Chapter 2
I received a letter today from my good friend, Charlotte Lucas, or Charlotte Collins, as she is now called. I have not heard from her in so long, and I was starting to get worried. I was so glad and relieved to receive this letter. I hastened to open it, ready to hear what it said.
My Dear Friend Lizzie:
I know that I have not been keeping up with my letters very well. I am very truly sorry for this. I just never have the time anymore! However, I finally have time to sit down at in the drawing room at the little table in the corner and write to you. Oh, Lizzie, I have so much to tell you, I'm not sure my hand is up to the writing. I shall try my best.
First thing I must tell you, Lizzie, is that Mr. Collins and I will be having a baby! I am going to be a mother! I was so happy to find out this wonderful news, and I know you are also very happy! I will have to have you stay with us when the baby comes. I just found out a week ago, so I am not quite sure when the baby will come. I will be visiting a doctor soon. My husband is excited, but I can tell he is nervous. He is not the best with children and has never been around them much. I wonder what this will be like. When I informed Lady Catherine of the wonderful news, she was ecstatic. She told me that it is a wonderful thing to have a child. I cannot wait!
Oh, Lizzie, I miss you so! How are you and your husband? I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that you married Mr. Darcy. You are a very lucky woman, Lizzie. He is a wonderful man, as Lady Catherine always says. But she tells me that she did not expect that he would marry you. I cannot see why not, however. I just tell her how wonderful you are and how you are a very good person inside and out. Do not worry about her. I hope she does not give you a hard time. How is Mr. Darcy? Is he as charming as you said in your last letter to me? Oh, I still smile when I think about it all. It is all so wonderful.
I have not heard from your family in such a while. Not even Jane has written me. I wonder how she is getting along with Mr. Bingley. I am so happy they were married. They are so perfect together.
Oh, Lizzie, you must come and stay with us for a week or so. You can help me prepare for my baby to come! I do wish you accept. I do miss you! Please respond as soon as you can. You are always welcome in the Collins's home.
Your Dear Friend, Charlotte
I smiled when I finished the letter. I could not believe that Charlotte was going to be a mother! I hurried to the parlor, where Mr. Darcy was writing letters of business. "Darling?" I ask.
He turns and smiles at me. He stands and bows, while I curtsy shortly. "Hello, Lizzie," he says. "What is it?"
"I received a letter from Mrs. Collins, my friend Charlotte."
"It has been quite a while, hasn't it?"
"Yes, but now I know why. They are going to have a baby." Mr. Darcy smiled wide and let out a happy laugh. "She asked if I would like to go and stay with them for a week. Would that be alright?"
"Of course. Would you like me to come with you? It has been a while since I have seen Mr. and Mrs. Collins."
"Oh, if you want to, but you do not have to." He smiled. "Maybe you should stay here and take care of your estate. Besides, isn't your sister coming back soon? You should probably be here to welcome her."
"Oh, Georgiana will not mind me being gone. She understands. I am gone most of the time, remember." I did remember. Although, since we have been married, he has not been called on business or to stay with his aunt or with his good friend, Mr. Bingley. I hadn't seen Mr. Bingley, or his wife, my sister Jane, in the longest time. I missed my eldest sister. But when I thought about it, I hadn't seen anyone of my family in ages. I haven't seen Jane, Lydia, Kitty, Mary, Mama, or even Papa. That thought made me sad and uncomfortable. But I couldn't be sad about that now. I was going to see Charlotte and the man whom my parents wanted me to marry: Mr. Collins. I was still ecstatic about Charlotte becoming a mother. It was just too good to be true, and I hoped it was true. "You go, Mrs. Darcy, and I will watch the estate. But I will be anticipating your return, my love. Write back to Mrs. Collins, telling her that you'll arrive in a week's time. And write that I say hello and congratulations to her and her husband."
"I will, my love, I will. Thank you." He smiled and went back to his work. He works hard numerous times a day and many times in a week. I do not feel sad about him working as long as I will spend the rest of my life with him, then I am happy.
I sit at a little table in the corner of the study that my husband has given me. He told me that I could sit at the larger table with him, but I insisted that I needed a private space for my own "letters of business." At this, my husband laughed. I start to compose my letter. I could hear Mr. Darcy writing quickly in the middle of the room. His hand moved quickly and with accuracy. My hand moves slower but with more grace. I dipped my quill in the ink and started to write.
Dearest Charlotte:
I received your letter today and it was so nice to hear from you. I too have missed you and I am so happy you asked me to stay with you. I am happy to tell you that I will be coming in about a week's time. My husband will not be able to come, however, for he has to watch the estate and his sister will be returning quite soon. I do love his sister dearly, but I've missed you more. My husband gives his best wishes to you and your husband.
I know this will be different coming from me in person. I give my ecstatic congratulations! It puts a smile on my face knowing that you will be a mother soon! I am so happy for you and Mr. Collins. Again, I shall be seeing you in about a week's time. I will look forward to it until the day comes.
Your Dearest Friend, Elizabeth