My Dear Sister,
It has been too long since we have talked; things have been so time consuming around my home, bustling with good fortunes and of course the wedding! I still cannot believe that you could not delay your plans for another day to come to the wedding. It was absolutely, impossibly perfect for my dear Lizzie. And to think of the toll it took on my nerves! Mr. Bennet was trying to keep me calm, but that only made things worse. HE wanted to know what the plans were exactly for the wedding. I always had a feeling that Lizzie was his favorite. He did not have such a hard time marrying Jane off to Mr. Bingley; it all seemed a little too much for me.
But anyways back to the wedding! You should have seen the guest list. There were many wealthy acquaintance of Darcy's and I guess now Lizzie's. I could practically tell their yearly income from their clothes and the way they carried themselves. I was so excited; it was the perfect place to set Kitty and Mary about, hoping to find a husband. There was no such luck; however I think a few were admiring Kitty from afar. They probably did not want to insult Darcy and Lizzie by engaging the family too often. Hopefully all my girls should be married soon, and my job will be complete!
The ceremony went wonderfully, thank goodness! I was sure that Lizzie would mess one thing up or another; tripping down the aisle or forgetting the vows. But she made it to Darcy on Mr. Bennet's arm. And Mr. Bennet looked quite dashing in his wedding clothes. I assumed that he wanted to impress the guests because his favorite daughter was marrying a man with ten thousand pounds a year! I wished that you could have seen the dress that I wore at the wedding. I was a lovely shade of blue, very fashionable from in town. And the cost, you would truly scold me but it was all paid for by Darcy himself. He has given us so much; I am so fortune to have such a son in law. I am so grateful that my daughters married well. I will be taken care of in my old age, once that Mr. Collins throws me out of my own house! When that day comes, he must pray that I will go along willingly.
The reception would bring any wedding in the county to shame. The food was splendid, and prepared with the utmost care. Everyone congratulated me on planning such a beautiful wedding. I tried not to take the spotlight from Lizzie, but what could I do? I never insinuate that it was I that slaved for weeks over the wedding. I thought my daughter deserved the best; though my nerves and health did decline ever so slightly. Lizzie ordered me to bed, and I did take up on the offer. But now that almost all of my daughters are married, I am almost done with my motherhood. I cannot tell you how that feels. Knowing that my daughters will not end up as poor widows, which I cannot say so much of the neighbors' daughters may end up, has lighted a weight off of my heart.
The wedding was a fine success, the most elaborate Hertfordshire has seen in years, most likely ever. But this letter cannot do the celebration justice. You must come see me soon, and I will revel over the wedding in fine details. Though, I may not be available because of all the prospective suitors for my Kitty. I dare say, she was admired but they were all so nervous as to approach her. But they will soon come, and you can see what kind of wealthy, dignified people Lizzie, and most likely Kitty, will be spending their time with. But I must go, there is still so much to do to find my other two daughters husbands. My work is not over, unfortunately. But you must come immediately; I cannot express the happiest of having such an expensive wedding to such a wealthy man for my dear Lizzie
Your Affectionate Sister,
Mrs. Bennet
