Bad News

Today, I received correspondence from my eldest sibling, Jane. One of the letters informed me that my youngest sister, Lydia, has eloped with Mr. Wickham. Knowing Lydia to be rather headstrong and flirtatious, it is not surprising to hear about her elopement. However, Lydia has put herself into one of the most dangerous situations. She is only at the tender age of fifteen, and the Marriage Laws state that “any person under the age of 21, must have the consent of his/her parents or guardians to marry another person, regardless of the situation. The couple must go through the correct marriage ceremony, and under no conditions is to elope.”

My family is very troubled by this news, and have asked for me to return home to Longbourn immediately. I shall take a carriage to the church that the Gardiners’ attend to inform them of my departure. 

Elizabeth