Dear Louisa,
I am writing to you in haste. Mr. Darcy is throwing a ball at Pemberley this week Saturday, and I do not have an appropriate gown for it! I pray that you procure an evening gown for me immediately and send it to Pemberley. I will reimburse you for the expense when we meet next. I hear teal is quite the thing now, and short sleeves. I am sorry for imposing on you in such a manner, but you will understand when I tell you that Mr. Darcy is inviting a large party of guests including the Lord Erbington, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I dare say, other interesting gentlemen. The Colonel arrives a day before the ball, and you will remember how agreeable he always is to me... no more of that now. Mr. Darcy is also inviting Westham. I wish he had not-that man bores me to death!
Georgiana sends you her regards. She has invited her friend, Miss Grantley, and her brother, to the ball. I do not like the Grantleys at all-their family estate in Northamptonshire is not very vast, and Mr. Grantley seems to be paying undue attention to Georgiana. I must warn Mr. Darcy about this.
I hear Jane and Eliza are in London now. Did you have to go to Gracechurch Street to visit them? I wish Jane would stop staying with the Gardiners, now that she is married into our family!
I will stop now, as I am eager to get this to you at the earliest. Awaiting your reply.
Yours affectionately,
CAROLINE BINGLEY
Grosvenor Street: Thursday (February 3, 1814).
Dear Caroline,
I received your letter. I have purchased a costume for you in dark teal. I think you will be pleased, though you may need to make a few adjustments for a perfect fit. It took some 'persuading' to get it done at such short notice. I am sending it to you by express today.
When the Colonel arrives, take every opportunity to engage his attentions. However, I do not need to remind you that there are going to be guests 'worthier' than the Colonel at the ball. Mr. Westham seems to like you, and though his fortune is only moderate, the man (like my husband) has excellent connections.
Thankfully, I did not have to go to Gracechurch Street. I had all of them over for dinner on Monday, and there ended the matter! I believe they are busy with shopping for Mary Bennet's marriage. The other sister, what's-her-name, was with them too, and is to accompany them to Pemberley. She is the only one of the Bennet girls not married or on the verge-of-marriage yet. With the family's propensity of marrying above their sphere, I think she may be well worth a lookout at the ball.
I do not think it is a good idea for you to talk about the Grantleys to Mr. Darcy-he approves of them, and may not take your interference too kindly. Charles sends you his love. He is to accompany the party to Pemberley. I end my letter here; Mr. Hurst is awake, and wants breakfast. Write to me as soon as you get the dress and my letter.
Yours sincerely,
LOUISA HURST
Pemberley: Saturday (February 5).
Dear Louisa,
I apologise for the delay in replying. I was busy instructing Fanny in making a few alterations to the dress you had sent me. I must say that you have chosen well, indeed! The dark teal sets off my pearl necklace wonderfully... I hope the Colonel likes it. He arrived yesterday. I dare say he will ask me to dance the first set with him at the ball tonight. I try to engage him in conversation as often as I can, but sadly, the opportunities have been few with so many visitors about!
'Mrs. Darcy' arrived this morning with Charles, Jane and their sister, Kitty. (You jest about Kitty Bennet-she, a rival for me?!). They were to have reached by nightfall yesterday, but a sick horse and bad roads delayed their arrival. I wish they had been stuck until after the ball was over, though Mr. Darcy was bent on canceling it if his 'dear wife' did not arrive in time for it! Imagine canceling a ball, and for such a reason! What would all the guests think! I tried to make Mr. Darcy see reason, but he was determined. The way he goes on about her, one would think they were married but yesterday... At any rate, they are here, and the ball takes place as planned. I have to stop now-it commences in two hours, and I am yet to start my toilette!
Yours affectionately,
CAROLINE BINGLEY