[This note was scribbled on the back of the papers published in chapter 3. It appears that GW was concerned about some of the revelations contained therein and wished his editor to exercise discretion. As always, the project page can be found on Facebook. Previous chapters can be found here.]
My dear sir,
Well, that was a night and a half, was it not? I do not think I shall need another drink until Michaelmas! Of course, one might make an exception for a good claret, or a fine brandy or even another taste of that ale, though I hesitate to imagine what was in that heady brew… &c &c (and brandy, and claret and on we go)…
One can always make an exception for the right cellar, after all!
I have much to say on the matter of Nunzia and I understand your good lady and my own are due to enjoy the delights of Drury Lane this coming week. Might I rely on your discretion in this particular matter though, as there are still one or two revelations of my sainted grandmother’s life that I have yet to share with Mrs Wickham.
Now, you know me better than most and you can attest that I am an honest fellow, a gentleman who holds his honour more important than anything, and I should like to sit Mrs Wickham down and read the pages to her myself. I know too well that some of the contents can be misinterpreted, and my life has suffered with quite enough misinterpretation over the years, as you and I are both aware!
I ask only that you appraise your own charming wife of the circumstance and ask that she not discuss the matter of Nunzia’s early escapades with Mrs Wickham. Believe me when I say that it is better for all concerned if she hears of the foundling once she has a new bonnet safe atop her pretty head – such is the way of the woman, eh?
Now, onto happier matters – Newmarket, 15th? I have a fine piece of horseflesh running, and finer still the company who shall be on my arm!
Yours &c
GW
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Sir, you claim to “hold your honour more important than anything”…what about your marriage vows? It certainly doesn’t sound like you are bringing your wife to Newmarket on the 15th! Not that I am disparaging Mrs. Wickham…
Madam, that is a slight on my dearest Lydia. Indeed, who knows what other females the Wickham family might contain, each a candidate to enjoy the fine sights offered by Newmarket!
It would serve him right if the recipient of the letter did not mention Nunzia’s story – but did mention the fine company who would be on Wickham’s arm at Newmarket. Just saying…
Happily, that did not happen on this occasion. And I made rather a killing on the flats too!
Sir here you say you are honest and a gentleman. What about your falsehoods about Mr. Darcy? As for being a genleman, what gentleman would run off with a 15 year old girl? Just wondering.
Must a man be forever judged by the impetuous decisions of his feckless youth? There has been much, much more to my life than Mr Darcy.
Dear Mr. Wickham, your tongue runs even faster than your horseflesh. Would it not better serve to enter that at Newmarket?
I believe I would win every time!
No doubt. Should you fall in horse muck, you’d come up smelling of roses.
Methinks some comments indicate a lack of respect towards you, sir…could I be in error? NO, I think not.
I must agree; happily, my skin is as thick as our dear Prinny’s head!