My sister Mary,
I think you a mean spirited thing for wishing Miss Dashwood gone, for indeed she has gone away, and taken dear Georgiana with her! Darcy felt that a mixed society would do his sister well, and that the Jennings were trustworthy people to leave her in the care of. She is of an age to be thinking of marriage, he says, though she is younger than I and I'm sure he has no intention of marrying me off! As it is, there is no one in Derbyshire who pleases me.
I was forced to dance two dances with the dreadful clergyman of Bingley's at a party last night, due to a lack of gentlemen, and to sit down to cards with him. He is such a bore, and I have not seen a worse card player since Mr Collins. I must confess that I passed the time by teasing him somewhat wickedly. I begin to think maybe I should come meet this Mr Alcott after all. Without Miss Dashwood, Derbyshire is a dull place.
Oh, and Mary dear, you must tell me your secret, for both Mama and Papa write that your complexion has quite improved since we all came away, but that you will not confess to using a new ointment. Surely you must be doing something, for them both to have remarked on it?
Yours, Kitty