Confessions and Correspondence: Mrs. Jenkinson Suspects

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. 

Mrs. Matilda Jenkinson

April 8, 1811

Mrs. Matilda Jenkinson peeked in on her charge who was quietly reading before walking to her ‘sitting room’ closing the door behind her and picking up the nub of her quill.

It had been a tiring day for both her and the young Miss. Not due to any illness or overexertion. No, but because Mr. Darcy was visiting.

She smiled at the disregard the gentleman showed to her charge and was grateful for his aloofness. Not because Matilda wanted the girl to be unhappy. Quite the contrary. She had helped raise Miss de Bourgh, and loved her fiercely. No, it was because the young Miss had no interest in her cousin, and her mother’s plans would be thwarted after all. That alone made Mrs. Jenkinson heart sing with happiness. She could not wait to put pen to paper and inform her sister Hazel of the goings on at Rosings Park.

My Dear Hazel,

I hope this letter finds you well. It is unusually warm in Kent for April but I can’t complain. Well, I can, but no one would hear me over the grand Lady’s noise, so I won’t waste my breath.

How is Young Samuel?  Have you heard from him since he landed in Portugal? Don’t worry, dear sister. He will be well, and if he isn’t I will only blame myself for saving my pay all those years to help buy his commission. He is a smart lad, always has been and will get himself out of any trouble.

I could spend more time being long winded, but something of a most interesting nature is happening right under the nose of the most esteemed Lady. Mr. D is visiting Rosings with his cousin Colonel F. That in itself is nothing out of the ordinary. As you know, they visit every year…but this year the parson is married. You remember I told you about him?  Fat sweaty man who thinks he is smarter than he is? Well, somehow, he convinced a lady to marry him. And she’s a real prize, she is. But that is not the interesting one. No, it’s her friend. Miss B.

Why is that interesting?  Because Mr. D is in love with Miss B!  Nothing has been declared, and I’m sure the old crow can’t see what’s in front of her, but I can and so can the young Miss. She is so happy that his eye has been caught by someone else, when we retire to our room at night, she does a little dance and sings, “Now I will never have to marry him!  God bless Miss B!”

How do we know he’s in love with her?  Well, we’re not blind, even though everyone else in this house seems to be!  But, funny thing is, Miss B doesn’t seem to like him. She is so sarcastical to him and teases him mercilessly. Mind you, not the type of teasing Morwena gave to Young Sam before they were betrothed; she never blushes when he speaks or gazes at him. No, she looks at Mr. D as if he’s the stupidest man in the world. And that’s saying much because that Parson is in the room!

I don’t know what will become of Mr. D. and Miss B. but I do know that him showing preference for her has emboldened my young mistress. She told me last night that if her mother forces him to ask her, she will say no!  She even said she will send her mother to the dower house if she tries to force his hand!

Now, you and I both don’t believe that. We know how brave my girl feels when it’s late at night and no one is around to oppose her. But, I do hope she can keep that opinion. She will need to be strong if and when Mr. D. chooses to marry someone else and her mother comes down like a tornado on this house. I hope my young miss can find someone to love. She might be quiet and a little plain but she truly has a heart of gold.

Well, I must be off. My young mistress is calling for me to join her for tea. Give my best to Big Samuel and the girls.

All my love,

Matilda

P.S. I just had a thought…my young Miss has been paying an awful lot of attention to her cousin Colonel F. I wonder if anything could develop?

Read all the letters from Confessions & Correspondence here!