Georgiana's Reckless Regrets (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

Chapter One

Here are four more letters,” Mr. Darcy said. “I have read them, and am rather discouraged.”

“Let me see them,” his younger sister, Georgiana, suggested, taking them from his hand and reading them aloud.

My name is Mrs. Elliot. I have taught at a school for young ladies for most of my life, and have only recently chosen to seek other work.

I believe that discipline and routine are the most important aspects of a young lady’s upbringing, and I will be delighted to incorporate these into your young sister’s daily life.

Enclosed you will find references, though the school that recently employed me has not yet had occasion to write one.

“Absolutely not,” Georgiana said, shuddering.

“Discipline and routine! Did I not have enough of that at school? And chosen to seek other work likely means she was let go from her position, particularly since that school has not provided a reference.” She threw the offending letter onto the floor and turned her attention to the next one.

I have just learnt that I must make my own way in lyfe. I was married but were not blesd with child and so my husbend lyft me to find another wyfe. This is quite rong, I think, but I must urn my bred, so would like to have this posytion. I have no rferneces but I no I can do a good job.

“I feel quite sad for her, but I cannot have a companion who cannot spell,” Georgiana said, sadly. This letter, too, found its way to the floor. Georgiana looked at the third letter.

Derbyshire! What fun! I have always loved that county!

And I believe it loves me as well, and would welcome me with open arms!

I hope we will do a good deal of traveling around Derbyshire, as well as nearby counties of Cheshire and Staffordshire, for I am an excellent traveler and am never ill!

Attached find references from my fellow travelers!

“I do not think she truly understands the position,” Georgiana declared. That letter, too, was consigned to the floor. She then picked up the last letter.

My name is Mrs. Younge. I am the daughter of a parson, so my upbringing is unexceptional.

I was married, but my husband died in battle, my parents are deceased, and I have no children.

Thus, I find myself quite alone in the world and would very much like to have companionship as well as provide it.

While I do understand that a young lady must improve her accomplishments, it is also important that she have rest, exercise, and amusement.

Enclosed you will find references from a number of fine families who I have had the great honour to serve.

I do look forward to hearing from you.

Mrs. Younge

“Perfect!” Georgiana pronounced, smiling widely.

She had been at school for the past three years, and had just recently returned home.

She and her brother had agreed that she was too old for a governess and instead needed a companion, given that her much older brother, the master of an enormous estate, could hardly serve as a companion for a fifteen year old girl.

For Georgiana, the idea of a companion, someone who could be a friend, rather than a teacher, was very appealing. She very much looked forward to meeting Mrs. Younge.