Confessions & Correspondence: Darcy’s London housekeeper writes to Mrs Reynolds

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 Hodges to Mrs Reynolds

Grosvenor Square, London
22 April 1812

My dear Mrs. Reynolds,

I trust this letter finds you in good health, and that all at Pemberley continues in its usual order and comfort. It is some time since I last had the pleasure of writing to you, but a matter has lately arisen which I feel I ought not to delay in communicating, as it concerns our master and his present state of spirits.

You will, I am sure, have observed—as indeed no one who has long known him could fail to do—that Mr. Darcy has not been quite himself since his return from Hertfordshire last autumn. Upon his coming back to town at that time, I could not but remark a degree of distraction and irritability which is wholly unlike his natural temper. Though he has ever been reserved, and not given to unnecessary display, there was then a quickness in his manner—an impatience with even the smallest inconveniences—which rendered him, I fear, less easy in himself, and less indulgent to those about him, than has always been his custom.

It was therefore my earnest hope that his recent visit to Rosings, in company with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, might have proved of service to him. A change of scene, and the society of his relations, seemed likely to restore him to his usual composure; and I confess I looked forward to his return with some confidence that all would again be as it ought.

I am sorry to say that this expectation has not been fulfilled.

Since his return to town, there has been a marked alteration in his manner, and one which gives me greater uneasiness than before. The irritability I had formerly observed is now entirely gone; but it has been succeeded by a gravity so constant, and a dejection so apparent, that I cannot but be seriously concerned for his well-being. He keeps much to himself, seldom quitting his apartments except when necessity requires it, and passes the greater part of the day either locked in his study or alone in his chambers. Even when amongst the servants, his manner is so subdued, and his attention so withdrawn, that one might almost suppose something quite terrible had recently befallen him.

You will readily believe, my dear Mrs. Reynolds, that I do not presume to inquire into what does not concern me; yet it is impossible to witness so great a change in one whom we both esteem, without feeling a degree of anxiety. I cannot conjecture what may have occasioned it, but I am persuaded that something of consequence must have occurred at Rosings to affect him so deeply.

I was, therefore, much gratified to learn that Mr. Darcy has determined upon a journey to Pemberley, and that Miss Darcy is to accompany him thither, together with Mr. Bingley and such of his party as may be disposed to join them. I cannot but hope that the return to his ancestral home, and the advantages of the country air, may prove of the greatest benefit to his spirits. There are few places, I think, in which he appears more at ease than Pemberley; and it is my sincere wish that all he finds there may contribute to his restoration.

At the same time, I felt I should be remiss in my duty, both to him and to you, were I to forbear mentioning the present state of his health and spirits. You have known him from his earliest years, and are, I am well aware, most particularly regarded by him. It has often been observed how readily he attends to your opinion, and how much he values your good judgment. I venture therefore to hope that, should an opportunity present itself, he may be induced to place some confidence in you, and perhaps be prevailed upon to unburden himself of whatever may now oppress him.

Pray forgive the liberty I take in writing thus freely; it proceeds only from a sincere concern for our master’s well-being, and a reliance upon your kindness and discretion.

I must not close without adding that all here continues in proper order. The household is under good regulation, and there is nothing of consequence to report beyond what I have already mentioned in my previous letters.

I shall be obliged by any intelligence you may have the goodness to share when Mr Darcy and his party arrive, and in the meantime remain, with great respect,

Your faithful and obedient servant,
Mrs. Hodges

Read all the letters from Confessions & Correspondence here!