ED
Elizabeth,
I have left word with Hobbs that as soon as you return, he should notify me. But in the event you slip by his notice, I must ask. Why have you gone out? I thought you were not feeling well. You said something about the fish not sitting well with you. Are you better? Please send word when you read this. I will come to you immediately. I am worried.
FD
Fitzwilliam,
I have returned, and as you suspected, I did not see Hobbs. He has yet to realize how frequently I use the side door. I will not say I do it entirely to avoid his detection, but it is a fun game to play. I have been living at Pemberley more than three years now. He ought to know my habits.
I went to the vicarage to see Mrs. Dawson. I have news for you, my love. I will be in our chambers when you are ready.
Elizabeth
20 July, 1816
Pemberley, Derbyshire
My Darling Wife!
The news you gave me called for a letter of its own, to join the others we have exchanged on momentous occasions. A babe! A child. I cannot believe it. I can, but I am still surprised. Elizabeth! I am overcome. In every way, you have enriched my life and exceeded my expectations. To think I will be a father this winter. It is difficult to fathom.
I know you said it is not certain until the quickening, but I am glad you told me now. I cannot imagine how worried I would have been had I not known the cause of your recent illness. I am sorry you are uncomfortable, and I will do everything in my power to help and support you through this time.
You are more precious to me than life, and I will take care of you in every possible way.
I love you, my sweet, precious wife. And I will love our child with my whole heart.
Your Husband,
Fitzwilliam
19 September, 1816
Pemberley, Derbyshire
My Dear Husband,
As befits our tradition of writing letters for special occasions, I wish to tell you something of import. It is certain, my love. The babe is growing. I felt it move today. I had felt an odd fluttering a few times before, but I could not be certain it was the babe and not something else. It is not quite strong enough to feel it from the outside yet, but it will be soon enough, or so Mrs. Dawson tells me. She has been incredibly helpful with her advice.
I will have to let my mother know I am expecting, but I think I will tell her he will arrive a month later than expected. Is it terrible that I do not want her at the birth? I cannot imagine her being helpful in such a situation, though she has a great deal of experience with the activity. I would like Jane to attend me, but she may not be able to refrain from telling our mother. Perhaps I will tell her a false date also and simply ask her to arrive early.
I am so pleased our child will only be a few months younger than his cousin. Jane feels certain she is carrying a little girl this time, but Charles says he thinks it is a boy. So far, I feel this one is a son, but it could merely be wishful thinking on my part. My mother will be significantly less troublesome if I stop dillydallying and birth the necessary heir. Though Pemberley is not entailed on males, so a house full of daughters would be no great evil.
My love, have I told you how very happy I am to be embarking on this endeavor with you? I cannot imagine feeling half of the comfort I do with anyone else. You have made me feel utterly at ease, and I am positive you will be the best father a child could wish for. I feel incredibly fortunate to be your wife. I cannot imagine my father ever rubbed my mother’s feet when they ached, or lay down for naps with her in the afternoons. You are exemplary, my love. I could not ask for a better husband, and I am certain our child could not ask for a better father.
Your Loving Wife,
Elizabeth
19 September, 1816
Pemberley, Derbyshire
My Perfect Wife,
You honor me. Your esteem is a balm to my anxious heart. I have always been in awe of you, as I am sure you know. You are unafraid and courageous, stepping into the unknown with confidence and eagerness. I do not know how you do it, but I am humbled that such an amazing woman has chosen to live her life with me, and honored that you think well of me.
