To my embarrassment, it became necessary to administer aid to me more than our daughter, but we were all got back to the house in due course, where I was pressed to rest in my chamber while fortifying drinks were brought me. Mrs Darcy was all kindness and did not leave my side until I was more comfortable.

I was deeply anxious about Sarah, but the nursemaids had her dry and warm in a trice, and she seems unharmed in either body and spirit. There is so far no sign of a chill or fever, and she is in fact inclined to paint herself as the heroine of the hour, and her sister (the originator of the accident) as the blackest of villains. I almost feel sorry for Laura, whose habitual boisterousness is subdued, although I have no doubt that this is temporary. Both girls are sleeping now, looking like veritable cherubs: I have been to check several times.

I have of course given fervent thanks to the Almighty for Sarah’s safe deliverance, most especially for the instrument of her rescue, the musician who went to her aid with no thought for his own safety or comfort. My dear William, what a debt we owe this young man! No words, no thanks, no gesture can ever repay his gift to our family, the nobility of his deed in saving us from unimaginable anguish.

He has been a most pleasing companion and adjunct to our visit here, lending cheer not only to Mrs Darcy and myself, always amenable to joining us when we grow tired of women’s chat and require our small circle widened, but also a great favourite with the girls, to whom he is giving some lessons in singing and musicality. Now of course he leaps even higher in my estimation, as high indeed as the firmament of angels.

I beg you to join me in prayers of thanksgiving for his selfless intervention, and in wishing every blessing upon him. I shall never cease thanking him for the gift he has bestowed on us: the safety of our daughter.

Charlotte paused, and reread what she had written. She considered the letters her husband sent her once a week, in which domestic duty and fondness were equally mixed. Fairly brief, considering his volubility in speech, they rehearsed the essence of his sermon that Sunday, repeated Lady Catherine’s glosses, gave an account of the loaves distributed for poor relief, and enumerated the nettles and sow-thistles he was clearing from the garden beds, or the palings he and Mr Brown had replaced where the cows had trampled them down. They always ended with sincere professions of affection for her and their daughters.