They continued their discussion about estate issues before the steward left the study.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
About a month after returning to Sherwood Dale, Henry was handed a letter by his butler. He recognised the writing as that of Mrs Bellamy’s. Enclosed with her letter was a letter from Lizzy. She knew to give any letters she wrote to him to Mrs Bellamy. He had not told Lizzy why, but he preferred her father not have his direction. The governess made sure her letters were posted from Netherfield Park. As much as he wanted to read his great-niece’s letter, he looked at the one from the governess first.
10 April 1797
Lilac Cottage
Netherfield Park
Mr Bennet,
I am very pleased to report that it seems that your nephew is not desirous of breaking the agreement with you. He has kept Mrs Bennet in check and away from the schoolroom. I am aware Mrs Bennet is nothappy about either mine or Luke’s presence in her home each day, except for the sabbath.
Not only is Miss Lizzy in the schoolroom for all classes, but surprisingly so is Miss Bennet. As you know, she is 9, but beyond some rudimentary education to read and do some basic sums, she has had no education. She is learning, but I can see she is torn. Her father has ordered her to attend, but her mother makes her displeasure known to Miss Bennet. Hence, she is half-hearted at best with her learning most of the time.
Henry shook his head. It seemed that his fears that Jane would not think for herself were grounded in reality. He would wait another five or so years, but he was not confident there would be a great change for the better. He returned to the missive.
Miss Bennet seems to only want to see the best in all situations, so she cannot reconcile the disagreement between her parents. To placate her father, she learns, but for her mother she does not do as much as she should.
Thankfully she quite enjoys the harp and is willing to learn how to play it.
Miss Mary, who will turn 4 on the morrow, has joined our merry band of students. She is also intelligent, possibly not as much as Miss Lizzy (but then what child, including my Luke, is?) and has a thirst to learn. She is especially happy when we have lessons on the pianoforte (we will need a master soon; Miss Lizzy is almost beyond my abilities), and Miss Mary has just started to learn the scales.
I can see that Miss Lizzy misses you, but she is not unhappy to be with her sisters, and each day I seemore and more of the happy sprite I always saw at Netherfield Park.
She will be more than pleased when you come to visit.
The others in the house who have agreed to keep an eye on Miss Lizzy have all reported that they have seen or heard nothing untoward. I pray it will always be that way.
As I promised, unless there is the need to do so sooner, I will write once a month.
Miss Lizzy knows to give me her letters to post.
Your most dedicated employee,
Mrs Veronica Bellamy
Henry placed the governess’s letter aside and happily unfolded the one in Lizzy’s script. It was a pleasure to read a letter from his great-niece.
8 April 1797
Longbourn
My dear Uncle Henry,
How I miss you. I hope you are thinking of me.
Even though I miss you and Netherfield Park, I am happy to have sisters. I have four of them, but so far I have only met Jane and Mary. Catherine and Lydia are still in the cottage with the tenant.
There is something funny I must tell you. Mary told me that the tenant’s children call Catherine, Kitty. She said it is because my sister found a kitten, which she named Cleopatra, and refuses to be parted from it. When Catherine comes back to this house, I hope Mama allows her to have the kitten.
Speaking of Mama, I have seen her a few times. I always sense she wants to say something to me butnever does.
I spend some time with Papa in his study each day and play chess against him. I have not beaten him yet. He does say I am a good opponent. I think I will beat him before I turn 10.
When are you coming to visit? I miss you, my uncle, and love you very much.
