Introductions

Introductions

25 July 1812 Lambton, Derbyshire

Dearest Sisters,

Another day… another shock. Who would have thought, based on Mr Darcy’s behaviour in Hertfordshire, that he hails from a madhouse county? He appeared at the inn this morning, but surprisingly, he brought his sister to be introduced to our entire party.

At first, I was astonished, but I now must make a confession. I am perhaps just a bit prejudiced against the gentleman (or a lot); mayhap from that first slight at the assembly these many months past, exacerbated by my presumed reasons for his dragging the Netherfield party away, and then cast in stone by Colonel Fitzwilliam’s revelations in Hunsford.

I assumed he would not wish an association with someone in trade, or more specifically, someone related to our mother; but in retrospect, it is obvious Mr Bingley is from trade, and he is, as the colonel asserted in Rosings, a great friend of Mr Darcy. He even seems to be good enough for Miss Darcy, so I therefore must conclude that I do not know the man at all. What else might I be wrong about?

Miss Darcy is as shy as I previously detailed, but with an effort I managed to engage her in a discussion of music, and she turned out to be a lovely woman after I got her talking. I obviously did not want to mention the debacle at Matlock but told her that both her brother and some other acquaintances had praised her talent, and I would like to hear her play one day. It was a bit forward, but I would so much like to hear her again that I am willing to skirt propriety or suffer embarrassment for the privilege.

She is apparently a vengeful girl, as she then proceeded to shock me into speechlessness, by asserting that her brother claimed a strong enjoyment of my playing. Me! Elizabeth Bennet! I was speechless.

Mr Darcy was obviously just being polite, since I could not even play in the same county as Miss Darcy, but I must confess the praise did warm my heart. While I am confessing my sins, I must own that I gave both brother and sister quite a bright smile in return; although I was then quick to correct Miss Darcy about my actual skill, lest she harbour fanciful expectations.

Our visit was pleasant, and I surprisingly find myself enjoying company with both Darcys. I do not even mind her attachment to Mr Bingley, as I have long believed you deserve better than a man who would quit the county without so much as a by your leave, regardless of what his sister or friends think. Perhaps Mr Darcy did Jane a service? There is a wholly unexpected thought!

The end of the visit brought one more surprise. Miss Darcy, looking for all the world like she was doing something difficult under the watchful eye of her brother, invited us to dine at Pemberley.

I was astonished, but the look on her brother’s face gave credit to the idea that he put her up to it. While I know of few things in life that I anticipate with less pleasure than sharing a few hours with the Bingley sisters, I find myself quite looking forward to it. After all the descriptions of Pemberley we have heard, I would very much like to satisfy my curiosity. The library alone should be worth a few hours with the pernicious sisters, and truth be told both sisters are so dense there is a certain amount of amusement at their expense in saying things they cannot comprehend.

So, we are to Pemberley after all. Uncle is to gird his loins for battle with Mr Darcy’s trout stream, which he asserts is quite overrun so it may not be that much of a battle. Aunt and I are to spend the morning with the ladies and then join the gentlemen for luncheon.

Mr Darcy has a bit of the look of mischief about him, and I should not be surprised if he failed to mention the engagement to the Bingleys. Perhaps Miss Bingley will find our sudden presence so shocking that she will do something completely unexpected, such as be polite! Enough of my flights of fancy! It is one thing to dine at Pemberley, but the latter suggestion is obviously too farfetched for serious consideration.

Sisters, I must let you in on a shocking secret. I find I am looking forward to the excursion. There, I have said it in writing and may not retract it. Despise me if you will.

Your confused sister, Elizabeth