Amanda Grange: Dear Mr. Darcy: A Retelling of Pride and Prejudice

Your loving sister,

Caroline

P.S. Thank you for the satin; it arrived this morning.

Mr Charles Bingley to Miss Caroline Bingley

London, July 18

Yes, Caroline, I mean Mr Darcy, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley . Tell me, are we always to write of him in italics? If so, I must buy some new pens, for it is playing havoc with my nib. As for inviting you to town, it would do no good, for Darcy has returned to Pemberley and he means to remain there for the summer.

I am glad the satin arrived.

Your loving brother,

Charles

Mr Frederick Bingley to Mr Charles Bingley

Yorkshire, July 20

Well, my boy, you weren’t expecting another letter so soon, I’ll be bound, but your ma’s been pestering me to tell you to help your sisters and introduce them to some fine gentlemen. I believe we were a lot happier before all this tomfoolery, but your ma said as how we must have it now that the shop is doing well. She’s got me dressed up in a cravat and a tailcoat and I can’t get comfortable in ’em. Caroline and Louisa are spoilt by their schooling and they don’t want to have anything to do with the local lads. There’s my clerk, now, he’s been sweet on Caroline for years, but she must have a fine house and a carriage and all manner of things, and where is a lad like that to get ’em? I said as much to your ma, but your ma mistook my meaning and said, ‘Then Charles must find our Caroline someone who can. This Mr Darcy’s left town but there are plenty of other fine gentlemen to be had.’

She says I’m to ask you to invite Caroline and Louisa to stay, but don’t do it if you don’t want to, my boy.

Your proud Pa

Mrs Bingley to Mr Charles Bingley

Yorkshire, July 20

Now don’t you go listening to your pa, Charles, of course you’ll have your sisters to stay. They’ll be setting off tomorrow so you can expect them on Thursday.

Your doting Ma

Mr Darcy to Mr Bingley

Pemberley, Derbyshire, July 23

I was glad to hear you had been accepted at White’s. I am sure you will find it useful to have a club in town. White’s is the best, and of course St. James’s Street is a convenient location. If you will allow me, I will give you a word or two of advice. Avoid the seats in the bow window as they are jealously guarded by those who set value on such things. Avoid, too, the betting book. You will find men there who will try to entice you into betting on any trivial thing, such as which raindrop will reach the bottom of the window first, but you should ignore their blandishments. They will soon realise you mean what you say if you hold true to your resolve, and then they will not trouble you anymore. If you have any difficulties of any kind, just mention my name. And a final word: business is never spoken of at the club.

The weather here is very good. Would you care to join me at Pemberley? The countryside is very fine and you would be welcome to spend the rest of summer with Georgiana and myself. You will not lack for other company, as we are hosting a house party here. You will meet some of your old schoolfellows, as well as two of my cousins, and I am persuaded you will enjoy yourself.

Yours,

Darcy

Mr Bingley to Mr Darcy

London, July 25

My dear Darcy,

Upon my word, it is very good of you to invite me, I would like nothing better than to come and stay with you. I have heard a lot about Pemberley and I would like to see it. I have never seen Derbyshire, either, and I am already looking forward to it. My sisters are with me at present, but they will be returning to Yorkshire on Wednesday and then I will be happy to join you in Derbyshire.

Sincerely yours,

Bingley

Mr Darcy to Mr Bingley

Pemberley, Derbyshire, July 27

Good, then it is settled. Since your sisters must pass through Derbyshire on their way up to Yorkshire, I suggest they join us at Pemberley for a sennight to break their journey. They will be most welcome. There are plenty of good walks about, and there is good riding, too. I can supply them both with horses if they are horsewomen; if not, they will find plenty to do in the house and gardens. My sister has a pianoforte and a harp, and she often sketches and paints out of doors. Though some years younger than your sisters, she is looking forward to welcoming them, as I am. Mrs Reynolds has prepared rooms for you all and we will expect you later this week.

Yours,

Darcy

Miss Caroline Bingley to Mrs Bingley

London, July 28

Mama,

Louisa and I are going to Pemberley! Pemberley! One of the finest estates in England. How green all my friends will be. I am sure Miss Darcy will be just as delightful as her brother. She is some years younger than Mr Darcy, Charles says, but so much the better. Louisa and I are sure we will dote on her. She plays the pianoforte and the harp, which means we will have plenty of opportunities to play duets with her and sing whilst she plays; and of course we will play whilst she sings, too. How wonderful it will be, spending the summer in Derbyshire! The invitation is only for a sennight, but you must not expect us back in Yorkshire very soon, for I am sure we can make ourselves indispensable to Mr Darcy and his sister and then they will both be begging us to stay.

By the bye, we have been shopping, as you might imagine, for we are both determined to look our best. Just think, by this time next year I might be Mrs Darcy, and you might be visiting me at Pemberley. I will be sure to write to you often and let you know all about it.

Your dutiful daughter,

Caroline

Mrs Bingley to Miss Caroline Bingley

Yorkshire, July 30

My dear girl,

I knew that all that schooling would pay off in the end. I told your pa so, but would he listen? Not he! I had to put my foot down sharp and make him send you to the seminary, and see where it’s taken us! Now, don’t you stint at the dressmakers’; you need plenty of finery to keep up with all the lords and ladies. I’m not going to have them saying as how you look like you came from trade; and no need to mention it—these grand folks look down on things like that. I’m sure you’re just as good as any of them, and if you don’t catch yourself a rich husband, then my name’s not Bingley. Everyone says how you’re the most accomplished girl they’ve ever seen, with your French and your Italian and your goodness knows what. And elegant! The neighbourhood’s never seen anything like it. You can walk the length and breadth of a room with a book on your head, and I’ve never seen anyone do anything like that in my life. You make the most of your chances, my girl. Catch this Mr Darcy and then invite your old ma to Pemberley. What times we’ll have! And don’t you go counting the cost! Buy all the latest fashions and folderols and send the bills to your pa.

Your doting Ma

Miss Louisa Bingley to Mrs Bingley

London, July 31

Mama,

Will you speak to Caroline most seriously? She keeps saying that I must not try to attract Mr Darcy’s attention, nor engage his affections, when we go to Pemberley. She says that she is destined for Mr Darcy, she feels it most strongly, but this is absurd, she has never even met him. I am the eldest and I am the one with the strongest claim and I am sure I do not know why I should neglect a chance of fixing Mr Darcy. From what Charles says he is very rich and very handsome. Caroline will keep saying that I am as good as engaged to Mr Hurst, but Mr Hurst has not yet proposed, and he is so indolent that he might never summon up the energy to do so.