Interlude: So Fancy-Free
Nr 12, Berkeley Sqr
London
August 23, 18__
My Dear Sister,
Greetings from London. I hope that the beauties of the summer continue at Pemberley, for here it is as hot and humid as the tropics, but instead of “the spiced Indian air,” we are met each morning with the scents of soot and decay. (Lest I make the city seem too unappealing, I will tell you that as I sit here writing you, a nightingale is serenading the square. Its song stills my troubled mind.)
My wife tells me that, in addition to her sister Miss Catherine, you have been enjoying the company of our good friend Miss Coverly, which pleases me enormously. You know that I believe Thomasina to be an intelligent, caring young woman, and I have always been pleased to see your friendship grow. And Kitty is
