Part 7 (1/2)

Miss Mary Bennet to Miss Lucy Sotherton Longbourn, Hertfords.h.i.+re, November 5 Most n.o.ble Friend, My plans for improvement have already reaped me rich rewards and I hope that your own endeavours have been as well received. As you know-for you, dear Lucy, are of a similar mind-I am not inclined to waste my time in the frivolity of social engagements, but I was compelled by my mother to attend a gathering at Sir William Lucas's house last night. She swept aside my arguments-for, not being a Learned Woman, she was unable to appreciate their potency-and said irritably, 'I thought you would want to show off, you have been practising that piece long enough.'

I was much struck, for though her sentiment was badly expressed, it echoed my own feelings that I should indeed be sharing my accomplishments with the world. I therefore condescended to attend the gathering. I was amply rewarded, for when I succeeded my sister Elizabeth at the pianoforte, Mr Darcy listened to my concerto with a look of astonishment. He had obviously not expected such a high degree of excellence from a young woman in such a small town.

Alas! My sisters then demanded a jig and I was forced to accede to their wishes, though as I remarked to Mr Shackleton afterwards, 'A jig might feed the body but a concerto feeds the soul.'

He was much struck and begged for permission to copy it into his book of extracts.

Lydia, Jane and Kitty danced for the rest of the evening, but I did not indulge in the activity. Elizabeth almost danced, for when Sir William saw that she was without a partner, he begged one for her, but it came to nothing. If Sir William had been a Learned Man, he would not have chosen Mr Darcy to be the object of his solicitations, for Mr Darcy had already said that he did not like to dance.

I believe that Mr Darcy and I have much in common. We share a love of music and, like Mr Darcy, I am not given to dancing. I think he had the right of it when he explained his aversion to the exercise by saying to Sir William, 'Every savage can dance.' I was much struck by the truth of it and I have copied it into my book of extracts.

Your friend, Mary Miss Elizabeth Bennet to Miss Susan Sotherton Longbourn, Hertfords.h.i.+re, November 5 My dear Susan, I should not triumph in it, I know, but I had a chance of turning the tables on Mr Darcy when we were at the Lucases' last night, thereby changing mortification to something far more satisfactory. Sir William, seeing me without a partner, entreated Mr Darcy to dance with me, and before Mr Darcy could refuse I replied coolly that I had no intention of dancing. Mr Darcy was confounded and my feelings were a.s.suaged.

Jane's evening was even more satisfactory than mine, as Mr Bingley continued to pay her attention of the most particular kind.

I truly believe he is falling in love with her, and he is so agreeable that I think he might even be worthy of her.

Mama is effusive in her praise of him already, and if he offers for Jane, then her joy will know no bounds. Poor Mr Bingley! I fear he does not know what awaits him.

Your friend, Lizzy Mrs Louisa Hurst to Mrs Bingley Netherfield Park, Hertfords.h.i.+re,

November 12

Dear Mama, We are now settled at Netherfield Park for the winter, it seems. Charles is very happy here, though Caroline and I are less so. The town is devoid of fas.h.i.+onable people and we have to make do with a strange a.s.sortment of neighbours. Mr Darcy is as bored as we are. He refused to dance at the first a.s.sembly and although he was nearly forced into it a few days ago, for the sake of politeness, it all came to nothing, for when Sir William Lucas tried to encourage him to dance with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she refused him. I am not surprised. Sir William had all but begged a partner for her and no one with any spirit would have acquiesced. It did her no harm in Darcy's opinion-quite the opposite. He was caught by her refusal and remarked later that she had fine eyes. If only Caroline would take a lesson from this, she might have a better chance of catching him, but she can never bear to refuse him anything. She was annoyed when he praised Miss Elizabeth, and she vented her feelings by teasing him about his forthcoming marriage. Mr Darcy said he knew she would be jumping to conclusions and he bore it all with perfect indifference. It made Caroline so jealous that for a week she would not invite Jane Bennet to dine with us, but fortunately she has now relented, though it is more because we are to be alone this evening, the gentlemen dining from home, than any lessening in her jealousy. She is writing a note to Miss Bennet now.

Your daughter, Louisa Miss Caroline Bingley to Miss Jane Bennet Netherfield Park, Hertfords.h.i.+re,

November 12

My dear Friend, If you are not so compa.s.sionate as to dine today with Louisa and me, we shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives, for a whole day's tete-a-tete between two women can never end without a quarrel. Come as soon as you can on the receipt of this. My brother and the gentlemen are to dine with the officers.

Yours ever, Caroline Bingley Miss Kitty Bennet to Miss Eleanor Sotherton Longbourn, Hertfords.h.i.+re, November 12 Dear Ellie, You will never guess! It is the most adorable thing! The town is full of officers! Yes, I know, is it not marvellous? They are all young and handsome and they wear bright red coats with bra.s.s b.u.t.tons and they are so handsome you have never seen anything like it. Lydia and I go to my aunt's every day and we meet them there all the time. We see them on the way there, too, and on the way back again. I wish you were here, there are so many officers we have enough and to spare. I hate to think of you in Bath with all the old people with gout and corns. Tell your Papa to hurry up and win his fortune back again and then you can come back to Netherfield-although no, not too soon, because Jane is going to marry Mr Bingley or so Mama says, so Mr Bingley must remain at Netherfield until that is accomplished. But once he and Jane are married, then you must come back and meet all the officers. Lydia and I are wild to see them every day. Papa says we are the two silliest girls in the country, and to be sure that put a dampener on my excitement for a minute, but then Mama said that we are very clever and I believe she has the right of it.

The colonel of the regiment is Colonel Forster and Mama says that if a smart young colonel with five or six thousand a year should want one of her daughters she would not say him nay. He used to be always at Miss Watson's but they quarrelled and he does not go there so often now. Miss Watson does not mind, for she is besotted with Mr Robinson now. Lydia and I cannot understand it, and Lydia and Miss Watson have had a falling out about it. How can anyone like a man if he is not in a red coat? My aunt Philips says that now the colonel does not go to the Watsons' he is very often to be met with in Clarke's library. Lydia and I are wondering which of us he will pick, now that he is free again. Lydia thinks it will be her because she is the tallest, but I am the oldest. We are agreed that the other of us can have Captain Carter. We go to the library all the time and we are always changing our books but we never have time to read them. And now the officers are dining with Mr Bingley and we only found out because Jane has been invited to dine with Miss Bingley when the gentlemen are out. Mama thinks that that is unfortunate and I am sure I agree, for who would want to dine with Miss Bingley? But Jane has had to go. Mama sent her on horseback in the hope that it will rain and then Miss Bingley will have to ask her to stay overnight, so that Jane can see Mr Bingley in the morning. I wonder what he will have to say about the officers? I am quite wild to know what they talked about.

Love and kisses forever and ever, Kitty Miss Jane Bennet to Miss Elizabeth Bennet Netherfield Park, Hertfords.h.i.+re,

November 13

My dearest Lizzy, I find myself very unwell this morning, which, I suppose, is to be imputed to my getting wet through yesterday. My kind friends will not hear of my returning home till I am better. They insist also on my seeing Mr Jones-therefore do not be alarmed if you should hear of his having been to me-and excepting a sore throat and headache there is not much the matter with me.

Yours affectionately, Jane Miss Elizabeth Bennet to Mrs Gardiner Netherfield Park, Hertfords.h.i.+re,

November 13

My dear Aunt Gardiner, You will be surprised to see from the letter heading that I am writing to you from Netherfield Park, and I am very much afraid that the reason is not a happy one. Jane was invited to dine with Miss Bingley and it came on to rain as she rode over to Netherfield. She took cold and was invited to stay the night. Mama was delighted, for it meant that Jane would be thrown together with Mr Bingley, though why she wanted that to happen I cannot imagine, since a red nose and red eyes are hardly conducive to courts.h.i.+p.

Poor Jane was very poorly this morning and sent a note to Longbourn to inform us of her indisposition. I walked to Netherfield at once to keep her company. My appearance caused a great deal of surprise. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst found it incredible that I should have walked so far, though it is only three miles, and I am convinced they held me in contempt for it. Mr Darcy and Mr Hurst said nothing, but Mr Darcy looked down his nose at me, no doubt censuring me as much as the ladies. But Mr Bingley was all warmth. I like him better and better each day. He was concerned for Jane and he welcomed me openly, saying he was glad I had come and, I am persuaded, meaning it.

Jane was feverish and the apothecary was sent for. He promised her some draughts and advised her to return to bed, which she did, and she has remained there ever since. When it was time for me to go, Jane was so upset that Miss Bingley invited me to stay the night, and a servant has been dispatched to Longbourn to give them the news and to bring back a supply of clothes.

Jane was too ill to leave her room at dinnertime and I declared that I would not go downstairs, but she pressed me, saying that I must eat. I saw the sense of it but I would much rather have stayed with Jane, for I spent an uncomfortable evening. Miss Bingley and her sister made a few enquiries as to Jane's health but soon forgot her. Mr Hurst asked me a few questions about my favourite food and when he discovered that I preferred a plain dish to a ragout he had nothing more to say. Mr Darcy was engrossed by Miss Bingley, who evidently has designs on him, for she flattered his library, his house, his sister and indeed anything else she could think of that was connected with him. She echoed all his sentiments and enlarged them wonderfully. Where Mr Bingley can see nothing but good in everyone and everything, his sister and Mr Darcy can see nothing but what needs criticising: Mr Bingley is amazed that young ladies-all of them!-can be so accomplished, netting purses and painting tables and covering screens. Mr Darcy, on the other hand, knows only half a dozen accomplished young ladies, and his faithful a.s.sistant was quick to agree, saying that a lady must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing and the modern languages, as well as possessing something in her tone of voice, her way of walking and her expressions, to deserve the word. Mr Darcy was not even satisfied with this, but added that she must also improve her mind by extensive reading. When I remarked that I wondered he knew any accomplished young ladies, he regarded me with a look of contempt, and Miss Bingley did likewise. They make a delightful pair, both of them puffed up with their own importance and conceit. I am sure I hope they marry quickly, for two people who are better suited to each other would be hard to imagine. They can then indulge their love of criticising everyone else until the end of their days.

Mr Bingley was genuinely concerned about Jane and asked about her repeatedly. He did everything in his power to make the time pa.s.s pleasantly for me and I left the room in the end feeling that I would be very happy to have him as a brother-in-law.

Jane is sleeping now and I, too, will soon be going to bed, so for now, adieu.

Your affectionate niece, Lizzy Mr Darcy to Colonel Fitzwilliam Netherfield Park, Hertfords.h.i.+re, November 13 Henry, I hear you are in London and so I will send you this in the hope it reaches you before you return to your regiment. I am staying with Bingley in Hertfords.h.i.+re and I have met a friend of yours, a Colonel Forster, who is stationed nearby. He asks to be remembered to you. He is good company and seems resigned to spending his time with the militia in Meryton rather than fighting abroad, but perhaps this is because there seems to be a lady in the case, a Miss Watson who lives in Meryton. Whether it is a serious thing or not I cannot tell, but for the time being, at least, it makes him glad to be here.

If not for the military presence, our stay would be dull and boring. Like every other country neighbourhood, Meryton offers a confined and unvarying society. Bingleys' sisters occupy themselves as best they can with Miss Bennet, one of Bingley's neighbours, but they have little choice since she is the only tolerable young lady in the neighbourhood. At present she is indisposed, having taken cold when she rode over here to dine, and so they are deprived of even that small companions.h.i.+p; for although Miss Bennet is still at Netherfield, being too ill to remove, she remains confined to her room.

Miss Bennet's sister is here, also, but Miss Elizabeth is not a favourite with Caroline and Louisa. They find her pert, and they amuse themselves at her expense by mocking her country habits. Miss Elizabeth, however, is not downcast; indeed, she seems to go out of her way to be different to the common herd. When she learnt of her sister's illness, she walked three miles to see her and arrived here with muddy petticoats. What is more, she did not seem to be the least bit ashamed of them. You may imagine what a torrent of ridicule this brought forth from Caroline as soon as Miss Elizabeth left the room, although I could not help noticing that, despite the state of her petticoat, Miss Elizabeth's eyes had been brightened by the exercise.

This, if nothing else, will convince you of the paucity of company to be found here, for not only did I notice Miss Elizabeth's eyes, I found myself attracted by them. In any other company, I am persuaded that I would not have given her a second glance. But she has a certain naturalness of demeanour and an independent spirit that make her something of a mystery to me. She seems to have no desire to attract my attention and is indifferent to my esteem. I must admit I find this intriguing, and if not for her vulgar family, I believe I would take some pains to know her better. But they are really beneath my notice. One uncle is a solicitor in the nearby town and the other lives in Cheapside. The mother is even worse than the uncles. She has taken against me because of an unfortunate remark which was never intended to be overheard, and she has not the wit to see that she makes herself ridiculous by her prejudice.

She paid us a visit today, to see her daughter and judge for herself the severity of Miss Bennet's fever, but finding her in no danger, she graced us with more of her presence than was necessary or desirable, and encouraged her younger daughters to beg Bingley for a ball. He is too good-natured to say no to anyone and so he has promised them that he will hold one just as soon as Miss Bennet is well again. Miss Lydia then remarked that, after Bingley's ball, she would persuade the officers to hold one. I have warned your friend Forster of it, but he just laughed and said that she is young and he has no objection to a ball now and again.

Bingley sees nothing wrong with Miss Bennet's low connections, but as his sisters so rightly point out, it makes it impossible for the Bennet sisters to marry men of consequence. Caroline fears his attachment to Miss Bennet, for he declares her to be an angel and the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. He has seen very few young ladies, however, and will, in time, find someone more suitable to marry. In fact, I believe he would make a suitable husband for Georgiana when she comes of age, and if they show a preference for each other, it is one I mean to encourage.

Luckily, Miss Bennet is improving daily and it will not be long before she returns home. I will be glad of it, for her sister will go with her and we will be left to ourselves again. Caroline and Louisa wish it, too. They like their friend well enough, but find it tiresome to have a sick person in the house.

Bingley is still enjoying the life of a country squire but as soon as he tires of it I mean to persuade him to return to town. The country is no place to be in November.

Your cousin, Darcy Mr Wickham to Mrs Younge London, November 13 How are you faring, Belle? Have you found yourself a rich protector? I am pockets to let as usual. I met Denny yesterday. You remember him, perhaps? He went to school with me. He is now in the militia and he has suggested that I join. I cannot say I find the idea particularly attractive but I must do something; and, more importantly, it would give me a chance to establish myself in a new part of the country where my debts are not known. If I am one of the militia, I will find that credit is extended to me, at least for a while, and I will be able to dine and drink with my fellows for free. I am thinking of going to Hertfords.h.i.+re to see him soon and decide if I can tolerate the discipline for the sake of the credit.

George Colonel Fitzwilliam to Mr Darcy Fitzwilliam House, London, November 14 Dear cousin, I had heard that Forster was with the militia but I did not know he was in Hertfords.h.i.+re. You could not wish for better company. I have spent many an entertaining evening with him and I know he will collect the most interesting men around him. If he is stationed nearby, then you will not altogether lack for intelligent company, though you are living in a small neighbourhood in the middle of Hertfords.h.i.+re. I have not heard that he is to marry but I hope it may be so. He is at that time of life when a man must think of such things, and if Forster is not averse to giving a ball, it seems the rumour must be true: I cannot think why he would be so eager to do it otherwise, despite Miss Lydia's importunings.

The war continues to change course with every pa.s.sing month. Everything was in our favour before Napoleon seized power: France was in disarray, and so was the army. But he is a natural leader and a man of considerable ability, and his recent victories against the Austrians have changed the balance of power again, so that I believe we will sign a treaty with him ere long. Even when it is signed, I doubt if the war will be truly over and I expect to see the outbreak of hostilities again before long. Napoleon is not a man to be content with peace, and the lull in hostilities will give him time to muster his forces and strike again, harder than before. If I had my way, we should crush him now whilst we can. But the politicians do not see it that way. The war is expensive and I think the government has no more stomach for it.

Your cousin, Henry Mr Darcy to Miss Georgiana Darcy Netherfield Park, Hertfords.h.i.+re, November 14 Dearest Georgiana, I was pleased to hear from Cousin Henry that you are well and happy and that you are making good progress with all your accomplishments. Ullswater is behaving herself, too, I hear, which will be a great relief to the rabbit population and no doubt the bird population as well! I remember you were going to paint her if she would only sit still long enough and I advise you to catch her when she is exhausted. I will look forward to seeing your portrait of her. I believe we will hang it in the gallery at Pemberley, at the far end between Cholmondley and Cerberus, a fitting filling between the sandwich of those other great Darcy dogs. And then you must paint your mare. Your last horse was so well done that it would be a pity not to take Milkfoot's likeness, and now that you are so accomplished, we will hang it with all the other horses.

Caroline asks me to tell you that she longs to see your paintings and that she is sure they will be worthy additions to the Pemberley gallery. She cannot wait to see them when they are done, and hopes they are finished in time for her next visit.

You asked in your last letter how we spend our time and so I will tell you. We are at present in the drawing room. Charles is playing piquet with Edmund, and Louisa is watching them. You and I must play again when I return to London. As I recall you beat me last time, and I must have my revenge.