Kiss the children for me. And take care of yourself, Elizabeth. I cannot bear another accident.
All my love,
FD
Pemberley, Derbyshire
13 September, 1823
My Dear Husband,
I am so very sorry, my love. I have sent a letter to your aunt and Lady Alice as well, but I doubt they will read them. It is unimaginable to think of Lord Hayes not being alive. Chasing the children across the lawn, teasing his younger brothers, pulling faces at me when you turn your back. He was one of my favorite cousins by marriage, second only to the good colonel, and I shall miss him dearly.
I am sure you have done so already, but please convey my sincere apologies for not being present to sit with the family. At the size I am now, I would not even be able to climb into the carriage, let alone endure a long ride.
If you would like some news to cheer you slightly (I know you cannot be properly cheered and I would never attempt to do so), I am now so rotund that I cannot see my feet. I did not reach this size with the first two until nearly the eighth month. It is highly irregular for it to come about in the sixth month, but the midwife assures me this is not so unusual for a third confinement.
Bennet has recovered nicely from his cold and is riding his pony with his Uncle Bingley and cousin Charlie at the moment. Jane is nearly as ungainly as I am and we sit on reclined chairs, watching Bingley chase the children across the lawn while it’s still warm enough to be outside. I fear the weather will turn soon and we will have to set the children to playing in the ballroom.
Take as much time as you need, my dear. We are well here and Bingley is present should we need anything. I wish I was there to support you, but know you are in my thoughts and I pray for you each night, along with the entire Fitzwilliam family. Please tell me if there is anything I might do to assist the family from here. I would be happy to write letters or do anything necessary to assist Lady Matlock.
Sending you all my love,
Elizabeth
Heathstone Hall, Norfolk
18 September, 1823
Dear Elizabeth,
Hayes has died. The funeral is tomorrow and I will stay another few days to help where I may, then I will return to Pemberley. I need to hold you and the children and assure myself you are all well.
I love you, my dear. Kiss the children for me.
FD
Pemberley, Derbyshire
21 September, 1823
Dear Fitzwilliam,
I am so desperately sorry, my love. I wish there was something I could do to comfort your heart. I will write separately to the Fitzwilliam family, but if you know of anything we may do for their comfort, do tell me.
After the birth, I think we should invite Lady Alice to visit with the children. It might be good for her to have a change of scenery, and you look nothing like her husband. Lord Hayes and Richard looked so similar it may be difficult to be near him for a time. If you approve of the notion, I will mention it in my letter to her.
I am so sorry for your loss, my dear. So very, very sorry. We shall see you soon.
Your wife,
Elizabeth
Pemberley, Derbyshire
25 November, 1823
Dear Fitzwilliam,
