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C aroline had sent out four letters – one to Harriet Forsythe, one to Penelope Beaumont, one to Julia Giles, and one to Clarissa Oakley. She received, over the course of the next few weeks, four replies.

Dear Caroline,

What a surprise to hear from you! It has been a long time indeed.

I have, of late, traveled to Brighton, but formed no new acquaintanceships there.

It has become rather too crowded, what with Prinnie and now the military!

No one of quality cares to be seen there.

I do not recommend the place, Caroline, I truly do not.

Do call on me when you are next in London! I have so much gossip to share!

Your good friend,

Harriet Forsythe

And:

Dear Caroline,

How lovely to hear from you after all these many years!

I think we have not seen one another since we left school.

Nonetheless, I am happy to be able to inform you that I am no longer Penelope Beaumont; I am now Mrs. William Burnett.

My parents forwarded your letter to me; my new direction is written below.

As it happens, I do have an acquaintance in Brighton; specifically, my new sister, Miss Susan Burnett.

I do not think she has any connections to the military, but do let me know if you think you might wish to know her.

Between us, though, she is not a well-educated person, nor has she the best manners.

I await your reply!

Your sincere friend,

Mrs. William Burnett

And:

Caroline,

How distasteful it was to receive your letter! I struggle to comprehend how you dare to write to me after the terrible prank you played on me at school. Kindly do me the great service of never addressing me again.

Julia Chiles

And:

Dear Caroline,

I was delighted to receive your letter! Have you heard anything from Julia?

I still recall the expression on her face when we penned that letter to the headmistress and signed Julia’s name!

That girl never was a good sport; could she not tell that we were simply joking with her?

And did you know that Penelope is married?

Her husband is an attorney; I suppose, with her small dowry, she could do no better.

In any case, as it happens, my maid has a brother who is stationed in Brighton with the military. You cannot correspond with him, of course, but if you will tell me what it is that your friend wishes to know, I can have my maid send a message to her brother.

I await your reply with great interest!

With affection,

Clarissa Oakley

Caroline laughed to herself when she read Clarissa’s letter. Yes, Clarissa’s maid’s brother would do nicely!

Dear Clarissa,

I did hear that Penelope had married, but she did not mention her husband’s occupation. You are right; with only three thousand pounds, an attorney was likely her best hope for a husband. And she was never much to look at, you will recall, which did not help her situation.

My friend’s question is simply this: Is there a Miss Lydia Bennet staying with Colonel and Mrs. Forster?

Her reason for asking is her own; she will not confide in me.

Nonetheless, being a devoted friend – I think all my friends may know how they may rely upon me!

– I promised to do my utmost to help her.

I do so long to see you! I am rather stuck in the country at present, but have hopes of being in Town soon, and I will visit you as soon as may be.

Your devoted friend,

Caroline Bingley

It would take some time for Clarissa’s maid to write to her brother and receive a response, but Caroline would wait patiently. She threw the letters from Harriet, Penelope and Julia into the trash.