I know you are wild with curiosity so I will put your mind at ease. I am well. My husband is very well, too, and very kind to me. Do not worry for me, dearest. Mr. Darcy is very gentle and attentive and I have great hopes for my felicity in this marriage. It is still all very new and strange, and I suspect it will take me some months to become accustomed to living with a man such as he, but it is not overtaxing and I find myself enjoying his quiet company and wry humor. We are proving good companions and I can’t help but think that bodes well for the future.

I wish I could have met your friend Mrs. Pearson before we leave for The Lakes, and especially her brother Mr. Walker. I could not visit anyone the day after my wedding, but believe me I very much wished I could—if it had been another day, of course.

I was glad to hear you enjoyed visiting them before you returned to the seaside. She sounds a very kind friend and Mr. Walker an amiable man. Are you still confused there, dearest? Do you know what you will say should he offer his proposals? Know that I am with you in spirit if not in body and that you are welcome to join us wherever we are if you find yourself in need of respite.

Where is Mr. Pearson’s estate? If it is not too far from Derbyshire perhaps you could see your friend when you visit me—but of course I am getting ahead of myself. We have not even settled the dates for your visit and I am already planning your life! Forgive me, dear sister.

I am wild to know what Mr. Bingley means by saying he will go to Margate. Shall you choose him, then? Oh, dear sister, what a choice you have before you! Only you would have two amiable, handsome, wealthy men chasing after you. Perhaps it is as Mama has always said. You could not be so beautiful for nothing!

I can hear your voice in my mind telling me to stop teasing you, so I will desist now. Take care of your heart, Jane. I will support you no matter your choice.

We leave for The Lakes tomorrow and I am all excitement to see them, though I confess to some nervousness over the journey itself. I will be in a confined carriage with Mr. Darcy for days. Do join me in praying my tongue does not run away with me. It would be awful indeed to be trapped with an angry Mr. Darcy for so many days at once.