Welcome to our epistolary retelling of Pride & Prejudice! Jane Austen’s original version of the story, First Impression, was told entirely in letters, so it seemed like a great group project. We’ll be posting a new letter every Wednesday.
Elizabeth Bennet
September 30, 18__
Dearest Charlotte,
Forgive the length of time it has taken to reply to your letter. I am sure you are aware of some of the happenings of Longbourn from your mother, but other news may surprise you.
The joyful news first. Jane is engaged to Mr. Bingley. He returned recently for a shooting party with Mr. Darcy and appeared quite flustered yesterday when he arrived at our door unexpectedly. Jane is resplendent with happiness, and so (as you can imagine) is Mama. They are planning the wedding for December, and I have been asked to stand up with her. Jane has also asked me to write and express her hopes you and our cousin can attend.
More joyful news. Lydia and her husband are gone and are most assuredly in the wilds of the North by now. I know I can tell you their presence here was not readily celebrated by any at Longbourn, save my mother. Father remained in his study for almost the entire duration of their visit, inviting my new brother inside his domain only once. The offer was elegantly refused with happiness from both parties.
And now, unexpected news. Nothing to concern yourself with, but I believe after Jane’s wedding I will return to London with my Aunt and Uncle. Aunt Gardiner has written of a dear friend whose husband was killed in Spain who wishes to travel. I plan to put myself forward as her companion so that I can see the world.
There is nothing for me here, Charlotte. My Jane will be married, Lydia is gone and Mama will set her sights on her least favorite daughter and throw her to anyone with a guinea in his pocket. I will not marry Mrs. Long’s widowed brother, no matter how much his gout has subsided. No, there is no one here for me and I would rather take my chances as a companion than a miserable wife.
I know you my dear friend. I can see you shaking your head at my foolishness, wanting a different outcome for my future. Well, I do too but know it can never be. My lot has been cast by my own foolish headstrong ways and there is no turning back now. Someday, when the sting has dissipated, I will tell you a story, and you will allow me to lean on your shoulder and cry as we did when we were younger.
But now, I will push that aside and be glad for both yours and my Jane’s happiness. Because you are both happy and I have grown to understand happiness comes in many forms.
Goodbye, my dear Charlotte. Until (hopefully) Jane’s wedding when I can see you and my cousin.
All my love,
E.B.
Read all the letters from Confessions & Correspondence here!
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