An Epilogue of letters

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Steeple house, nr Ledbury

February 23rd 1813

My dearest brother

Many congratulations on your wedding. I hope this letter finds you and your new wife well. I regret not being able to travel to see her and attend your wedding. I wish to ask you to visit on your way to the lakes for your wedding tour. I would dearly love to meet my new sister.

I am certain you would not wish to stay for long, but you are welcome to stay for as long as you might spare us. I long to see you again.

Yours with affection

Georgiana

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Steeple house, nr Ledbury

March 26th, 1812

My dearest Jane

I hope this letter finds you well. I am bursting with happiness and cannot find the words to write of it in a satisfactory manner. Let me tell you about our trip so far.

As you know we have travelled to visit with Georgiana and her husband who are residing in an estate gifted to them on their wedding. I found my new sister to be a dear, sweet girl, although I should really refer to her as a woman. She seems so young in many ways, although in looks sheiks very womanly. She has been mistress here for many months now and yet there are aspects of her role that she finds difficult. We have muddled through many of them together and I believe I have helped her to understand things better. Indeed she has aided me with advice about Pemberley and what will be expected of me just as much as I have aided her. I am quite content to know I have someone with whom to correspond about these matters, other than yourself of course.

She has confided in me that, although she would not choose this life again, she is quite content with her lot. She suffers some hardships for her youthful indiscretion and the result of her inexperience but she feels they are her due and so she does do without complaint. I have offered her a sympathetic ear and she has agreed to write if she needs one.

I have learnt that Mrs Younge, the companion that allowed this situation, tried to force some monetary gain from her. Can you believe it?. It seems she wrote on a few occasions and then had the audacity to turn up. Georgiana decided to leave the matter between her husband and Mrs Younge, clearly stating she had nothing to offer. Whatever Mr Wickham said seems to have put paid to the matter and she has no longer been bothered. I am hoping that means he dissuaded her but I am not going to ask for details.

Mr Wickham is difficult to understand. Georgiana tells me he was always affable and friendly and I do see him in that manner on occasion. He is wary of my husband and so is often more subdued in his company. More than that, I think he feels the weight of the responsibility of the estate and it has improved his sincerity. I am hopeful of this for Georgiana's sake. I cannot explain their relationship, I would not call it a deep abiding love, but a strange sort of understanding exists between them. In many ways they are quite sweet to each other, as if they know they depend on the other, which is true I suppose. They may not seem happy but they seem content, I only hope it will last. My husband assures Georgiana, and I have seconded this opinion, that she is always welcome at Pemberley if there are too many difficulties.

We have stayed for almost three weeks, despite only planning for one, but I do not regret the time and Darcy seems more settled to have witnessed the Wickham's situation first hand. We are off on the morrow to the Lakes and thence to Pemberley where I eagerly await my role as mistress of such a fine estate.

All my Love

Lizzie

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Scarborough

April 30th, 1813

My dearest Lizzie

I will first assure you that we are all well. I brought Kitty to London as planned and introduced her to Lady Matlock and she is settled for the season. She is excited and pleased to be here, let us hope she learns to be her own person and not Lydia's shadow. The day we departed Hertfordshire, Lydia remained unhappy with the choice and was not quiet about vocalising such. Mama seemed resigned and said nothing further, even though Lydia did glare at her so.

Charles and I only remained in London a week and then made our way north to his relations in Scarborough. I have been welcomed with warmth by his Aunt and Uncles and many cousins. They are all such wonderful people and we have spent many a pleasant day with them. Spring is quite lovely hereabouts.

Charles is enquiring about estates to buy. I have counselled that we not buy Netherfield just yet, we should see how things settle with our sisters, Caroline does not wish to reside in Hertfordshire and is currently in London taking part in the season. She writes of many conquests but Louisa's letters are less certain. We shall have to see what comes of it. We may wish to be closer to his relations and to his friend and you, my dear sister. I am pleased that he has taken my advice and we are going to wait, for now.

We are both eager to see Pemberley on our journey southward and of course look forward to meeting yourself and Mr Darcy again. It is exceedingly kind of you to invite us and we look forward to the suggested phaeton and pony ride.

All my love

Jane

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London seat of the earl of Matlock

May 3rd 1812

Dear Jane

I must thank you again for delivering me to Lady Lucia in London. It was very kind of you to take me along with yourself and Mr Bingley. It has been wonderful getting to know the countess of Matlock, although she never lets me call her that. I have realised that I have much to learn about the workings of the ton and the difference between country manners and town. I have spent the first weeks of my stay visiting a modiste and attending smaller events such as the theatre and family dinners. Although I should add a family dinner by town standards is no such thing, why last week there were fourteen seats at dinner. My role has mostly been to observe and Lady Lucia made it clear that I was only to speak when spoken to. I have learnt much and she felt I was ready to start attending some larger gatherings a few weeks ago. Tis hard to believe it has been ten weeks since you were wed and two months almost since I have been in town. Seems but a day ago we were all at Longbourn, and yet how much has changed.

Oh Jane, how to describe the finery of my first ball! 'Twas beautiful, everyone wearing the finest silks and seemingly every piece of jewellery they owned. I danced with several young men, some charming, some less so. There are some that feel that the Matlock connection does not out weigh the Darcy scandal but there are more and more that feel that the scandal has died away and the knowledge of the respectable situation Mr Darcy's sister holds now out-weighs the way she found herself there.

I have only attended three balls and four soirées and a few musical endings, but oh Jane they are delightful. Lady Lucia raised early that I would not be able to play the piano forte in company, although I am practicing more, but I am singing on occasion and have no complaints. I have not quite the same voice as Lizzie, but I am told I sigh with expression. It does make me quite nervous to stand in front of so many people, but I am learning from Lizzie and my courage is rising.

I find scandal and intrigue most odd here, there are some ladies that are almost gleeful at another's expense. I try to not partake, although I am still partial to some gossip now and then. The hat that Miss Benson was wearing yesterday evening was the exact replica of one worn by Miss Shelton at the theatre. Miss Shelton is the wealthy daughter of a tradesman and 'twas not four days ago that I overheard Miss Benson disparaging her taste. Is that not strange?

I have written to Lydia but have yet to receive a reply, is she still cross with me? I cannot think why, 'tis not like I could have altered the decision. If our roles had been reversed she would have crowed loudly over me about her fortunate situation.

Please write and tell me how you found the north country and what your plans are for the rest of the season, little time though there is left.

Catherine

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Longbourn house

June 16th, 1812

Dear Kitty

Ha ha ha, you may have been invited to London, but guess what? I have been invited, as her particular friend, to go with Mrs Forster to Brighton! What care I for London balls when I shall be surrounded by officers and able to flirt with two or three at once!

I might even try sea bathing. Oh how jealous of me I am certain you are. How much I am laughing as I imagine your face! Mama has already agreed that I need new clothes. Your new clothes in London will be nothing to mine.

I shall write you of course, and tell you of all my conquests. I am leaving in one week.

I am laughing so hard at my good fortune.

Lydia

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?

June 20th 1812,

Papa

Surely you cannot be serious? You should not allow Lydia to go to Brighton with the Forsters, Mrs Forster is so young, she is unlikely to provide a good chaperone.

Please papa, our family name is respected currently, do not allow Lydia to undo all of the good work that the events of the last six months have brought.

Your daughter

...?

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Militia encampment, Brighton.

July 25th

Mr Bennet

I am writing to request that you come to collect your daughter Lydia from Brighton. I am afraid she has behaved in a disgraceful manner. I apologise for any actions of mine that may have contributed to the situation. I assure you that my wife will be reprimanded for her part in the role.

I await your reply

Yours etc...

Colonel Forster

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The travelers inn, Brighton.

August 1st

Mr Bennet

I have collected Lydia and am starting the journey to Hertfordshire in the morning. I am happy to report that there are not many rumours and the truth is far less concerning. She had been carrying on a flirtation with an officer who was engaged to be married. The officer in question had not made this fact widely known and both Lydia and Mrs Forster were behaving poorly in an attempt to catch the young man's attention. He did nothing to dissuade them until his fiancée appeared and very loudly told them their efforts were in vain, he was not in need of a mistress.

Of course the initial rumours were that Lydia, and Mrs Forester, we're both aiming for that position. These have died away and the officer in question has moved on with his regiment and his wife to be. However Lydia and Mrs Forster are both under quite a lot of scrutiny and I believe Lydia has had an improper proposition since these events, it is best we remove her as planned.

I shall convey her to yourself and we can discuss the best move forward. Elizabeth is anxious that she receive some proper training in decorum and I could not agree more. I have the contact for an excellent governess who might benefit both Lydia and Mary as she comes highly recommended for music as well as teaching young girls about behaviour.

We shall discuss when I am at Longbourn.

I am grateful to have been of service,

Yours etc..

Fitzwilliam Darcy

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Hunsford Parsonage

October 28th

Dearest Lizzie

I am sorry that you did not manage to visit at the end of the summer. Lady Catherine seemed like she would receive you and Mr Darcy until that unfortunate rumour about Mr Wickham came her way. I am uncertain how she manages to gather such information, I feel it best not to ask.

I am glad that kitty, I apologise Miss. Catherine, had enjoyed her time in London. It was fortuitous that you invited her to Pemberley for the summer, I understand your mother was unhappy to hear about the marriage offer she turned down. My mother reported all of the feelings and concerns that Mrs Bennet relayed to her. I am certain you were aware of such a possibility.

I am well, little Lisbeth is growing so fast, three weeks old already. I thank you for the gifts, such soft muslin I have not encountered before, she looks very well in it. Mr Collins is very attentive. I was concerned about his reaction to her gender, although I couldn't be happier, but it seems Lady Catherine approves of daughters, and so does Mr Collins.

I hope that we shall see you soon. In the meantime I shall continue to write, perhaps we might both visit Hertfordshire at the same time?

Yours sincerely

Charlotte

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Darcy house, London

December 14th, 1812

My dearest loveliest Elizabeth

Last time I was at home you expressed concerns regarding your younger sister's acceptance of their new situation. As you know I visited on my way to London and I am pleased to report that both Lydia and Mary are enjoying their governess, although she is more a companion at this point. They do still both attend functions, but only as their behaviour allows. Mary's pianoforte ability has improved and she is very pleasant to listen to. Lydia is still lively but now understands more about reputation and where poor behaviour can lead and seems committed to improving. She has an almost comical opinion of officers, not in the way one would have expected if one knew her a year ago. She is now convinced they are all swindlers and cheats.

I am so sorry, once again, that business has called me to London at this time although I have more glad tidings to report which I hope will go some way to making up for my absence.

Bingley has, finally, decided on Pushton Manor and should have the paper work completed before the new year is here. We should have new neighbours before the spring. Jane is well, she is anxious to see you and I have extended an invitation to stay until their new house is ready for their habitation. I am certain you would be content with your sisters company in January, would you not?

Catherine has had a successful little season. As you know she turned down Mr Hart at the end of last season and she now is receiving the attention of Mr Turner. He is a respectable Gentleman's son. The estate is in Shropshire, not too far a distance from Pemberley. His father is a good man and I cannot find anything bad about the son. His main residence is London currently, as his father lives at the estate and he has his own town house. I believe you would like the young man, he seems sincere. We shall likely have to wait until after the holidays to see if an offer is forthcoming.

Richard is dreading this event, as his mother will surely turn her matchmaking eye on him once Miss Catherine is respectably engaged. Although I think my aunt will miss your sister terribly, they have quite a strong bond, it is a good thing she will reside mainly in London for the time being. There is a lady who may have caught Richard's eye. He has spoken of a Miss Shelton on more than one occasion. Apparently her background is trade but she is exceptionally wealthy and her father is known to be an astute businessman. She is quite lovely but sharp witted, already turned down many offers. She apparently seems to be setting many of he fashion trends currently. I wish Richard good luck. He will likely need it.

As you know Georgiana has returned to Herefordshire. She did not wish to come to London and wanted to return home to assess the goings on. Mr Wickham seems very apologetic, he did not expect the gamblers to come to his house to claim their debts. I had warned him of such an occurrence and I am grateful that nothing worse happened than Georgiana being frightened. Peter has proved his worth by raising the alert and has been handsomely paid for his troubles. I am very grateful that he left Pemberley to be the head gardener there!

Mr Wickham seems to have sworn off gambling again, he has hired additional footmen to ensure that those particular men are not allowed on his property again. I confess I have asked the steward and Peter to renew their efforts at observing his goings on and to report them to me once again. He seemed to be doing so well that I had let that observation lessen given the events of the summer, perhaps that was an error. I can hear your admonishment for such an opinion, but you shall have to wait to give it my dear.

I long to return to your side and see how much you have grown. I know you wished to come to London, I am sorry it is too uncomfortable, not to mention dangerous, to travel in your condition. I will be leaving London on the morrow and will be with you in four days, weather permitting. I am stopping one night at Longborn and so will have some more news of your family when I return.

All my love to yourself and the little one you are carrying.

Fitzwilliam.

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Pemberley, Derbyshire

January 7, 1813

Mama and papa

I am pleased to announce the safe delivery of your first grandchild.

Bennet George Darcy

Born on the sixth of January. A very healthy weight and an even healthier set of lungs! I am recovered well enough, although I am already unhappy with the bed rest which the doctor recommends.

Fitzwilliam had Bingley with him to calm his nerves and Jane held my hand throughout. I am thrilled at Jane's news also and look forward the little Bennet having a cousin in the spring. I cannot write more as I am needed.

All my love and I look forward to seeing you all here for Easter.

Elizabeth Darcy

A/N - so in the words of bugs bunny 'that's all folks'. I hope you have enjoyed my fun little story. Thank you all for reading. And all the lovely message of support. You are all amazing. Thank you! :)

im still working on "magic at Pemberley" my fantasy sequel. Other plots jump in to my head from time to time. I tend not to start posting till the story is pretty much done. So watch this space if you are interested. Although I do say that my stories are all very different and may not all appeal to everyone!

feel free to pm if you have any ideas for a story that you happy for me to write. :)