Major

Major

5 September 1814 Pemberley, Derbyshire

Dear Lydia,

I realise it has been two years since we last spoke at your wedding, and I am hoping this letter finds you well and that you are willing to read it instead of casting it in the fire. I must own to having been so angry it was quite impossible to even consider writing to you all this time. However, even my temper has its limits, and it is time I believe for us to get on.

I have heard, most unexpectedly from Colonel Fitzwilliam, that your husband has been fighting in his regiment in Spain this last year. That is the first I have heard of either of you since your wedding, much to my chagrin. Colonel Fitzwilliam also says that he has been serving with distinction. Coming from the Colonel, that is high praise indeed. In fact, they seem to have come to a truce as fighting men are occasionally wont to do in time of war. I would like to follow their example.

So, my dear sister, I would like to make this simple. We have many things to say to one another, but they cannot be said in a letter. They will no doubt be difficult, hurtful, and aggravating; but I hope reconciling as well.

I understand you are with the regiment still in Newcastle, and you have a son around one year old and another child on the way. I should very much like to heal the breach between us, so this is what I will suggest; and my husband agrees.

Fitzwilliam and I would like you to stay with us at Pemberley until your husband returns. I know the two of us may find the exercise vexing and difficult, but I would like to make the effort. At the very least, come here to have your baby. We have an excellent midwife, and you can be assured you will be treated well, and your children will be treated the same as mine.

Lydia, pray let us put the past behind us. Come and make your home here, and all will be well. If you agree, simply reply to this letter and I will come fetch you. I expect my next shall be born about a month after yours, and we shall make a merry pair on our journey back.

You need not fear your husband’s reception when you come back. Fitzwilliam and I are both stubborn and implacable. We have decided to let the past go.

Still your sister, Elizabeth Darcy