Dearest readers,
Well now, here’s a pretty thing for a soldier with no ambitions beyond the defence of the realm and the happiness of my good lady. Yesterday I was merely George Wickham, soldier, husband, friend and occasional rogue and today I am here talking to you, the people who know me only through the unforgiving pen of Miss Jane Austen.
It appears that the release of my papers, edited by my archivist, Catherine Curzon, have caused something of a stir with readers. Happily, Mrs Curzon and I have been invited to become a regular fixture here in the august surrounds of Austen Variations, and we were most pleased to accept this generous invitation.
It is my pleasure to speak to you directly and, each months, I shall share a little of my life or perhaps my musings on events of a historic or more general nature, we shall see where things take us. I shall also happily take questions from readers on any matter that may concern them, and answer them each month in my new “Ask George” column each month. Should you (or, indeed, a character you favour) have a question for me, do leave it in the comments below and I shall reply next month here on my rather unorthodox parchment.
Today, however, I shall leave you with this small snipping of news that caught my eye this week. I have been singularly blessed by Aphrodite, and she has sent to earth her likeness in the beauty, wisdom and humour of my wife, Mrs Lydia Wickham. That dear lady is unlike any other and more precious to me than any treasure; indeed, though military matters might keep us apart, I can rest easy in my rude bivouac in the knowledge that Mrs Wickham is well cared for by her milliner and salon ladies.
Spare a thought, then, for those who have not been blessed by Venus or perhaps, have been blessed on a few too many occasions. A gentleman, for instance, like the mysterious Mr London who made the pages of the Portsmouth Telegraph or Mottley’s Naval and Military Journal, on 5th May 1800. He was infamous not because he did not love his wife, but because he loved rather too many of them.
So, dear reader, I must bid you adieu. Do share your favourite tales of matrimony in the comments and, should you have any questions to address to me, leave them in the comments too. I look forward to getting to know you!
Yours &c.
George Wickham
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Dear Mr. Wickham,
or may I call you George? I feel sure you are not a man to stand on his dignity despite, obviously, being an officer and a gentleman. Your tender feelings for the lovely Mrs. Wickham do you very great credit, and how wonderful to hear that she is a woman like no other. Sorry – lady. And how very inspiring it is to infer that you think the bigamist’s 3 wives should be locked up with him in solitary confinement (punishment indeed) – even if they knew nothing about each other’s existence. Such a prospect should certainly deter any future bigamists! One question, though, George … do you think your military bivouac might be planted in the swamps of Aldershot any time in the near future? Because that is where I live (though not in the swamp), and I would be enchanted to meet you and offer you hospitality. I run a little card game on Friday nights …
My dearest madam, I must confess that Aldershot is not unfamiliar to me; Friday night, you say?
Indeed, George. Faro is the game, and ‘Pharoah’ is the name (password – and knock three times). I look forward to welcoming you on Friday.
Dear Sir,
I see congratulations are in order for your entry into this esteemed assembly of Austen Variations. I, for one, look forward to your archivist, Ms. Curzon’s knowledge and further incite into your life.
I must say, you have become quite eloquent in your praise of your dear Mrs. Wickham. Such a departure from the other day. However, I am glad you will be visiting on a monthly basis and providing us a forum for asking you questions.
Speaking of milliners, how many bonnets does Mrs. Wickham own? I know this seems a frivolous type of question, but you keep bringing them up!
Until next time…
My dear madam,
My thanks to you for your generous congratulations. I am but a simple man and listened well to your guidance regarding my dearest Mrs Wickham; I trust I have righted that wrong.
I shall conduct an audit of Mrs Wickham’s millinery forthwith and return with the answer next month – it may indeed take some time to finalise the figures.
My best wishes
GW
Dear Sir, is there a particular day of the month that you will be appearing regularly?
Indeed madam, I shall be here on the third Tuesday of each month with a smile and wink!