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.
Mary Bennet
August 5, 1811
Dear Diary,
There comes a time in one’s life where being correct is not desirable. Although that satisfaction should make one delight in their own success, it does not.
Lydia eloped. I always knew she was headstrong and ignorant. She has now proved she is also selfish and immoral. She threw her life away and ours as well, and she doesn’t even care. Of that I am certain! She is so wrapped up in her adoration for a worthless man who is only passably attractive that she refuses to acknowledge her sin.
Why does no one listen to me? Why am I always mocked and ridiculed. Do they imagine I do not understand their barbs? Yet, if they had listened and not mocked we might not be in this predicament.
And Kitty knew. She knew and did not tell a soul. But, I cannot blame her entirely. I too have seen the ferocity of Lydia’s temper and know what it is to fear reprisal. Kitty has as sweet a disposition as Jane but is so easily
swayed. She also is predisposed to only see the good in others. We once were the best of friends, before Lydia came along. But, people grow and change, maturing into adulthood. That is, all except for Lydia.
And now we are ruined. Mother’s hysterics, which we once as fodder for our own enjoyment, are now purely factual and we have nothing, not even our charms, to recommend us. A flighty disgraced sister is not a desirable connection. All hope is lost for Jane, and even for Lizzy. I only hope our cousin Collins will have mercy on us as a benevolent minister.
Jane seems to imagine they are off to Gretna to marry. Why would someone who everyone purports to be so charming and handsome (which I once again do not see- his teeth are too big) tie himself to a penniless fool? No, I believe this was just a moment of opportunity for Mr. Wickham, and he will use Lydia until someone better comes along.
I do not mean to sound uncharitable, but men have a multitude of choices compared to women. Why would he settle for someone like her? She is not a desirable spouse. She has no accomplishments at all, does not want children and sees life as one big party for her own pleasure. I truly think that—
I must go. Jane is at my door as it is my turn to sit with Mama. Pray Lydia comes to her senses, that Papa will find them and that they will be made to marry. Otherwise, we will live off the charity of others for the rest of our days. Because I assure you, that my future brother will not have the means to keep five women (six with Mama) clothed and fed in the manner we are accustomed. Goodnight. I pray when I next take up the pen to write, my stupid sister will have been found and our lives will return to normal.
Read all the letters from Confessions & Correspondence here!
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