“This news gives me cause for concern, indeed. My aunt does not communicate any details about the scheme or the gentleman she is to marry, but if the speculative is an alternative to the coal-gas, she is unlikely to receive any return from her investment—profit or otherwise. I shall write to her at once and attempt to dissuade her from taking any further part in the idea. Her decision to marry is beyond my influence, and so in her personal fortune I must wish her happy.” Though he could not in general abide folly in others, Darcy felt certain that someone had imposed most dreadfully upon his aunt, and Elizabeth was surprised to feel that her own reaction was something closer to pity than diversion, even though her own existence had been omitted from the letter entirely.

“I believe I have heard of the name Sir William Elliot once before, but I do not remember the particulars.” Elizabeth tried to recollect the memory, but could only remember its origin. “He was mentioned, I am sure, by Anne Wentworth. Sir William is, I believe, a relation of hers, for her elder sister, whom we did not meet, is unmarried and is a Miss Elliot. Shall I write to Mrs. Wentworth about Sir William? I am almost certain that she spoke of him with disapprobation from some cause or another, but did not inform me as to the reasons for her opinion—or perhaps I do not recollect. We are friends enough that I am sure she will not consider my enquiry as impertinent. I shall write the letter at once, if you wish, and we may safely rely upon the veracity of her response.”

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy both engaged in the important business of letter-writing, the morning passed quickly, and it was soon time for the family to make ready for their onward journey over the Alps. Mr. Darcy made use of some of the time spent waiting for their baggage to be secured and horses made ready to write to the Bingleys.

8th June
Geneva, Switzerland

DEAR CHARLES AND JANE,

As you did me the honour of particularly mentioning that an occasional letter by my hand would be agreeable, I am in hopes that you will accept my letter in lieu of Elizabeth’s this week. We were delighted to receive your letter upon our reaching Geneva, and are thankful for the blessings of a safe delivery, and that your little girl does well. Georgiana desires me to say that she is honoured to be named her god-mother, and that she would be gratified, indeed, to make over her own christening gown, if you would be so good as to instruct Mrs. Reynolds to remove it from the chest in her apartment and have it made ready. We plan to be home sometime in late October, and would certainly wish to be there with you and Bingley, but we also understand delay in such matters is undesirable.