Dearest Lizzy
Two mornings later, Elizabeth finally received a letter from Jane.
~~}{~~
I have missed your letters in recent days.
Are you well? I find that I must write this morning–after some persuasion, Father has granted me permission to share my news with you–Mr Collins has made me an offer of marriage and I have accepted.
The settlement papers were prepared by Uncle Phillips and both Father and Mr Collins signed.
Mr Collins did not think it necessary that I sign the settlement, but Mamma insisted, and I did. Thus, our engagement is finalized.
You may ask how this event came about so allow me to reveal all.
Not long after Mr Collins arrived, he made his intentions known to the entire family–he sought one of our father’s daughters as his wife to atone for inheriting the estate and our mother quickly pointed out the benefits of accepting Mr Collins hand–I shall return to Longbourn as mistress, and the future of my mother and sisters will be secure.
I know you Lizzy–there is a frown on your face and an argument forming in your mind but there must not be any disagreements over this marriage.
As mother brought to my attention, I will be three and twenty this spring and have not received any proposals of marriage– I am on the shelf like Charlotte Lucas.
She says that I am ‘too beautiful’ and that men are afraid to approach me.
Mr Blackstone continues to preach on immorality among young women on Sundays and the neighbourhood grows tired of his sermonizing.
Even Mary has refrained from any discussion of his sermons on Sunday afternoons.
However, Mr Collins enjoys talking with Mr Blackstone and he has become a frequent quest at our table. But I want you to know that I understand my duty to my family. Therefore, I am reconciled to the marriage. Mr Collins and I shall marry from Longbourn in June.
I miss you Lizzy and look forward to your return at Christmas. Your sister, Jane
~~}{~~