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Authors: Jane Dawkins
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much, I agree that, hitherto, it appeared that Mary might have remained unmarried and at Longbourn, but it was by no means certain that this would be the case. Pray, do not rush to seek a partner for life. You are an attractive young woman of fine mind and character, and I entreat you not to be hasty in choosing a Husband. Yes, I say choosing a husband! Do not compromise yourself by making do with the next man to ask for your hand. You have no need to be grateful to somebody for singling you out; indeed the Gentleman of right mind and sensibility who is worthy of you will be full of gratitude in the knowledge that you have done him the very great honour by accepting him!
Be in no doubt of the seriousness of my words, dear Sister. My fondest hope is that you will find the happiness in marriage that Jane and I have found; I wish nothing less for you than a partner in life with whom you may share mutual love and respect. Real happiness depends upon it, and I entreat you to accept nothing less. The world may consider a good match merely a practical matter of pounds per annum income, but I pray you will be wiser.
I shall write to our Mother and request that you be allowed to come here as soon as is possible following Mary’s nuptials, shall we say beginning 1st December? This will allow our Mother a full month of your company after Mary’s departure. Little Cassie celebrates her first birthday on 16th December and it is only fitting that her Godmother should be on hand. It would be hardly proper to send you back to Longbourn before the Christmas festivities, then I feel certain that Jane would wish you to be at The Great House for George’s first birthday on 6th February. After all, your Godmotherly duties extend to him also. Indeed, I do not think Jane and I could bear to part with you before the first of April, a full four months’ absence from Longbourn, during which time our Mother will have become quite used to shifting for herself for entertainment and companionship.
Take heart, my dear Sister, and do not fret that you are the last of the five Bennet girls to be wed. Rather, rejoice that your Sisters are happy, and look forward to the day, whenever that may be (but rest assured that it will be) when your own happiness equals theirs.
Affectionately,
Lizzy
Pemberley
Friday, 22 d November, 1816
Dearest Kitty,
Thank you for the unexpected pleasure of your letter yesterday. As I like unexpected pleasures, it made me very happy. A note arrived from the Norland girls in the same post as yours, asking when you arrive.
Expect a most agreeable letter from me—for not being overburdened with subject (having nothing at all to say) I shall have no check to my genius!
Your account of Mary’s wedding is most strange, though upon reflection, given Mary’s distaste for displays of affection, perhaps it is not quite so odd after all. Nevertheless, one might have expected even Mary to allow herself to step out of character on her wedding day! From what you say, my Father was the most joyful of the wedding party.
Dear Kitty, calm yourself about Mr. Digweed, now your Brother—merely be as civil to him as his bad breath permits and politeness dictates. As for Mary, I fear she will have to take up a new subject for study if she is to run an efficient household. That a maid has already jilted her and hired herself elsewhere is worrisome. Until now, Mary has never had to concern herself with household matters, holding herself aloof from such earthly concerns in her pursuit of higher learning. Moreover, her complaint that as a newly-married woman she is burdened with the infinity of compliments and civilities she must pay and receive is yet another indication of the urgent need for her to study politeness and respect for others as carefully as she would examine one of Mr. Fordyce’s sermons.
The weather has been cold but fine and we hope it will continue dry until you are safely here. We look forward to your arrival here with great
Be in no doubt of the seriousness of my words, dear Sister. My fondest hope is that you will find the happiness in marriage that Jane and I have found; I wish nothing less for you than a partner in life with whom you may share mutual love and respect. Real happiness depends upon it, and I entreat you to accept nothing less. The world may consider a good match merely a practical matter of pounds per annum income, but I pray you will be wiser.
I shall write to our Mother and request that you be allowed to come here as soon as is possible following Mary’s nuptials, shall we say beginning 1st December? This will allow our Mother a full month of your company after Mary’s departure. Little Cassie celebrates her first birthday on 16th December and it is only fitting that her Godmother should be on hand. It would be hardly proper to send you back to Longbourn before the Christmas festivities, then I feel certain that Jane would wish you to be at The Great House for George’s first birthday on 6th February. After all, your Godmotherly duties extend to him also. Indeed, I do not think Jane and I could bear to part with you before the first of April, a full four months’ absence from Longbourn, during which time our Mother will have become quite used to shifting for herself for entertainment and companionship.
Take heart, my dear Sister, and do not fret that you are the last of the five Bennet girls to be wed. Rather, rejoice that your Sisters are happy, and look forward to the day, whenever that may be (but rest assured that it will be) when your own happiness equals theirs.
Affectionately,
Lizzy
Pemberley
Friday, 22 d November, 1816
Dearest Kitty,
Thank you for the unexpected pleasure of your letter yesterday. As I like unexpected pleasures, it made me very happy. A note arrived from the Norland girls in the same post as yours, asking when you arrive.
Expect a most agreeable letter from me—for not being overburdened with subject (having nothing at all to say) I shall have no check to my genius!
Your account of Mary’s wedding is most strange, though upon reflection, given Mary’s distaste for displays of affection, perhaps it is not quite so odd after all. Nevertheless, one might have expected even Mary to allow herself to step out of character on her wedding day! From what you say, my Father was the most joyful of the wedding party.
Dear Kitty, calm yourself about Mr. Digweed, now your Brother—merely be as civil to him as his bad breath permits and politeness dictates. As for Mary, I fear she will have to take up a new subject for study if she is to run an efficient household. That a maid has already jilted her and hired herself elsewhere is worrisome. Until now, Mary has never had to concern herself with household matters, holding herself aloof from such earthly concerns in her pursuit of higher learning. Moreover, her complaint that as a newly-married woman she is burdened with the infinity of compliments and civilities she must pay and receive is yet another indication of the urgent need for her to study politeness and respect for others as carefully as she would examine one of Mr. Fordyce’s sermons.
The weather has been cold but fine and we hope it will continue dry until you are safely here. We look forward to your arrival here with great
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