.