My Dear Mrs Darcy

how grand Pemberley must be. you did not write of the splendour of the rooms or the number. How am I to envisage what your home is like without more information in your writing? Why Lydia has written with some wonderful descriptions. Oh but if she were only to come to you at Pemberley she would be able to tell all.

Now I am wanting to ask you about how you are progressing in your aim of producing an heir? did you heed my words at all? you know that it is to be expected so you should not wait too long. we would not want for Mr Darcy to get tired of waiting and find an alternative way of producing one? you are a good girl Lizzie and I am sure you will try your hardest!

Now next time you write I would like to hear more about the rooms and their furnishings, and hopefully some important news.

your loving mother

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My dear Lizzie

I am happy to report that Kitty seems to be acquiring some sense after the introduction of her morning activities. I am almost proud of her progression with her drawings. I will not hear two words of sense spoken together once she has left. Your mother still laments losing you girls, forgetting that not one year ago she was lamenting you being here of course. Maybe I shall travel to see the famed Pemberley library. I will not tell you I am coming. It will be more delightful to surprise your Mr Darcy.

Please write to me Lizzie, I will endeavour to reply, but alas I cannot guarantee it. My lack of response does not reflect the level of pleasure I get from reading your letters

with love your papa

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Lizzie,

How grand it seems to be addressing you at Pemberley. I am sure the house must be magnificent.

I must say that life with Mrs Winslow suits me rather well. Did you know that she was engaged to be married to a dashing sea captain, but alas he fell in battle between one of napoleon's fleet whilst touring the Mediterranean. I spend many a night writing down her stories, with some romantic embellishments of course. She received many a letter from him and he would tell her of his fellow sailors and their many intrigues and exploits. She tells me I have quite a talent for embellishing a tale and has suggested I write a novel. Doesn't that sound very grand? What a lark if I could write a tale that would have young ladies in England swooning. I have decided that naval men are far more dashing than the militia. Indeed Mrs Winslow has promised to take me to Liverpool for a spell to see some of the boats and judge for myself if the naval uniform is not the equal of a red coat.

I am frightful grateful for the occurrences in London that have led me here. That nasty Mr W has left me with quite a distaste for officers and if I can write a successful novel I would have no need to marry. What think you to that? Not to have to be dependent on a man! You must think me quite queer.

I must be off for we are to walk to the tea room. the folk here about are a friendly lot and have many stories to tell. Give my best to my new brother and thank him for the thoughtful offer of a carriage to collect me whenever I should wish to come home.

Lydia

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Mrs Darcy

How lovely it was to hear from you on your arrival at your new home. I must say it sounds very grand. I am very pleased you are disposed to approve of it and I hope this letter finds you more able to find your way about.

Life in Hunsford remains quiet but comfortable. There is a truce of sorts between Lady C and Mr C. by unspoken agreement they are unhappy with the events of last month but neither will deign to speak of it, which suits me well enough. Our engagements at Rosings are almost back to where they were, Although Mr Collins and I continue to spend more time with the rest of the neighbourhood when possible.

My only other piece of news is that we have found a piano to fit in our parlour. We had been saving the money that Father provided instead of an expensive trousseau, and Mr Darcy gave me far too much to compensate me for the funds I had provided you for when you had to depart so suddenly. He was very sly as he sent it to me in such a way as it was impossible to return. The combined funds has allowed me to purchase a piano from the Weatherbys who have lately moved in to a larger property in Hunsford and had no need of their smaller piano. It is a pleasure to be able to play once again, although I have less time these days due to my duties.

much love Mary Collins

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Lizzie sighed as she re read her many letters. she rolled her eyes at her mother's words and decided not to keep it. She resolved with herself not to trouble herself about the matter of an heir at this point and decidedly pushed away the small voice telling her that her mother was right. Her father's letter made her smile, she suspected he would be lonelier than he let on but secretly Lizzie hoped that he would spend more time with Mrs Bennet when there were less alternatives around. Her sister Lydia was quite a surprise. Lizzie had always known her to be creative. Always coming up with silly stories about that person on the road or the stray hat caught in a tree. That she should try to turn her creativity in to something real was a welcome surprise and Lizzie wished the best for her. Mary seemed content and had entered in to the marriage with open eyes. The news about Darcy sending her money was a shock, but she was glad Mary could find a way to purchase a piano. She decided to find her husband to thank him for his thoughtfulness.