Captain Wentworth's Diary

Sunday 1 January

And so, it is here, the New Year, but whether it will be a year of good or ill, who can say?

Wednesday 4 January

I went round the parish with my brother today. It is a pretty place, and his parishioners are good people. It is no wonder he is so happy. A refined couple by the name of Darnley told us they were making up a party to go for a drive next week, and asked us to join them. We agreed with pleasure. The weather is mild for the time of year, and it is pleasant to be out of doors.

Tuesday 10 January

‘You seem very cheerful today,’ remarked Edward, as we rode out with the Darnleys’ party.

‘Perhaps,’ I said cautiously.

We had fallen a little way behind the others, and were free to talk, though I did not know whether it was a good thing or a bad.

‘Well,’ he said. ‘Are you going to tell me about it?’

‘I have had another letter from Harville,’ I said. ‘He writes to me from time to time.’

‘He is well?’

‘Yes, he and his family are thriving.’

‘And?’

‘And, after he had spoken of his family, he mentioned that Louisa and Benwick seem much taken with each other, and that they spend all day reading poetry together. He made some veiled comments about men protecting their treasures lest they should be stolen, and then he asked me when I would be returning to Lyme.’

‘Ah, I see. He thinks you might be displaced in Louisa’s affections.’

‘Yes.’

‘No wonder you are so cheerful.’

‘And yet I cannot believe it,’ I said, shaking my head. ‘Benwick lost his fiancée less than a year ago, and she was a very superior young woman.’

‘A man does not always want a superior young woman for a wife. Sometimes he wants a sweet disposition and an affectionate nature.’

‘Very true.’

‘And will you be going to Lyme?’

‘No. I have written to Harville and told him that I will not be able to return. I remarked that I was delighted that Louisa was making such good progress, and I was also delighted that Benwick was more cheerful. I went so far as to say it sounded as though they were doing each other good, and that this must surely be something that would please all their friends.’

‘That seems very plain.’

‘As plain as I dared make it, at any rate.’

One of our party turning round and calling to us that moment, we put our horses into a trot and rejoined the main group.

The visit was very enjoyable. The house was fine, the gardens better, and the weather was kind. We have arranged to take another outing in two weeks’ time, and I find I am looking forward to it. It seems that I might soon be free of my restraints and able to live again.

Tuesday 31 January

Sophia and Benjamin have determined to go to Bath, for it is almost certain that he is gouty.

‘I told him he should not drink so much port, but he would not listen,’ said Edward.

‘I would like to see Bath,’ said Eleanor. ‘I have never been.’

‘Then we will go later in the year,’ Edward promised her.

We whiled away the rest of the evening by talking of the gaieties to be had in Bath, and the society to be met with. Edward and I recalled everything we could from our rare visits there, and we entertained Eleanor with talk of the baths, the concerts and the assembly rooms until it was time to retire.