Free Imperative: Volume 1, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wells

take it there?”
    “Oh no, I can carry it in my reticule.”  She opened her bag.  “What is the postage?”
    “Seventeen pence, Miss.” 
    “Well, there goes my ribbon money.”  Elizabeth smiled and handing over the payment, took the letter in return.  Mr. Collins leaned over her shoulder. 
    “Forgive me for not paying; a reverend’s earnings are so low. . .”
    “What a shame to know that you cannot afford postage, what will your future bride think?”  Elizabeth moved away from him when his eyes widened. 
    Jane shook her head.  “Who is it from, Lizzy?”
    “That is a man’s handwriting.”  Collins accused and looked at Elizabeth disapprovingly.  “A gentleman writes to you?” 
    “Perhaps it is our uncle inviting you for a visit.”  Jane said with a smile.
    “Oh, well, family.”  He sniffed.  “That is fine.”
    “What business is it of his?”  Elizabeth said under her breath.  “I wish that Papa would let us talk about the engagement.  Mama is going to burst!”
    “He said it is not official outside of Longbourn until he sees the settlement.”  Jane whispered back.
    “I have never heard of such a thing, have you?  Especially with us marrying so quickly, should we not make the announcement sooner than a week before the ceremony?  It should be in the papers today if not tomorrow.  What will Papa say when people see it?  I cannot imagine what he said to Lydia and Kitty to keep them quiet, he must have bribed them to silence!”  They startled when Mr. Collins tried to insinuate himself between them.
    “Open it Lizzy!”  Kitty cried.  “What does it say?”
    “It is just Uncle Gardiner, what does it matter?”  Lydia sniffed and joined Kitty at Elizabeth’s side, trying to peek at the letter.
    “I will not open it in the road; it can wait until we return home.”  Elizabeth held the letter to her chest until her sisters gave up their circling, then at last took a good look at the direction.  Drawing in a sharp breath, she noted that it was written in a hand she had observed while staying at Netherfield and turned it over to find the impression of a coat of arms in the wax seal. 
    “Who is it from?”  Jane whispered.
    “Mr. Darcy.  He said that he would write to me.”  Raising her voice, she shooed everyone on.  “Go on, we do not wish to be gone all day.”  The group began walking again.  Elizabeth continued to clutch the letter; unable to put it away, and at last breaking the seal, immediately blushed.
    “Lizzy?”
    “Shh.”  She glanced at Mr. Collins and moving behind Jane, started reading.
     
    18 November 1811
    Darcy House
    London
     
    Dearest Elizabeth,
     
    She closed her eyes.  “Dearest?  Am I truly dear to you? How blind have I been?”
     
    This morning I visited my solicitor and together we worked out the terms of your settlement.  I hope that you are pleased with the result.  I did my best to assure your care and comfort as befits the Mistress of Pemberley and although your lack of dowry might prove unworkable with another suitor, I have the resources available to provide for you and our children, should they come one day.  I hope that you share my anticipation to hear our home filled with the sound of children’s voices.
     
    Unable to help herself, she laughed.  “How do you manage to be both insulting and endearing in such a short space, sir?  I see my first task is to teach you to tame your tongue, or in this case, your pen.”
     
    I have sent notices to all of the papers of our engagement, and have written to my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.  My cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, I happened to find ensconced in my library upon my arrival, rather comfortably might I add, and I was able to inform him of our plans in person.  He expressed great surprise at the speed of our agreement, and also that he anticipates meeting the woman who at last won my favour.
     
    Elizabeth read the paragraph again.  “So your cousin is