A/N: This letter is written by Lizzy to her Aunt, Mrs Gardiner, before Mrs Bennet is told of Mr Bingley's interest in Netherfield by Mrs Long.
Mrs E. Gardiner,
Grace Church Street.
London
Dearest Aunt,
Not much has changed in Hertfordshire since you left for London. Mamma still suffers with her nerves and the various antics of Lydia and Kitty succeed in keeping her thoughts occupied. Mrs Philips continues to visit frequently and remains a valuable source of news and gossip from Meryton.
We have been informed by Mrs Long who you were acquainted with on your last visit, of a wealthy young man come to visit Sir William Lucas regarding the tenancy of Netherfield Park, the large estate not three miles from Longbourn. We hear, very animatedly from Mamma that he is very handsome and quite unattached. Mamma eagerly awaits his arrival, for she is forever hopeful of good matches for Jane and I.
Dearest Aunt, may I be too hopeful to wish that Jane may be able to form a happy acquaintance with this gentleman? I know that we cannot yet be certain of this gentleman's character, but I wish that she may be able to form an alliance with him, as he does sound very agreeable. I often watch her and frequently I feel that she is not happy with her current situation and longs to be able to have a husband and family of her own to nurture and care for.
After the departure of Mr Edwards in the summer, I have noticed a significant change in the way that she conducts herself in society, especially during the balls at the Red Lion in Meryton. His dealing of her really was very bad as she really was led to believe herself in love. His sudden departure and hastily written letter of apology hardly helped to end the sense of abandonment that she spoke to me of. Of course, dear Jane would hardly be the first to openly admit her feelings on the subject, but she did not speak of them to me until nearly three weeks after Mr Edwards had left. Undoubtedly, she will need time to be able to be courted by another gentleman, but dare I hope that the arrival of this new gentleman to Netherfield Park, may begin to improve her thoughts of men and begin to heal the wounds? Indeed, I hope and pray that she will begin to feel right again.
Our frequent correspondences are of great comfort to me, Aunt. Usually I confide in Jane, but when the matters of her heart are to be discussed, you are the perfect and indeed only correspondent!
I hope that this letter finds both you and Uncle well and that all the children are well.
Love to you both,
Yours etc.