Chapter 11: Letters

Elizabeth still wrote to Jane Bennet, as Madeline would not leave her until after her coming out ball, which would take place in a few weeks time. Jane was back in Hertfordshire with her own family.

1811, 20th of April

Matlock House, London

Dear Jane,

I am almost restricted to the house because of the preparations for my coming out and presentation. I am so happy that I can write to you. How I would love to see you and talk to you in person. Both of my brothers are very protective of me because of my past, and my sisters are just as worried, if not more. William, my cousin - I am sure you remember him - dark hair, blue eyes and tall – he is so very protective, that it has begun to get on my nerves! I am hardly allowed to go to the dressmaker, without having both Madeline and my brothers with me – all because of one little panic attack!

Being constrained at home has given Georgiana and I time to practise piano together. So, I am getting better at playing, not as good as Georgiana, but better. I have also had time to finish my studies in Russian and Spanish, not that I can say much more than a few simple lines. I am practising some basic etiquette and how to be a proper lady.

How are you and your family? What is new with you since we last met? Rachel is married to her Viscount Jonathan, and Mary-Rose is engaged to his brother Lord Daniel I think they will be married once we return home from our trip, or perhaps even before that.

I miss Derbyshire and the freedom I had there. Maybe I shall ask Father if we could invite you and your family for a visit. My mother is calling, so I will have to make this a little short.

Yours very truly

Elizabeth

As she rose from her desk, her sister Mary-Rose came in asking, "Can we talk, Elizabeth?"

"Yes, of course, Mary-Rose."

"Max asked me to tell you that Father has asked him to join him at the House of Lords and regrets that he has to postpone our trip to the art gallery. Or suggested that if Madeline could stay for the day and postpone her day off."

Elizabeth sat down in a chair, "Of course I understand. If Max cannot let us go on our own, it shall have to be postponed. We cannot take Madeline's day off! Mary-Rose, when will father let me have more freedom? When will I be able to travel with fewer chaperones? I am sixteen now and my coming out is in less than three weeks time!"

"Dear Elizabeth, I know you miss your horse rides and long walks. But you cannot expect us not to be a little concerned about your health! What happens if you had another panic attack seeing the crowd at the art gallery? It is just precautionary, but we all want to make sure that you are comfortable with large crowds. Besides, you are busy preparing for your presentation and coming out ball and you shall have very little time to worry about anything else. Now, I think I heard mother ask for you on my way here and you better go see what she wants." And with a smile and a quick kiss on her sister's cheek, Mary-Rose left.

As she left, Elizabeth sighed softly dragged her feet to see her mother's bidding – perhaps more dress fittings!

Another day, soon after, Elizabeth received a letter from Jane Bennet.

May, 1811

Longbourn Manor

Hertfordshire

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you for your letter, it was good to hear from you. I am sorry to hear you cannot go on your favourite activities and are constrained because of your preparations. Your family cares about you and wants to be sure you will not be hurt; your Father will give you more freedom once they are sure that you are in good health! Your brothers remind me of my own brother. He too is very protective about my sisters and I. From what you have written to me in your letters, your cousin William cares about you very much and you return his care! Do not try to deny it Elizabeth Fitzwilliam – you care about him very much indeed! Tell him how you feel when you next see him! He deserves to know!

Summer is almost here in Hertfordshire, but as always it is mild climate. My Uncle Gardiner is to spend a few weeks here and intends to stay until the day of his marriage to Madeline. I am looking forward to this happy occasion as she is such a wonderful woman and makes my Uncle so happy!

That it will bring me closer to you. Elizabeth, I know that your presentation and coming out ball are within a matter of weeks and you will excel in them. I do hope you enjoy this time and wish you all the luck in the world. Know that I miss you and await the day of our reunion, as I already see you as an honourable Bennet sister.

Yours truly

Jane Bennet etc.

Elizabeth smiled at Jane's letter; she was a wonderful friend and she is made an honorary sister of the Bennet family! She now has more family members than she could ever remember to have! What a feeling! With a smile, she left to attend her music lessons as the hour approached and she knew Georgiana would be waiting for her to begin her own.

Later that evening, she sat down to write Jane.

1811, Matlock House

London

Dear Jane,

Thank you for your letter; it brought a lot of laughter. My preparations are coming together, though I shall admit to feeling very tired of endless dress-fittings and lessons on proper way to walk and bow to His Highness. But Mother is so worried that I might trip and fall during my curtsey so I do try my best to patient with the lessons, though they bore me awfully, especially as the weather is getting ever warmer here in town.

You know I enjoy my walks, but until now I have been more or less restricted to the house and the gardens since our arrival just after my birthday. My sisters are endlessly patient with me, Rachel comes every morning and Jonathan comes and collects Rachel, either before or after dinner, which he normally attends with us. Of course, nowadays, Jonathan also brings his brother Daniel, who are engaged to Mary-Rose, they have been fond of each other for years apparently, but it is only the last year he have had the courage to actively pursue my sister. We are only missing the official announcement to be sure when to schedule their wedding. But they are happy, so that is wonderful.

I hate my court gown; it is big, with a hoop skirt under! I look like an ostrich with a gigantic plumage! It is ridiculous! The only thing which is positive is that Georgiana comes with new books, nearly every day which I am allowed an hour or two to read in after all my fittings. I am missing you, Jane and hope your entire family are well? I look forward to meeting them, soon I hope. Well I better close this letter now, and go to yet another fitting.

Yours truly

Elizabeth etc.