My Dear Husband,
Your words are a balm to my weary soul. As is the hamper Cook prepared. Please give her my heartfelt thanks—it is much appreciated.
Hearing about the busy nothings of Town is exactly the distraction I needed. I am not surprised at all that Bennet is highly prized. Besides being the firstborn and heir, he is a lovely young man, and I do not think I am too biased in thinking so. He has my humor, which I flatter myself is one of my better qualities, and his father’s good looks, which would be enough on their own to draw the ladies’ eyes. It certainly was for you not so long ago.
I shall not go on about how handsome you are because I know how uncomfortable it makes you, but it is true nonetheless. I hope all this attention does not go to Bennet’s head. I want him to remain the kind and thoughtful young man he is and not become some dandy with an inflated sense of self-importance. I do so hope he finds a kind young lady to marry when the time is right. In case you are wondering, I do not believe that time is now, nor any time soon. He should be older, more experienced when he marries. I do not want him to regret his choice or the things he will not do once he becomes a husband and father.
Sweet Elinor! I know she is not as fond of society as I am, but I had not thought her as disinclined to it as you are. Perhaps I am wrong. Town is its own beast regardless. Even I find it exhausting! One is simply not meant to attend so many parties in the same day. It is not natural.
Let her enjoy this next week—I know she has a few engagements she is looking forward to—and then please bring the children to Longbourn on Thursday. I told Elinor in my last letter that I would require her here shortly and she did not seem displeased by the notion. Perhaps she is hoping for a respite. I too remember how she was tired of the Little Season after only three weeks and wished to return home.
I am not anxious for her to wed and move away, so I am glad you and the boys are frightening away all the hopeful suitors. I know I am going on about the children—it is easier than facing the difficulties here.
Oh, Fitzwilliam! My mother is not improving.
She is only awake for an hour or two each day, and it is all we can do to get her to take a little nourishment. I cannot think she will last long in such a situation. If there are any changes in the next two days, I will write, but otherwise, can you bring the children to say their farewells? I know they were never particularly close to my mother, but she is their grandmother, and it is such a close distance to London. It is the right thing to do, though I am sorry to cut short their fun in Town.
Please come Thursday, though I will send word if you are needed sooner.
Thank you for being a stalwart presence I may lean on. It means more to me than you know. I love you, dearest.
Your wife,
Elizabeth
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
29 April, 1838
Fitzwilliam,
Things have taken a turn for the worse. Please come quickly and bring the children.
Elizabeth
Darcy House, London
29 April, 1838
My Dear Wife,
I am sorry to hear about your mother. I know you have not had the easiest relationship, but she is your mother and this must therefore be difficult. I am with you in spirit, my love, and soon I will be with you in body as well.
We have attended all the most important events. There is a concert tomorrow Elinor had hoped to see, but we may leave the following morning. We will be with you Tuesday afternoon.
Bennet was the toast of a ball this evening, though I do not think he realized it. He and Charlie arrived at the Walters ball just as the supper set was beginning and somehow, they were cajoled into dancing by the hostess. They ended up with a pair of cousins—I can only imagine the hostess found this privately amusing—and soon the tongues were wagging. Charlie was with Minerva Hutton, a petite girl I know no ill of, though she did seem rather dull. Bennet was with her cousin, Adelaide Hutton, who may be the tallest woman I have ever seen, the poor dear. I imagine that is why she was paired with Bennet; I cannot fault her aunt for arranging matters thusly. I believe she is a nice enough young lady, and Bennet laughed and smiled a great deal during their dance, so mayhap they will become friends.
Regardless, the dances set tongues wagging and Victoria told me there is hope he will call on her. I have advised him not to do so—it would only raise expectations he cannot fulfill. He only looked at me thoughtfully, which makes me wonder if he is considering marriage more than we thought he was. He is full young to take such a step, so I hope he is not, but if he is considering such a thing, I would rather he speak to me of it than keep it to himself.
I will find a moment to have a private word with him tomorrow.
My dear, your note has just arrived. It is late, but we will be on the road in the morning. I will likely place this letter into your hands myself.
Hold fast, my love. We are coming.
FD
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
