Chapter Eighty-Four
Messengers were kept busy riding between Meryton and London, London and Kent. Even the youngest Bennets, not usually interested in correspondence, took time to write to their sister in London.
Bennet,
I thought I should let you know that Colonel Fitzwilliam is courting Miss Bennet.
She appears to be very much in favour of his suit.
He has a small estate in Nottingham that was left to him by his maternal aunt; the estate is roughly the size of Longbourn, and produces enough income to support a wife and family with ease.
I hope I have not overstepped in granting permission for this courtship, but thought there could be nothing amiss in keeping Miss Bennett in the family, as it were.
It will not surprise you to learn that Elizabeth is a social success here in London, but I will not expound upon that, as I believe Elizabeth has every intention of writing to her mother on the subject.
Yours,
Darcy
***
Dear Mama,
I apologise for not writing frequently; you are quite right to upbraid me on this subject!
But we have been so busy, you would not believe it.
Every day, we are besieged by callers. At first, they came to see the new Mrs. Darcy and determine for themselves if she deserves the high position she had been given.
But once Aunt Ellen (can you credit it? I am on a Christian name basis with a countess!) gave her ball, visitors came to actually make my acquaintance! We receive so many invitations that we cannot accept more than one in ten.
I believe I have given a very good account of myself, all in all.
Mary is being courted by Colonel Fitzwilliam; William is writing to Papa to explain more, but she seems very fond of him and he of her.
So you may soon have a daughter married to the son of an Earl, and will that not win you points in your ongoing battle with Lady Lucas?
No, no, do not protest; I know you are dear friends, but even dear friends may wage their little battles.
Your affectionate daughter,
Lizzy
P.S. I enclose a newspaper clipping about the ball, which I hope will satisfy your desire for the details that I can neither recall nor write. I do not doubt that you will wish to read it aloud to Lady Lucas.
***
Dear Lizzy,
Thank you so much for the lovely frock you sent for my birthday! I cannot believe that you recalled my measurements so perfectly; Lydia swears she did not help in this regard, but I never know whether or not to believe her.
In any case, we both miss our sisters very much; might you not invite us to London? It is everything dull here at Longbourn with everyone gone!
Your loving sister,
Kitty
***
Dear Kitty,
I am so glad that you liked the frock! I truly did recall your measurements and required no assistance from Lydia or anyone else.
I am sorry indeed that things are so dull for you at Longbourn. I do not think we will invite you to London just now, as we are caught up in the mad swirl that is the Season, but William promises that you and Lydia will be invited to Pemberley once we are settled there.
So be patient, dearest Kitty!
Affectionately,
Lizzy
***
Dear Mama,
Oh, such a time we had at Lizzy’s ball! I danced every dance, and twice – twice! – with Colonel Fitzwilliam! Lizzy looked like a princess; how I wished I had my pencils so that I might have taken her likeness for you! She wore a diamond tiara that Mr. Darcy presented to her!
Georgiana danced with her brother, her cousins, and her uncle, and then the son of a duke – yes, a DUKE! – came to sit with her and talk about music!
The only thing missing was, of course, you and Papa. Well, Papa would just have gone to the card room, but oh, Mama, how you would have loved to see it! Such splendour!
I am just now informed that the Colonel is downstairs, so I must dash away, but I will write more quite soon!
Your loving daughter,
Mary
***
Darcy,
The Colonel and Mary have my blessing. Do feel free to host the wedding and the breakfast, if you have a mind to.
Bennet
***
Ellen,
I read with considerable astonishment your decision to host a ball in honour of this new Mrs. Darcy. She is a complete unknown and unworthy of your attention! But I suppose this was the best that Darcy could do, given his circumstances.
I fear for the family, Ellen, I really do.
Catherine
***
Catherine,
Darcy has married a lovely young woman who is a credit to the family. I could not be more delighted. Moreover, Richard will soon wed Mrs. Darcy’s younger sister.
Ellen
***
Dear Lizzy,
I am certain that you will not forget my birthday, which is in 42 days.
Your very favourite sister,
Lydia