ED
4 Sept., 1814
Pemberley, Derbyshire
My Darling Elizabeth,
I am glad to hear your sister is safe and the babe is well. I received a note from Bingley, but it was so filled with blots and splotches I could only make out the words ‘Jane’ and ‘babe’.
My love, I hope you know that I would never insist on your carrying a babe? It is a terrible risk you would be taking, and only a cad would demand it of you. It is a dangerous endeavor for a woman, and I do not wish to risk losing you. I could live without ever being a father. I could not live without you.
It will likely happen at some point, probably by chance, but I am in no hurry to fill you with a babe.
The dispute between Granger and Smith has finally been settled. The estate will provide the fence materials, Granger will keep the field abutting the stream, and Smith will have seasonal access to it via the eastern bridge. It was a simple solution, and if the two of them had not been so stubborn, we might have arrived at it sooner.
I will finish a few details here and escort Georgiana to the Grimsbys,’ then I shall join you at Hatfield Hall on the fifth.
As far as corrupting you goes, it is you who has corrupted me. I was quite staid before you came into my life. Three years ago, I never would have dreamed of such behavior. You see, it is all down to you. You tempt me beyond measure and I am quite lost to your charms.
I love you, my darling. And I always will, come what may.
Yours in Corruption,
F.D.
6
A Visit from the Bennets
Pemberley, Derbyshire
Summer 1815
Fitzwilliam,
You must come rescue me! My mother has lost her mind and my father is too busy being amused to be of any help whatsoever. If you have ever wished to play the hero, now would be an excellent time. I will lead her to the conservatory ere long. Please have some pressing estate business that needs my attention.
ED
Elizabeth,
This note is to tell you there is a pressing estate matter that needs your attention. I trust your creative abilities enough to know you will come up with an excellent excuse on your own, but if you are feeling less inventive than usual, I have just received word that Mrs. Hobbs’ time has arrived and her babe is expected at any moment. Her husband was called away from the fence he was repairing and Turner and I happened to be there. Turner has also told me that Mrs. Griggs is unwell and could do with a visit. I do not know when you last saw her, but surely it would not hurt to take a basket and some tonic?
Of course, I have great need of you. I do not remember the last time you sat on my lap at my desk. That would be a perfectly fine afternoon activity and would go a good way to helping you forget your mother’s demands. Alternatively, I could sneak away and meet you in our chambers.
Are you blushing? I should not write such things on a simple note, but I could not resist. Your teasing nature has rubbed off on me, it would seem, but I cannot be sorry for it.
FD
Fitzwilliam!
You rascal! I would chastise you for writing such things to me when you knew I would be reading it in my mother’s presence, but I am too amused to be properly vexed. I have taken your excellent advice and told my mother there was a situation with the tenants that needed my attention. I have asked Mrs. Reynolds to prepare a basket for Mrs. Griggs with some of her tonic in it, and another for Mrs. Hobbs. I had already made a gown for the babe and I shall take it with me.
Really, you ought to chastise yourself for teasing me so when a woman who has been nothing but kind to me is travailing. You ought to, but I know you will not.
I will see you in my chambers when I return in a few hours. I love you, my impertinent husband.
ED
