Anne pens a sweet note to her cousin (while her mum is out!)
November 9, 1812
To Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley
Sent on Behalf of Anne de Bourgh of Rosings by Mrs. Jenkinson
My Dear Cousin,
I have but a moment alone whilst my mother is attending to a number of decorative details at the parsonage — you know how keenly she wishes to be of service to Mr. and Mrs. Collins — so I must endeavor to keep this note brief.
This morning, I happened upon my mother’s letter to you in response to your kind wedding invitation. Indeed, she shared with me several passages from it and seemed, at times, rather feverish as she read it aloud. Although she may have presented to you my opinion on your upcoming nuptials in a somewhat different manner from what I, in fact, stated to her in private, I did want to assure you personally that I wish you and your bride the very best as you begin your life together.
Having had the pleasure of Miss Eliza Bennet’s lively company at multiple dinners during her visits to Rosings, I could see clearly the attention the two of you paid to one another. Certainly, it was apparent to me (and, I dare say, even to my mother…) that your interest in her was of a deep and long-lasting nature. I was pleased to learn that Miss Bennet shared your affections. My only regret now is that I will not be able to make the journey to watch your exchange of vows from the nearest pew.
May the two of you pass many wonderful years together at Pemberley. I dearly hope to be able to congratulate you both in person before too long.
Fondly,
Anne de Bourgh
6 comments
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Now I do wonder, HOW did Lady Catherine tell Anne? That must have been a scene
I’m happy that Anne managed to send her own actual feelings to Darcy about his wedding, rather than her mother projecting her own anger onto her daughter.
Very beautifully done. I can see the Ann I always thought was there under her mother’s dominance
Anne is that quiet person in the corner at any party, and we all forget is there. She is very observant and sees things that most of us miss. A good person to have in your corner. We all think that she is ruled by her mother, but she allows it, so except for a crazy mother, who she manages quite well btw, she is a pretty smart. Nice one! Thanks Marilyn!
It certainly would not be easy to have a mother like Lady C. this was an elegant letter to her cousin. In filmed adaptations of the novel, Anne was shown to be at Darcy’s wedding. Not sure if she was able to be a “third wheel” with the Colonel and Georgianna.
Lovely