Letter 4: Lady Ravenshaw to Elizabeth Darcy
January 16th
My dear girl,
Of course you may come. I have just sent the carriage. You do know, I hope, that you are always welcome with us. — Lizzy is not only willing to share her home and family, but longs to see you - she thinks herself quite as much your sister as she is Anne's.
G. H.
Letter 5: Elizabeth Wickham to George Wickham
January 17th
Who is the seducer and who is the seduced? I am really starting to wonder. Not that there is any deliberation on her part, of course, but your feelings may lead you astray. Perhaps they already have. You must be guarded — begin with a desire only for friendship, even as little as reconciliation. Elizabeth is not a sheltered miss, she will be on her guard. Be guided by your reason only, dear brother, nothing else is to be trusted. Only intellect is truly in your service; passion and gentler feelings both will betray your interests.
An opportunity has landed in your lap, but do not be too eager to grasp it. She will be more careful without her father's guidance, not less. To take advantage of the situation, you must convince her that you are utterly harmless, no threat to her person or her composure. She must think you safe, reliable, steady — even dull, if that is what it takes to win her trust.
I must confess to a certain amount of wariness, George. Elizabeth is just the sort of girl I most dislike: because she can afford to be virtuous she enjoys disdaining those who cannot. Edward is a gullible prig. Christopher is more promising, but quite the most self-absorbed boy in the world, and the little girls, though sweet and pleasant enough, are insipid. I have no patience with Mrs Darcy's airs; her husband is sanctimonious and overbearing. And all of that notwithstanding, they are our only chance. Do anything before alienating them.
Who sent Jack to Cambridge? Whose interest has allowed you to rise in your profession already? Whose connections have allowed me to mingle in good society? We would be scraping a living out of those hovels we lived in were it not for them. We do not have to like them, but to remain on good terms is crucial, not just for you and me, but Charles, Jack, Bella, all of us. Until I catch William, we are absolutely dependent on their good will. Do nothing to jeopardise it; I do not care how alluring or tempting or challenging you find our cousin to be, not all of her wealth is worth the prospect of losing their patronage.
Mr and Mrs Bingley are our only other respectable connections, and they are wealthy, but even their wealth will not amount to much, spread amongst seven children — and six of them girls! Really I would be surprised if cousin Charles' inheritance is worth more than four thousand a-year by the time they are all disposed of. Do you understand me? I am making good progress on this front, but think of Bella, Jenny, little Kit, think of yourself, before you do anything precipitous.
Forgive my ill humour, George; it is a trial to maintain the constant appearance of good temper here. They would leap on the tiniest flaw in my demeanour, I can afford no mistakes. I faltered — in a moment of weakness I mentioned to William my longing to see the garden, anything pretty and natural. And can you imagine what that dear, stupid, chivalrous boy did? He offered to carry me out to the park so I could see the snow falling. I had to refuse, of course — this time — but so graciously that he kissed my hand instead of shaking it, and called me 'dear cousin.' I am most assuredly making progress. William made Catherine go outside and draw the scene — she is a tolerably good artist.
Ah, I am foolishly sentimental today; I miss you, and I miss Charles and Jenny, even Penelope's creep-mouse ways and Jack's sermons and Mama and Papa's quarrels. I would be gone in a moment if I was actually back home, of course.
Elizabeth
Letter 6: Lady Ravenshaw to Mr Darcy
January 18th
Fitzwilliam,
Forgive me, but I am rather concerned about Elizabeth. She is uncomfortable with that nephew of yours, although she admits that she has no reason to be so. I have never seen her so eager to come here, nor so reluctant to leave. As far as she can tell, the nephew wishes to make amends for his unfortunate behaviour growing up — there is nothing untoward at all — but still she is not at ease. I, of all people, cannot blame her; you know I am as fond of her as I am of Lizzy, I would gladly have her with me as long as she desires, but it seems wrong that he should be welcomed there and she driven from her own home. Yet if he has done nothing to warrant dismissal — oh, I will freely admit it, I cannot help distrusting any charming young man named Wickham.
I am sure it is unfair, and he is your nephew. Elizabeth says he is everything amiable and certainly he is not his father, he has done more with less, but nevertheless — could not Edward go on without you? No — of course not — but I cannot think of anything better. Fitzwilliam, you are the clever one, surely you can think of something? If you were there, or anyone she could confide in, it would be different. You and Edward are her only mainstays, I think; I try and convince her to trust her mother, but like all girls her age, she is convinced she knows best, Mama could never properly understand, it would not be right, etc etc.
I hope I am not impertinent, brother, but she was so distressed when she arrived, if it had not been for Lizzy's delight at seeing her, I really think she would have burst into tears. I do hope the visit has done less harm than good, it pains me to see my dear niece so unhappy. Tell me what you wish for her. I will see it done.
Your sister,
Georgiana
Letter 7: Mr Darcy to Lady Ravenshaw
January 28th
Georgiana,
I am aware that Elizabeth is unsettled with the present situation at Pemberley, though neither she nor I can think of an adequate reason for it. I would have her stay with you as long as you will have her. We would rather she confide in you than no one; do not fear overstepping your bounds in that regard. Let her do some good, it will please her more than anything and she needs all the good humour at her disposal to manage George.
I do not trust him; I admire his tenacity, but some things cannot be forgotten, and if he is not vicious, neither would I call him a young man of principle. As practical as he is, his intentions may be simple enough: a determination to be on the best terms possible with those whose interest can be turned to his advantage. Perhaps his natural duplicity, if such a conjunction may be allowed, is all that unsettles her — she has always had an antipathy for that sort of thing — I can only hope it is so little. If I had known before I left, I should not have gone, for all the steward's crookedness. But now there is nothing to be done for it.
My dear sister, a countess you may be, but to me you will always be little Georgiana, and so I have no qualms about the occasional reprimand. Your ladyship's penmanship is beginning to compare to Bingley's. How came you to write the address so ill that it was sent to Pendleton? I am deeply grateful that you are so affected by my daughter's welfare, but Georgiana, you must learn to take care. I would never have left had I known how distressed she was — that is, had I received your letter in a timely fashion. Meanwhile I have discovered that Wilcox is an utter scoundrel and draining the estate of all it is worth. There are too many lives dependent upon him to let him be, but it will take time to set everything to rights. I cannot in good conscience leave until I have done so, as I trust Elizabeth will be safe in her mother's hands and yours. I know you would never consciously neglect the good of any of the children.
Nevertheless, you are quite right; she is surrounded by parents and children. She needs not another protector but a companion, a friend. Not long ago, you said that Darcy is restless and dissatisfied at Beaufort - I shall send for him. He has no interest in the profligacy and extravagance of most heirs: he will be delighted to be of use to someone, and he is as fond of Elizabeth as any brother could be.
Please give your family my regards.
Your brother,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Letter 8: Mr Darcy to Lord Rochford
January 28th
Darcy,
I believe my family would very much enjoy your presence at Pemberley, if it is not too much of an imposition. My wife's nephew, George Wickham, is presently enjoying an extended holiday at my home;—need I say more? Elizabeth is quite distressed and I believe would especially welcome your company. As it is, she is running off to your mother every other week. I myself must remain at Ardsley for some time, except in the circumstance of a less ephemeral crisis at home, and would be greatly relieved to know someone worthy of trust was watching after Elizabeth in particular.
Please give my regards to my cousins.
F. D.
Letter 9: Lord Rochford to Mr Darcy [express]
January 31st
Sir,
I am honoured by your confidence and will be at Pemberley tomorrow.
Darcy