Page 10 of To Love And To Cherish
“A letter from Mr. Darcy,” Edward said, tapping the envelope with a knowing smile.
Elizabeth, who had just entered with her apron still on from the stillroom, stopped in her tracks.
“May we read it aloud?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Gardiner broke the seal and unfolded the crisp parchment.
September 05, 1805
My dear friends,
We have at last begun our journey in earnest. After travelling overland to Dover, we crossed the Channel without incident and landed safely in Calais. From there, we proceeded to Paris, where we now reside under the supervision of Professor Elliot, whose knowledge and connections in the city have proven invaluable.
Our days are full. We are studying French conversation, fencing, and architecture. We attend a ball each week and are making every effort to absorb the manners of courtly society. Paris dazzles me more than I care to admit. We have toured the Louvre Palace, strolled the Tuileries Garden, and admired the grand façades of the Palais-Royal and Pont Neuf. The splendor is beyond description. Tell Miss Elizabeth that we have also visited a great many museums and libraries, so our time is not spent wholly in frivolity.
If you wish to write, I should be very glad to receive your letters. You may send them to:
Monsieur Fitzwilliam Darcy
en pension chez M. Lefèvre
12 Rue de Richelieu, Paris, France
With my warm regards to you both, and to Miss Elizabeth especially.
Yours,
F. Darcy
Mrs. Gardiner folded the letter slowly.
“He sounds well,” she said with a gentle smile.
Elizabeth nodded, her fingers resting lightly against her lips. “It is strange,” she said softly, “he has been gone but six weeks, yet it feels much longer.” She looked earnestly at her aunt. “Might I write to him, Aunt?”
Madeline studied her face for a moment. “Yes, you may, but tell him in your letter that he is not to write back to you. He may send a letter to our family, as he did today.”
Elizabeth reached up to kiss her. “Thank you, Aunt Maddie.”
The second letter arrived in early November. The days were shorter now, the morning fog heavy over the rooftops, and Elizabeth had taken to walking with her shawl drawn tight about her shoulders.
Once again, they found the letter on the silver tray next to Uncle's plate. Edward opened it immediately.
October 5, 1805
My dear friends,
We have departed Paris several months earlier than planned. Our party felt it wiser to leave the city as tensions on the Continent continue to mount. We now travel along the Rhine valley, making our way toward Geneva. The journey has been long but magnificent, the hills are blanketed with vines, and ancient castles watch over the river like sentinels.
In Geneva, we hope to enjoy the refined urban culture it is so known for.
Tell Miss Elizabeth she would hardly recognize me now, I am so transformed into a polished gentleman, she might not be able to muster the courage to swat me again.
The times grow more and more uncertain. Troop movements have increased. There is word of Austrian positioning near Austerlitz. Though we are safe for now, there is a growing unease.
With sincere affection,
F. Darcy
