George Wickham writes…
Friends, earlier this year, I offered the benefit of my experience as a gentleman who has seen much of the world, both good and bad. There is little I enjoy more than being of service, and I am delighted to have received missives from a number of correspondents seeking advice and direction in their life. I shall do my best to show them the way.
I have received a note from a man who signs himself as Willoughby. This is a pseudonym, I am sure, but I can but hope that the mysterious Willoughby finds something to muse upon in my reply.
As ever, should you have a query that I might advise on, do not hesitate to comment below.
Read on…
The estimable Willoughby asks…
Dear Mr Wickham,
I have heard it said, once or twice, that you and I have a great deal in common.
I for one cannot see the resemblance. Can you?
-Willoughby
Mr Wickham replies…
My dear Willoughby,
Now, this is a pretty question.
I have made some enquiries into your character, my friend, and I am bound to say – not without a wince – that there are occasional parallels in our conduct, it might seem. For we have both loved often and not always wisely, and we have both, I am sure, been the life of the party in our time. And we do share a love of the fashionable life – two fellows about town, if you will!
It astounds me that we have yet to encounter one another for surely we must have frequented similar places? I would suggest we partake of a brandy or several but if we are so alike, such a meeting is liable to end up in brotherhood or on the field of honour, not to mention one of the most hotly-contested card tables in town.
Learn well from the situation in which you have found yourself for this is nothing that one cannot turn to one’s advantage and London is a city filled with distractions. A home and hearth is merely a starting point and you have ably achieved both – now sir, it is time to count not your woes but your blessings. Throw on your finery, call for the coachman and away to enjoy all that London can offer!
Yours &c.
GW
2 comments
I do hope sir, that you are only referring to the theatre or possibly White’s. I cannot imagine you endorsing a liaison with a courtesan or widow… I imagine Mrs. Wickham would be greatly disappointed in you if you had!
But of course, dear lady!