blameless.
The outcome of the sorry affair was that, through Mr. Tarnlow, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy shared the expense of settling all outstanding bills and debts, saving Mr. Wickham not only from debtors’ prison, but also from the embarrassment of losing his commission. There was, however, a proviso in the agreement which Mr. Wickham was required to sign: that henceforth his pay and any other income will be sent directly to Mr. Tarnlow, from which Mr. T. will settle their bills, pay their rent and send them a small spending allowance sufficient for their daily needs. Wickham has also undertaken not to borrow money. Should it be discovered that debts have been incurred of which Mr. Tarnlow was not apprised and which he feels are unwarranted, the Colonel of W.’s regiment will be immediately notified and may take whatever steps he feels necessary to safeguard the honour of the regiment. Wickham’s Colonel has been made fully aware of these arrangements and of the circumstances which led to them. It is further stipulated that this is the last time either Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley will come to his aid.
Oh, Charlotte, how thankful I am that they yet have no Children, innocents who would surely suffer from the selfish acts of their Parents! When Lydia was here following Annie’s birth, I distinctly recall her saying, “Thank goodness we have not yet been blessed with Children. We are having so much fun that we should have no time for them if we did.”
We must now pray that in coming so close to the misery of a debtors’ prison, they have seen the inevitable consequences of continuing to live their previous, foolish lives and will mend their ways. I wish I could believe it.
How time flies—your Robert William three; little Catherine Maria a year old already, Annie two last month, and Cassie seven months. Lest I forget: as promised, I have written Aunt Gardiner that you would be much obliged for the pattern of the jacket and trousers, or whatever it is, that boys wear when they are first put into breeches. I have asked that she send it to you directly. I suppose that since Lady C. had no boys, this is a subject upon which she has no valuable advice to share?
As ever, my dear Friend,
E.D.
Pemberley
Monday, 16 th September, 1816
My dear Jane,
Pray, sit down. You will hardly believe what I am about to relate. Indeed, I can scarce believe it myself. Where to begin? Now, do not alarm yourself; there is no bad news. Not at all. No, no, it is good news, but of such a surprising nature that I am still recovering from the shock of it all. Such a to-do!
Forgive me, I am flustered and not in a proper state of mind. So, let me just state simply (for you would never guess)—our Sister, Mary, is engaged to be married! Her betrothed is a Mr. Dudley Digweed, a clerk in Uncle Philips’ law office in Meryton, with “excellent prospects,” she writes. (Mr. Digweed’s prospects will surely improve even further and faster with this alliance to his employer’s family? Of course, I do not mean to suggest that his reasons for marrying Mary are purely practical in nature, so do not trouble yourself to scold me.)
Regrettably, Mary writes little more about Mr. Digweed than I have already related—no mention of his age, height, looks, character, income—merely adding that he shares her interest in music, and understands and respects the importance of her studies, which he insists she must continue after they are wed. I dare say we must be patient and hope that Kitty will furnish the particulars. However, I think we may safely assume that the Gentleman, as well as musical and studious in character, is also impetuous and thrifty , for Mary writes that a short engagement is planned (the banns are to be read next month). A wedding journey following the ceremony is not foreseen, and the wedding itself will be as simple as possible. Further, excessive frivolous expenditure is to be avoided at all costs. (This last direction must have pleased
The outcome of the sorry affair was that, through Mr. Tarnlow, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy shared the expense of settling all outstanding bills and debts, saving Mr. Wickham not only from debtors’ prison, but also from the embarrassment of losing his commission. There was, however, a proviso in the agreement which Mr. Wickham was required to sign: that henceforth his pay and any other income will be sent directly to Mr. Tarnlow, from which Mr. T. will settle their bills, pay their rent and send them a small spending allowance sufficient for their daily needs. Wickham has also undertaken not to borrow money. Should it be discovered that debts have been incurred of which Mr. Tarnlow was not apprised and which he feels are unwarranted, the Colonel of W.’s regiment will be immediately notified and may take whatever steps he feels necessary to safeguard the honour of the regiment. Wickham’s Colonel has been made fully aware of these arrangements and of the circumstances which led to them. It is further stipulated that this is the last time either Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley will come to his aid.
Oh, Charlotte, how thankful I am that they yet have no Children, innocents who would surely suffer from the selfish acts of their Parents! When Lydia was here following Annie’s birth, I distinctly recall her saying, “Thank goodness we have not yet been blessed with Children. We are having so much fun that we should have no time for them if we did.”
We must now pray that in coming so close to the misery of a debtors’ prison, they have seen the inevitable consequences of continuing to live their previous, foolish lives and will mend their ways. I wish I could believe it.
How time flies—your Robert William three; little Catherine Maria a year old already, Annie two last month, and Cassie seven months. Lest I forget: as promised, I have written Aunt Gardiner that you would be much obliged for the pattern of the jacket and trousers, or whatever it is, that boys wear when they are first put into breeches. I have asked that she send it to you directly. I suppose that since Lady C. had no boys, this is a subject upon which she has no valuable advice to share?
As ever, my dear Friend,
E.D.
Pemberley
Monday, 16 th September, 1816
My dear Jane,
Pray, sit down. You will hardly believe what I am about to relate. Indeed, I can scarce believe it myself. Where to begin? Now, do not alarm yourself; there is no bad news. Not at all. No, no, it is good news, but of such a surprising nature that I am still recovering from the shock of it all. Such a to-do!
Forgive me, I am flustered and not in a proper state of mind. So, let me just state simply (for you would never guess)—our Sister, Mary, is engaged to be married! Her betrothed is a Mr. Dudley Digweed, a clerk in Uncle Philips’ law office in Meryton, with “excellent prospects,” she writes. (Mr. Digweed’s prospects will surely improve even further and faster with this alliance to his employer’s family? Of course, I do not mean to suggest that his reasons for marrying Mary are purely practical in nature, so do not trouble yourself to scold me.)
Regrettably, Mary writes little more about Mr. Digweed than I have already related—no mention of his age, height, looks, character, income—merely adding that he shares her interest in music, and understands and respects the importance of her studies, which he insists she must continue after they are wed. I dare say we must be patient and hope that Kitty will furnish the particulars. However, I think we may safely assume that the Gentleman, as well as musical and studious in character, is also impetuous and thrifty , for Mary writes that a short engagement is planned (the banns are to be read next month). A wedding journey following the ceremony is not foreseen, and the wedding itself will be as simple as possible. Further, excessive frivolous expenditure is to be avoided at all costs. (This last direction must have pleased
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