Author's note: A typical letter from Kitty to Elizabeth, sometimes in Darcy and Elizabeth's first year of marriage.

Dearest Lizzy,

Or should I write "Mrs. Darcy," and say "how well that sounds," as Mamma does?

Mamma says that I must thank you for your kind invitation, because you are a great lady now and have a great many worries. Papa says that I may as well note your condescension in deigning to invite your poor relation for a visit, as Mr. Collins who is, as you well know, all that is right and proper in his knowledge of the relations between the great and the humble, woud well aprrove your condescension, if he did not so disapprove of your marrying Mr. Darcy. However, I shall stop there as I am already fatigued in writing all these "greats" and go on to happier and more interesting topics.

I have been hoping for an invitation ever since Aunt Gardiner told me about about her Christmas visit. Also, Longbourne has been dreadfully dull since everyone has married. Indeed, it feels as though all of Meryton is married but Mary, Maria Lucas, and myself. Lydia has lately written, though I suppose that you may have heard from her as well. She has been lamenting that though her elopment was quite romantic, she robbed herself of a proper trousseau. I think she envies you and Jane. But she says that her Wickham has been quite attentive, and she has been the belle of Newcastle.

I must convey excuses for Mary, though you may likely receive a letter from her as well. These last few weeks, Mary has been battling a cold. Be not alarmed; it is only a slight cold, but she has not yet been able to shake a cough. The new physician in Meryton, John Harland, has been to see her and does not think it at all wise that she travel. Mamma is relieved. She is determined that Mary shall have him, asserting that Mary shall never have another chance for a good situaiton. "There is no surer way of fixing a man's interest than being ill or injured. It appeals to a man's protective nature," she declares. Lizzy, I am not sure that I agree with her; it does not seem quite sound. How is a doctor or apothecary to work if he is to be falling in love with all his patients? Or, what if he is already married? In such a case, I do not believe I should like to be married to anyone in the profession. A soldier is much better and quite safe from falling in love with invalids.

Denny has been made a captain last week and has established himself as a favourite in the Lucas household. He visits nearly everyday and singles out Maria shamelessly. Mamma believes that Denny will make her an offer soon, and laments that neither I nor Mary were able to fix his interest since he became his uncle's heir this summer. I am not very disappointed, though he will have a clear 3000 per annum according to Lady Lucas (who is nearly crowing with the conquest). Maria herself told me that she will accept, for he is very sweet to her and looks very handsome in his regimentals. He is determined to persuade his uncle to buy a commission for him in the regulars and continue on even after he inherits. I am sure that I would like such a suitor. He is just what a young man ought to be, do not you think, Lizzy? Resolute and with a redcoat!

After I wrote the above, Maria Lucas called with the most interesting tale to relate of Hunsford! I wish you had been here to hear it in person as I am certain it will lose some of its effect in translation, but I will try my best. Maria lately received a letter from Charlotte, so perhaps you will receive your own version of this story, but I shall go on nonetheless.

James and Lady Lucas have just yesterday returned from a visit to Hunsford, so what I have to tell you comes first hand and relates to an incident between Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins. It seems that after dinner at Rosings one evening when Lady Catherine condescended to invite them, they sat in the drawing room. James said it was all rather scary and intimidating until they made to leave. It soon became evident that there was something wrong with Mr. Collins's foot; it had become numb. He tried to act as though there was nothing wrong with him, but as he came to Lady Catherine to "pay his respects" his foot gave way and he fell. Exactly on top of Lady Catherine's feet! James said she shrieked something awful and lost her balance, falling down and landing partly on Mr. Collins.

Everyone was stunned for a moment as you can imagine. James burst into laughter unable to help himself. Lady Lucas and Charlotte scolded him and immediately went to help the pair. Lady Catherine was in a tirade and scolding everyone like any fury. Especially Miss de Bourgh, who smiled too until she began coughing rather violently. Then Charlotte and Mrs. Jenkinson had to come to Miss de Bourgh. All the while Mr. Collins was apologizing repeatedly and going on about her gracious condescension and her angelic patience.

James said he liked Miss de Bourgh, even if she was rather dull most of the time. But she was kind to him and dared even to laugh at her mother and Mr. Collins's accident. Can you imagine the scene! They were not invited to Rosings again for the remainder of their stay, although Miss de Bourgh did visit the Parsonage twice.

By the way, Lady Catherine is still very much "put out" by your marriage to Mr. Darcy. I suppose you must know that, however.

How excited I am to see Pemberley at last! Jane and Bingley sing its praises. Mamma relishes in this praise and has begun to put on airs because she is the mother-in-law of Mr. Darcy of Pemberley – much to the irritation of Lady Lucas and the amusement of Papa.

I say, Lizzy, it is strange to hear you called Mrs. Darcy. I suppose it must still seem so to you. I am glad to further my acquaintance with Miss Darcy. I am determined that she and I will be great friends. By chance, will Colonel Fitzwilliam visit during my stay at Pemberley? I thought him very amiable and well looking when I met him at your wedding. Mamma hopes that I may meet a wealthy and handsome gentleman while I am at Pemberley. Does Mr. Darcy have any more handsome cousins who are officers? Haha! Are you shocked I wrote such a thing? I did not really mean it - perhaps a little?

Mamma spends most of her time at Netherfield now. I feel almost sorry for Jane and Mr. Bingley. Papa says that she tries even their patience.

Papa misses you dreadfully. He begs me to write that he shall bring me to Pemberley, for he longs to see you and wishes to know how you are getting on. Although he is severe, I believe he likes your husband, Lizzy.

Would you mind it very much if I confessed that Mr. Darcy frightens me. His manner is so uninviting and he seems so cold. I know you love him, Lizzy, and believe he is perfectly amiable. Please do not be angry with me for my confession. I could not help it. I dare say that I will be over my fright soon enough. But until then, you must promise me, Lizzy, never to leave me alone with him. I would not know what to do or say or how to behave. I want to be a credit to you.

Mamma wishes me to tell you that if you are in any need of advice upon running a household or motherhood, to write to her at once. She would accompany me to Pemberley also, be it not for Mary. She does not believe Mary would catch Dr. Harland without her.

I hope to see you soon, Lizzy! We will leave in nine days.

Your ever affectionate sister,
Kitty

P.S. Will there be any balls while I am in Derbyshire?

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