Darcy Mr Charles Bingley to the Bingley family London, July 15 Dear Mama, Papa, Caroline, Louisa, Ned, Harry, Amelia and Sue, I should have written sooner, but upon my honour I have been very busy these last three weeks. I never knew it would be so difficult to engage a set of rooms! However, it is done now and I am very comfortable. My lodgings are in a good part of town and you will be pleased to know, Mama, that I have been invited to a number of parties. I met one of my old schoolfellows, Darcy, at the Carmichaels'. You have heard me speak of Darcy before: he saved me once at school, when some of the older boys were making sport of me. He performed a similar office for me two weeks ago and, though the bullies wanted my gold this time and not my hide, the upshot is that he has done me the great kindness of proposing me for White's. There are many people who find him proud, but I have seen nothing of it. He is taciturn and reserved with those he does not know, but he is talkative enough with his friends, and I count myself lucky to be one of their number.

Caroline, I have bought the satin you asked for, and Louisa, I have bought you your music. They should reach you in Yorkshire in the next few days.

My love to you all, Your affectionate son and brother, Charles Mr Frederick Bingley to Mr Charles Bingley Yorkshire, July 16 Well, my boy, your ma has been pestering me to write so I suppose I had better get on with it. We were all very pleased to hear about your friend Darcy helping you out. I said to your ma, 'Ma,' I said, 'there'll be no good comes of all this fancy schooling,' but she would have you go to university, and I was afraid what would become of it. But this Darcy sounds like the right sort and I'm glad you've made friends with him. I don't know I hold with you joining a club, but your mother says of course you must, it's what all the gentlemen do. Just be careful, my boy, there's plenty of sharks in the water, in business and in the fine world, too.

Your brother Ned has destroyed all your mother's plans for him by saying he wants to take over the running of the shops. It won't happen for a while, not till I'm dead, or at least so old I can't manage, but I'm glad he's taking an interest-as glad as I was when you didn't. You're a good lad, Charles, and I'm proud of you, but you never did have a head for business. You'd have been robbed and cheated by everyone you had to deal with, and we'd have ended up bankrupt.

Your mother and sisters are dancing about, saying I'm to ask you more about this Mr Darcy, but I've told 'em if they want to know more they'll have to ask you themselves; I've work to do.

Your sister Caroline says she'll put a note in with my letter.

Well, my boy, take care, and write again soon, your mother looks forward to your letters.

Your proud Pa Miss Caroline Bingley to Mr Charles Bingley Yorkshire, July 16 Greetings and felicitations, dearest brother.

Louisa and I are longing to hear more about your friend Darcy. He is not...but no, I do not suppose so...and yet, perhaps...your Darcy is not Mr Darcy? Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy? Of Pemberley? If so, you must invite me to town at once. He is one of the most eligible men in England. He is just the sort of man I would like to marry. He has ten thousand a year besides his estate, and all my friends from the seminary would be green with envy if I became his wife. And why should I not? I am sure I am good enough for anyone. Let me know by return if it is he.

Your loving sister, Caroline P.S. Thank you for the satin; it arrived this morning.

Mr Charles Bingley to Miss Caroline Bingley London, July 18 Yes, Caroline, I mean Mr Darcy, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. Tell me, are we always to write of him in italics? If so, I must buy some new pens, for it is playing havoc with my nib. As for inviting you to town, it would do no good, for Darcy has returned to Pemberley and he means to remain there for the summer.

I am glad the satin arrived.

Your loving brother, Charles Mr Frederick Bingley to Mr Charles Bingley Yorkshire, July 20 Well, my boy, you weren't expecting another letter so soon, I'll be bound, but your ma's been pestering me to tell you to help your sisters and introduce them to some fine gentlemen. I believe we were a lot happier before all this tomfoolery, but your ma said as how we must have it now that the shop is doing well. She's got me dressed up in a cravat and a tailcoat and I can't get comfortable in 'em. Caroline and Louisa are spoilt by their schooling and they don't want to have anything to do with the local lads. There's my clerk, now, he's been sweet on Caroline for years, but she must have a fine house and a carriage and all manner of things, and where is a lad like that to get 'em? I said as much to your ma, but your ma mistook my meaning and said, 'Then Charles must find our Caroline someone who can. This Mr Darcy's left town but there are plenty of other fine gentlemen to be had.'

She says I'm to ask you to invite Caroline and Louisa to stay, but don't do it if you don't want to, my boy.

Your proud Pa Mrs Bingley to Mr Charles Bingley Yorkshire, July 20 Now don't you go listening to your pa, Charles, of course you'll have your sisters to stay. They'll be setting off tomorrow so you can expect them on Thursday.

Your doting Ma Mr Darcy to Mr Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, July 23 I was glad to hear you had been accepted at White's. I am sure you will find it useful to have a club in town. White's is the best, and of course St. James's Street is a convenient location. If you will allow me, I will give you a word or two of advice. Avoid the seats in the bow window as they are jealously guarded by those who set value on such things. Avoid, too, the betting book. You will find men there who will try to entice you into betting on any trivial thing, such as which raindrop will reach the bottom of the window first, but you should ignore their blandishments. They will soon realise you mean what you say if you hold true to your resolve, and then they will not trouble you anymore. If you have any difficulties of any kind, just mention my name. And a final word: business is never spoken of at the club.

The weather here is very good. Would you care to join me at Pemberley? The countryside is very fine and you would be welcome to spend the rest of summer with Georgiana and myself. You will not lack for other company, as we are hosting a house party here. You will meet some of your old schoolfellows, as well as two of my cousins, and I am persuaded you will enjoy yourself.

Yours, Darcy Mr Bingley to Mr Darcy London, July 25 My dear Darcy, Upon my word, it is very good of you to invite me, I would like nothing better than to come and stay with you. I have heard a lot about Pemberley and I would like to see it. I have never seen Derbyshire, either, and I am already looking forward to it. My sisters are with me at present, but they will be returning to Yorkshire on Wednesday and then I will be happy to join you in Derbyshire.

Sincerely yours, Bingley Mr Darcy to Mr Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, July 27 Good, then it is settled. Since your sisters must pa.s.s through Derbyshire on their way up to Yorkshire, I suggest they join us at Pemberley for a sennight to break their journey. They will be most welcome. There are plenty of good walks about, and there is good riding, too. I can supply them both with horses if they are horsewomen; if not, they will find plenty to do in the house and gardens. My sister has a pianoforte and a harp, and she often sketches and paints out of doors. Though some years younger than your sisters, she is looking forward to welcoming them, as I am. Mrs Reynolds has prepared rooms for you all and we will expect you later this week.

Yours, Darcy Miss Caroline Bingley to Mrs Bingley London, July 28 Mama, Louisa and I are going to Pemberley! Pemberley! One of the finest estates in England. How green all my friends will be. I am sure Miss Darcy will be just as delightful as her brother. She is some years younger than Mr Darcy, Charles says, but so much the better. Louisa and I are sure we will dote on her. She plays the pianoforte and the harp, which means we will have plenty of opportunities to play duets with her and sing whilst she plays; and of course we will play whilst she sings, too. How wonderful it will be, spending the summer in Derbyshire! The invitation is only for a sennight, but you must not expect us back in Yorkshire very soon, for I am sure we can make ourselves indispensable to Mr Darcy and his sister and then they will both be begging us to stay.

By the bye, we have been shopping, as you might imagine, for we are both determined to look our best. Just think, by this time next year I might be Mrs Darcy, and you might be visiting me at Pemberley. I will be sure to write to you often and let you know all about it.

Your dutiful daughter, Caroline Mrs Bingley to Miss Caroline Bingley Yorkshire, July 30 My dear girl, I knew that all that schooling would pay off in the end. I told your pa so, but would he listen? Not he! I had to put my foot down sharp and make him send you to the seminary, and see where it's taken us! Now, don't you stint at the dressmakers'; you need plenty of finery to keep up with all the lords and ladies. I'm not going to have them saying as how you look like you came from trade; and no need to mention it-these grand folks look down on things like that. I'm sure you're just as good as any of them, and if you don't catch yourself a rich husband, then my name's not Bingley. Everyone says how you're the most accomplished girl they've ever seen, with your French and your Italian and your goodness knows what. And elegant! The neighbourhood's never seen anything like it. You can walk the length and breadth of a room with a book on your head, and I've never seen anyone do anything like that in my life. You make the most of your chances, my girl. Catch this Mr Darcy and then invite your old ma to Pemberley. What times we'll have! And don't you go counting the cost! Buy all the latest fashions and folderols and send the bills to your pa.

Your doting Ma Miss Louisa Bingley to Mrs Bingley London, July 31 Mama, Will you speak to Caroline most seriously? She keeps saying that I must not try to attract Mr Darcy's attention, nor engage his affections, when we go to Pemberley. She says that she is destined for Mr Darcy, she feels it most strongly, but this is absurd, she has never even met him. I am the eldest and I am the one with the strongest claim and I am sure I do not know why I should neglect a chance of fixing Mr Darcy. From what Charles says he is very rich and very handsome. Caroline will keep saying that I am as good as engaged to Mr Hurst, but Mr Hurst has not yet proposed, and he is so indolent that he might never summon up the energy to do so.

Do, pray, write to her, Mama, and do it by return.

Your loving daughter, Louisa.

AUGUST.

Mrs Bingley to Miss Caroline Bingley.

Yorkshire, August 1.

My dear girl, Now I know you have your heart set on this Mr Darcy, and small wonder if he is as rich and handsome as you say he is, but if he should happen to take a fancy to Louisa, then let him have her. We'll all be visitors at Pemberley, just the same.

Your doting Ma Miss Louisa Bingley to Mrs Bingley London, August 2 Dear Mama, I hope your letter has done some good. I am sure I wish Caroline every success, but I believe Mr Darcy will prefer me. Caroline and I have been shopping as you instructed and we have bought two new bonnets apiece. Caroline has bought a new string of pearls and a fan, and I have bought three new pairs of shoes and a new reticule, as well as a brooch. We would have bought new dresses but there was no time to have them made. There is no time for anything, we are off in half an hour!

Your loving daughter, Louisa Miss Caroline Bingley to Miss Violet Cranmore London, August 2 My dear, sweet, most amiable friend, How long it seems since we were at the seminary together, and how I miss our conversations! What a joy it was to have such congenial company. It seems an age since I saw you. Have you seen any of our friends since we left the seminary? I hope they have weathered the years better than Maria Roberts. I saw her in town yesterday and I could not believe how ill she appeared. She was very thin and had neglected her looks entirely. Her face was covered in freckles. You would have been horrified to see her and I did not know where to look. It was truly mortifying.

But of course you do not know that I am in London. Louisa and I are presently staying here with my brother Charles. However, when you reply, I beg you will address your letter to Miss Caroline Bingley, Pemberley, Derbyshire, for we are on our way there to spend the summer with Charles's dearest friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy.

You will be pleased to know that my mama and papa are both well, as are my brothers and sisters. Do write to me at once, my fairest friend; I am anxious to hear that your family are well, and to hear all your news.

Caroline Bingley Miss Violet Cranmore to Miss Caroline Bingley Devon, August 4 My dearest, most adored friend, How good it was to hear from you after such a long time, and how flattering to know that your communication was prompted by nothing more than a wish to be a.s.sured that my family and I are well. You will be relieved to know that they are all flourishing. My eldest sister is lately betrothed, and I am about to be betrothed as well. Papa thinks I am rather young, but Mama knows that it is True Love and so she does not stand in my way. You, of course, have plenty of time in which to find a husband. You are not so very old. Why, even Louisa, who is older than you, is not to be pitied, and when Sally Carpenter ventured to say that Louisa was becoming an old maid, I set her right at once.

I am very sorry you have to visit Mr Darcy. He is an ill-favoured man, I hear, and his park is very small.

Your eternally faithful friend, Violet Miss Caroline Bingley to Mrs Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 4 Greetings and felicitations, dearest Mama.

You have never seen anything like Pemberley! It is the largest estate I have ever seen. There are woods and streams, and the drive is so long it took us ten minutes to reach the house. And what a house! The hall alone is larger than our morning room and dining room put together.

We were shown into the drawing room, where the furniture is the most handsome in the world. Almost as handsome as the master of the house! I never thought Charles would know anyone half so fine as Mr Darcy. He is tall, and even more handsome than his reputation, for you know the world is like to call a man handsome just because he is rich. He has dark hair and dark eyes, a fine figure and an air of being somebody. I would be very happy to live here all my days.

Write to Charles and tell him he must not speak of our leaving. I have told him so myself but he says that we must not outstay our welcome, but I am sure Mr Darcy will be just as glad to have us here for a fortnight as a sennight, particularly if we make ourselves agreeable to his sister. Pemberley is so large that two more visitors will not make any difference. And tell Papa he must buy an estate so that we might return Mr Darcy's hospitality at once.

Your dutiful daughter, Caroline Mr Frederick Bingley to Mr Charles Bingley Yorkshire, August 6 Well, my boy, you've done it now. It's 'Mr Darcy this' and 'Mr Darcy that'-your ma can talk of nothing else. She wants me to buy an estate so I can invite your friend to stay. 'Can't he stay here?' I asked, but she gave me a look, you know how she is. She expects me to go out tomorrow and buy an estate before breakfast. I won't deny I've been thinking of buying somewhere in the country, away from town, a nice plain house with a bit more s.p.a.ce for all of us. Your brothers and sisters are growing up so fast I keep falling over 'em these days. Ned's as big as I am and little Amelia is shooting up like a dandelion. But nothing will do for your mother unless it's got corbels and columns. I've been scratching my head, trying to think what corbels might be, but I'm none the wiser, so if you know, let your old pa know, because your ma won't be happy without 'em. I remember the time when all it took to make her happy was a new bonnet. Those were the days! I do my best, but between you and me, my boy, there's no pleasing women. Just remember that and you won't go wrong.

Your proud Pa Mr Charles Bingley to Mr Frederick Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 8 My dear Pa, I have no more idea of what a corbel is than you do, upon my honour. Why not ask Ma? If she is so set on them, she must know what they are.

As for pleasing women, I beg to differ when you say that there is no way of doing it. There are dozens of women here and they seem very easy to please to me. I only have to dance with them or smile at them and they look at me in the most admiring manner. Upon my word, I never knew so many pretty girls existed. Darcy's house is full of them. They come to dinner, they come to b.a.l.l.s, they come to stay.

Caroline and Louisa were quite put out at first, but I believe they have rallied and they content themselves with saying that Miss Buchanan's nose is too long or Miss Pearson's neck is too short, when I believe that every nose and neck in the place is perfect.

Give my love to Ma and the little ones, Charles Miss Caroline Bingley to Mrs Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 8 Greetings and felicitations, dearest Mama!

What a day we have had. The most elegant rooms, the most refined company, the conversation of intelligent people and the exhibition of the most superior accomplishments! But best of all, Mama, Mr Darcy. I am convinced he likes me. He smiled at me most particularly when I asked his sister to play for me, and he smiled again when I said how well she played.

It was no more than the truth, I am sure, and if that is all it takes to please him, then I will be happy to compliment her for the rest of my stay.

He never takes his eyes from her when she performs and so I suggested that we play a duet. I sat with my best profile towards him, you may be sure, and I was gratified to feel his eyes upon me. He was pleased with our performance and applauded us most a.s.siduously when we had done!

There is a great deal of jealousy here, but that is only to be expected. One of the other young women tried to lower me in the eyes of the company by remarking that Papa owned a string of shops, but fortunately Mr Darcy had just stepped out of the room and the remaining gentlemen were all either old or married, so their opinions were of no importance.

I have much more to tell you but it is time to dress for dinner. Tell Papa I will be wearing my best jewels as well as the new brooch he gave me. I am going to dazzle Mr Darcy in my amber silk. I will send this letter at once to let you know how I get on and I will write again when I am able.

Your dutiful daughter, Caroline Colonel Fitzwilliam to Mr Darcy Fitzwilliam House, London.

August 8.

Darcy, I am sorry to inconvenience you, but I have been delayed in London and I will not be able to call on you at Pemberley as soon as I had hoped. Maud's new brother-in-law wants to go into the army and I have promised to give him what help I can. I am meeting him in town in a few days' time. He is travelling to town posthaste, as he is worried that all the fighting will be over before he has time to enlist. How I remember those days! I, too, used to fear that the war would be over before I had a chance to make my mark, but it is still dragging on, five years after Louis was executed, and despite a recent improvement in matters, I fear another five years will not see the end of it. Rumour has reached me of a naval victory at Aboukir Bay, and I hope it may be so, for it will give our navy command of the Mediterranean once more and ensure the safety of our trade in the Indies. But even if rumour speaks true, there are many battles to be won before we win the war. We need more men, and if Maud's brother-in-law seems promising, I will exert my influence to help him.

Maud is very happy, you will be pleased to know. She asks me to give you her love, and tells me to remember her to Georgiana.

Yours, Henry.

Mr Darcy to Colonel Fitzwilliam Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 10 The delay in your visit is no inconvenience, and Georgiana and I are looking forward to seeing you. We have a large party here and I think you will enjoy yourself. Charles Bingley is here with his sisters. I was right to take the trouble to know him better; he is an affable addition to our party. Although his father made his money in trade, having a string of shops in the north, Bingley has escaped the evils of his situation. He is proud of his father's enterprise, but in a quiet way, and does not embarra.s.s himself-or me-by seeking to ingratiate himself with the local gentry. He is just Charles, cheerful, honest and generous spirited, and it is a pleasure to have him here.

His sisters, Louisa and Caroline, are very different. I suggested they join us as they were staying with Charles and would have to pa.s.s close by on their journey home, but they are far more conscious of their position. However, they are company for Georgiana. They are well educated, accomplished and very kind to her. They sing with her and play duets with her and go out riding with her, and so I tolerate their attempts to win my attention-or rather, to win my hand and my house. They will try to win your hand and your house, too, or should I say your father's house? But you are used to such a.s.saults and well able to defend yourself and so I will say no more.

Yours, Darcy.

Colonel Fitzwilliam to Mr Darcy Fitzwilliam House, London,

August 12.

My duty is done. I found Maud's brother-in-law to be a promising young man and I have helped him to a commission, and now I am free to join you. I am already looking forward to it. The army offers many things, but an excess of well-bred female company is not one of them. I have had little company in London whilst on leave, either. Town is empty in the summer and everyone is on their estates. I am sure I will enjoy talking to your houseguests, even Louisa and Caroline! They may set their caps at me if they please, but I will give them fair warning that an earl's son has expensive tastes and that, if he is not the heir, as is my own sad case, he must take an heiress to wife.

By the bye, I saw George Wickham in town yesterday. At first I was not sure it was he, but he saw me and recognised me. I would as soon have walked on but he hailed me and so we exchanged a few words-a very few, for he was roaring drunk, though it was the middle of the afternoon. He was with some very unsavoury people, a man-I can hardly call him a gentleman-Matthew Parker, and two women. One of the women was hanging around George's neck and the other was bestowing her ample attentions on Parker. I could not understand more than one word in three, for his speech was slurred and he kept forgetting what he was saying, but I think he was trying to ask me for money. I am very sorry for it. I remember him when we were boys. He was likeable enough then. Perhaps he used his charm too freely to get his own way, but nothing worse.

With all his advantages of person, and all the material advantages your father gave him, I thought he would do better for himself. I thought-or at least I hoped-he would take after his father, who was a good man. I liked Mr Wickham very much, as you did, but I fear that George will come to a bad end.

Yours, Henry.

Mr Darcy to Colonel Fitzwilliam Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 14 Henry, it will do you no good to tell Caroline you are in need of an heiress as she has twenty thousand pounds. You must think of another excuse, unless you take a liking to her, in which case your problems are solved. I am sure she would like nothing better than to marry the son of an earl. Poor Charles is embarra.s.sed at her antics, but she is young yet, and she has time to change. Once she is used to mixing in superior company, she will no doubt find it less exciting and behave herself accordingly. Let us hope so, for Charles's sake as well as our own.

I am sorry to hear about George Wickham, but not surprised. I watched him sink at university and although I tried to help him, it was impossible. He was always in the wrong company and spent much of his time drunk, and if not drunk, then not entirely sober. He spent more than his allowance and railed against fate for not providing him with more. Since leaving university he has sunk still further. I have seen him occasionally in town, drunk and in very low company.

To begin with, I gave him money, but despite his protestations that he would use it to furnish himself with a career, he abandoned everything he attempted.

I have done more for him than I was inclined to do, because of the love my father bore him, but to no avail. Once he runs through the money he has had from me, what then?

I would be obliged if you would not mention his shortcomings to Georgiana. She still remembers him fondly, as he was kind to her when he was a boy living on the estate. I do not want to spoil her memories of him, for she has precious few happy memories of that time. Her childhood was too often overshadowed by death.

You will be pleased to find her much grown, and very accomplished. She plays very well, and sings with a true sweetness of voice. Her painting is progressing and some of her work is now hanging in the parlour. She is working on a portrait of Ullswater at the moment and it is very promising. I have told her I will hang it in the library when it is finished, although I do not know when that will be: Ullswater has a dislike of sitting still, and is constantly hampering Georgiana's best efforts by bounding off after rabbits.

Mrs Reynolds has had your room ready for weeks and you may come as soon as you please. You know you are always welcome here at any time.

Your cousin, Darcy Miss Louisa Bingley to Mrs Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 14 Dear Ma, Pemberley is the most elegant house in all of England, and Mr Darcy and his sister are the most agreeable people, except for his pride and his aloofness and his air of looking down on everyone all the time. Caroline says that shows his quality. She is fast becoming as superior as he is. Not that it does her any good, for I can perceive no special regard when he looks at her, though Caroline is sure he is about to propose at any minute.

His sister is charming. She is a great deal younger than he, being about fourteen years old, but already very accomplished. She sings and plays extremely well, and Caroline practises a.s.siduously every morning so that she shall not seem inferior.

We are to have another visitor soon. Mr Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam will be here in the next few days. He was meant to be here sooner but he was delayed on business and this has given us an excuse to remain, for Caroline said how much she was looking forward to meeting him, and so Mr Darcy could hardly hurry us out of the house before he arrived. Of course, she has no interest in him, only in Mr Darcy. It is a pity, for I am sure a military man would suit Caroline. It would solve everything if she should take a fancy to him, and he to her; then I can marry Mr Darcy and live at Pemberley. I do not despair of it.

There is the dinner gong. I must go. Write and let me know if you have seen anything of Mr Hurst. Has he noticed my absence?

Your loving daughter, Louisa Miss Caroline Bingley to Mrs Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 16 Greetings and felicitations, dearest Mama.

What a week we are having! I hardly have time to tell you about any of it, but I had to let you know that Colonel Fitzwilliam has arrived. We have all been awaiting him with antic.i.p.ation, and now at last he is here. He is tall and well built, and best of all he is the son of an earl, though a younger son and not very handsome. However, if his three elder brothers were to die, he would be Lord Fitzwilliam, and if I were to marry him, I would then be Lady Fitzwilliam. But as it is, a military man with no fortune and no t.i.tle...perhaps he will do for Louisa. She says she prefers Mr Hurst, but if he has not come up to scratch yet, then perhaps he never will.

I hope we may meet some of Mr Darcy's other relatives whilst we are here. Georgiana speaks of them often and she thinks that her aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh may join us.

There is a portrait of Lady Catherine hanging in the gallery-Ma, you must tell Pa we need a gallery when he buys an estate, and he must have someone paint my portrait-and she looks very commanding. She is the sister of Mr Darcy's mother. She has a daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, and I am sure that Anne and I would be great friends. I hope she comes to Pemberley, for then I might be invited to Rosings Park, which is said to be very fine. I have told Mr Darcy how agreeable Anne looks and I have dropped several hints about my desire to see Kent, which made Charles look uncomfortable. He took me to task, but I am sure Mr Darcy thought nothing odd about it. He seemed pleased that I liked the look of his relations.

The other ladies here make me laugh with their blatant attempts to win his favour, but I am persuaded he is not taken in by their flattery.

Your dutiful daughter, Caroline Miss Louisa Bingley to Mrs Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 17 Ma, you must tell Caroline not to be so superior, because she is making herself ridiculous. She was admiring the portraits in the hall yesterday, trying to pretend to be knowledgeable about art, and then she went on to admire the miniatures by the fireplace, saying that the dark boy was very handsome and pretending to be surprised when Mr Darcy said it was a picture of him. Then she said that the fair boy next to him was handsome, too, thinking it to be a relative, and no doubt thinking she might meet him and marry him one day, only to find that it was a painting of Mr Darcy's late steward's son, who has turned out very wild. I saw Colonel Fitzwilliam laughing at her, but when I told her about it later she said that I had completely misunderstood the matter and that he had been laughing with her because she had expressed her sorrow at George Wickham's unsatisfactory nature and had said, 'How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have an ungrateful child.' Now, don't worry, Mama, it has nothing to do with serpents, there are no snakes here, it is just something out of Shakespeare and Caroline wanted to show the Colonel that she had been to a seminary. But I am still sure that he was laughing at her and not smiling admiringly as she said.

Let me know if you have any news of Mr Hurst.

Your loving daughter, Louisa Mr Wickham to Mr Darcy The Black Bull, London, August 23 My dear Darcy, Can it really be three years since I last heard from you? It is, I am sure, and small wonder. You have been busy with the estate, and of course with your guardianship of Georgiana. How is she? Well, I hope, and as affectionate and pleasing as ever. I dare say she is becoming a beauty. I have many happy memories of the time we spent together, all three of us, inmates of the same estate, sharing the same amus.e.m.e.nts, growing up at Pemberley. They were happy days, and I know your father watched our friendship with pleasure and gratification. He was one of the best men that ever breathed, the truest friend I ever had, and his behaviour to me was beyond compare.

Your cousin Henry was often with us, too. I saw him in town recently; he was looking very well. The army has been working him hard but he has no complaints. He likes the life and says it has been good to him. I promised to send you his greetings, which is one of the reasons for this letter, the other being that it is too long since we have exchanged letters. My only excuse is that I have been busy.

When last I wrote, I was studying for the law, but it proved to be unprofitable. A man in my position, in such bad circ.u.mstances-for you know I have my way to make in the world, as I do not have an inheritance-must have something to live on. I looked about me for another career and the more I thought about it, the more I realised that I have a calling for the church, after all, so I plan to become ordained. I am sure you remember that your revered father, my dearest G.o.dfather, promised me the living of Kympton in his will. As I hear that the rector has recently died, and as you have no other person to provide for, I trust you will give it to me, as was your father's intention.

Your very great friend, George Mr Darcy to Mr Wickham Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 25 I am deeply sorry that you have found the law unprofitable, but the church, or at least Kympton, is not for you. As you will no doubt remember, you relinquished all claim to it in return for a substantial sum of money. I cannot help thinking it was a narrow escape for the people of Kympton. They need someone who can save their souls and you, George, cannot even save your own. I respectfully, therefore, decline to present you with the living.

Darcy Miss Louisa Bingley to Mrs Bingley Pemberley, Derbyshire, August 25 Dear Ma, The atmosphere has been somewhat strained today, on account of a letter Mr Darcy received this morning. I do not know what was in it, but it came from the late steward's son, Mr Wickham, and it angered Mr Darcy greatly. He read it at the breakfast table and his face darkened, then he screwed it into a ball, excused himself and walked out of the room.

Caroline is welcome to him if she wants him, for he is an awful sight when he is angry and I do not believe I would know what to do with such a man. But Caroline was nothing daunted. She followed him and tried to talk to him but he was brief with her and quickly left the house with Charles and some of the other gentlemen.

Caroline returned to the drawing room and we amused ourselves by playing the pianoforte and singing and then we invited Georgiana to join us at the pianoforte. She is a sweet girl with a pleasing manner and she is a great favourite with us. Then we all went out riding together. The countryside hereabouts is very beautiful, particularly on a clear day.

We met Charles when we arrived back at the house and we did not rest until we found out what was in the letter. Charles did not know everything but he said that George Wickham had behaved disgracefully, despite Mr Darcy's many kindnesses to him, and that Mr Darcy is well rid of him. There was something about an argument over a living which Mr Wickham thought himself ent.i.tled to, but was completely unsuited for.

Then Charles began to talk about our leaving Pemberley. Some of the other guests are talking of leaving, too. Colonel Fitzwilliam has been recalled to his regiment, something to do with a rumour that a General Bonaparte is leaving Egypt and returning to France. It has made the gentlemen uneasy, for if Bonaparte returns to France, there seems to be some feeling that it might be bad for us.

Caroline said that we had no need to fear a General Bonaparte when we had a Colonel Fitzwilliam on our side, but though Colonel Fitzwilliam bowed, it was clear he thought her a fool.

Lady j.a.phet smiled in a superior manner, like a cat who has got the cream, for she is setting her cap at Colonel Fitzwilliam and she knew Caroline had made a grievous mistake. She remarked that a colonel was not quite enough to rid us of a general, but that, as the daughter of a shopkeeper, Caroline could not be expected to understand the difference in the military ranks. Caroline tried to think of a cutting retort but could not do so, although she has thought of half a dozen since.

We have told Charles there is no need for us to leave but you must tell him so, too. Mr Darcy seems happy to have us here because we are company for his sister. Caroline wants to stay because she has not given up hope of winning his affections and I have little reason to return to Yorkshire.