My dear mother,

I am very sorry; you must excuse the lengthy period between my letters. Such a flutter of doings we have had! I daresay I hardly know which way is up, especially after this week. Derbyshire is the most sociable place, Mama, especially when one is residing with the Darcys. There are frequent dinner parties, many dances, and often someone is invited to come here for tea. I believe Mrs. Darcy was not sure if I would be pleased with so much other company at first, but now that I am settled as well as I can be in a place outside my own dear home, there are either as many social events as they are accustomed to, or even more for my sake. Why can we not have such delightful times at Mithlew, mother?

And speaking of Mrs. Darcy, she really is a very kind, friendly woman. Less than a week after Georgiana first took ill, I, in passing conversation, mentioned that riding was rather more pleasant with a companion. She instantly volunteered herself, though she admitted she was no horsewoman, and would not accept it when I declined such attentions. I believe she has come to enjoy it a little more, for though Georgiana has been quite well for some time, she continues to occasionally accompany us. I can see why Georgiana loves her so much.

Georgiana, with all her reserved sweetness, is even more gentle and angelic when she receives, with pleasure, the attentions of a certain young man! Mr. Draughon is a kind, good sort of gentleman of fortune. What is better is that Mr. and Mrs. Darcy approve of him, for he has come to Pemberley a few times. Mr. Darcy took him shooting the other day, and he stayed for tea. He is not dashing or exceptionally gallant, and I am glad, for otherwise he would have not suited Georgiana. I suppose it is enough to say if there were more gentlemen like him, it would be a less exciting, though rather better world. That is not to say I have any complaints of the current state of the world. Life really is a beautiful thing, Mama.

Mr. Draughon's friend, Mr. Merritt, often comes with him here. They are _very_ great friends. Mr. Merritt and Mr. Draughon were more acquaintances than friends before Mr. Merritt removed from the neighborhood, but when Mr. Merritt returned to his family's house, the first acquaintance he renewed was Mr. Draughon's. I owe this information to the gentleman himself, and what Georgiana has told me from conversations with Mr. Draughon. But this is not the most note-worthy piece of information I have.

One evening, perhaps a fortnight ago, Mr. Merritt and Mr. Draughon had come for a little evening party with a few others of the Darcy's friends. We were all sitting about the room, simply enjoying the fire and quiet. Mr. Merritt was sitting near me, but had not said anything for some time, when he sighed and looked around him.

'This reminds me very strongly of the evenings at the shore house.'

Such a comment could not go unanswered, so I urged him to continue. He obviously had no scruple in doing so.

'My family lived in my father's home until I was seventeen years old,' said he, 'but my mother was of a questionable constitution, which, by a physician's suggestion, removed us to a place nearer to the sea. It aided the situation, but due to a sudden illness my father passed, and my mother soon after him, though not for any apparent reason other than having been extremely devoted to my father. Many evenings were spent there, as we spend ours now. My sister was extremely fond of evening parties, once she came of age.'

'Your sister!" I exclaimed. He had never said anything before of his sister. I had supposed him an only child.

'Yes. She is two years my junior. When we were young I suppose she loved me well enough, but by the time I was one-and-twenty, she had nothing to say to me. She despises me utterly.' 'Why would she dislike you so?' I wonder now if I was overly forward for asking, but as Mr. Merritt did not seem to think anything wanting in manners, I believe I behaved as I ought. 'I cannot say that I know. Perhaps jealously, for my parents rather spoiled me, as the hoped-for and received boy, perhaps not. But I have never carried any ill-will for her.'

Our interview ended there. It made me thankful, Mama, that James and I are so dear. Imagine the pain that must have resulted in such estrangement of affections that brother and sister ought to have! I wonder how it came about.

By the by, how is James? Has he grown any taller since I left? If he has, it is surely not much; I have been gone hardly two months. He is such a dear little lad, only eight! Give him all my love, and be sure Father does not spoil him overmuch, as I shall be home in a month to resume that duty myself. Does Father get along well? It is a month before I come home, but it seems only a week since I arrived in Derbyshire. Nonetheless, I _do_ miss you.

Your beloved daughter,

Christine Raeworth

Christine, having finished her letter, descended from her room. There was yet another evening party that evening, and all their favorite guests were to be present. She stood to the side, for her thoughts were still several miles away, in her own beloved home, and she would be required to be prepared to be pleasant and social soon enough. Guests trickled in; she smiled and shook hands when manners called upon her to do so, and retreated to the background once again. One of the last guests to arrive was Mr. Merritt, who went quickly to her and greeted her warmly. It was then that suddenly, Christine realized Georgiana was not the only young lady receiving attentions, especially when she saw the significant, faintly amused expressions that the others in the room wore.

Mr. Merritt had always been regarded a pleasant individual, easy mannered, enjoyable to converse with, ready to laugh and be entertained. He matched her tastes in many things, and, when their ideas did not agree, he was clever enough to contrast their opinions with good-natured acceptance of her own judgment. He was well educated and had a large fortune...Christine knew that her family would approve of him. The more Christine examined him, the more suitable she found the match, and the more she discovered her /own/ feelings concerning Mr. Merritt, which she had never contemplated before.