Page 26 of Besotted: Letters Between Lovers
Your wife,
Elizabeth
6 September, 1844
Venice, Italy
My Dear Elizabeth,
Today I am sixty years of age and I as I look back on my life, I can only smile and think how very lucky I have been. I have a wonderful family, and we are blessed to all be in good health (I can hear you now saying we are also in good looks, and sending a saucy wink my way). The children are happy and settled, and Pemberley does as well as ever. Bennet is becoming the master I did not have the opportunity to be, for he has not been thrust into unexpectedly as I was. I am so very proud of him.
Richard is across the room from me now, likely composing a sonnet to his latest lady love. I jest, but I do find it amusing that a son of mine somehow turned out to be so very like Bingley. Fred is off researching some architectural design or another. His love of history, archaeology and the like are unmatched, as you know. It amuses me to see my studiousness paired with your teasing nature. It is quite the fascinating combination.
Elinor is a mother now—it shocks me to think of it sometimes—and yet it is true. We are grandparents, my love! How the time has rushed by! Our little girl is all grown up.
Matilda is being courted—he is not worthy of her, but I have taken your words to heart and am attempting to give him a fair chance—and I know it will not be long before she, too, is wed and running her own home and family.
I am nostalgic today, filled with memories and thoughts of the life I have lived. There have been many beautiful moments, many memorable people and places. There are things I will never forget.
But the greatest memories feature you—are because of you. The happiest times have been filled with you. The sweetest moments were always with you. And they always will be.
You are the best part of my life. You are the cause of nearly all my smiles. You have given me a beautiful family and made me a father—a role I do not think I would have done half so well in without you. You make everything better by simply being a part of it.
My love, you are everything to me. I doubt I will have another thirty-two years with you, but I wish for them all the same. You are the best wife I could wish for, and the most perfect partner. Please forgive the ramblings of an old man. I am overcome with feeling today.
Your devoted husband,
Fitzwilliam
Fitzwilliam,
The children are engaged away from home this evening. I await you in our bedchamber with your birthday present. Come find me, my love.
Elizabeth
The End
