7:00 PM, Monday, September 21st, 1813:
Today I arrived at Longbourn at exactly 4 o’clock as
I had foreseen in the planning of such a punctual arrival. I was received quite
enthusiastically, in my opinion, and was accommodated with the utmost
politeness and provided with every comfort possible in such a household. After my
careful observations of the Bennets’ five daughters during the adequate dinner
prepared especially for my arrival, I ascertained that I had made a wise choice
in requesting a visit to Longbourn to select an acceptable wife to present to
my affable patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourg. The eldest, Jane, has received
my approbation as she is certainly the most beautiful and the most capable out
of the sisters as my future wife. When we are married, I will most certainly
advise Jane to encourage her younger sisters to be more courteous to acquaintances
far more superior to themselves. I most offended by Lydia’s interruption of my
reading of Fordyce’s Sermons, a
reading which would do her much good to listen to and abide by. By enforcing
such well-advised behavior, I pride myself in the notion that Lydia and Kitty
will be more likely to receive proposals in the future due to my foresight and
excellent advice. I also took care to examine the house and its furnishing upon
my arrival. The house itself is quite acceptable and will please mine and Lady
Catherine’s taste when I am to obtain it. The furniture is very high in my
opinion and in excellent shape. The furnishings are humble enough to bode well
for a clergyman and when it comes time, I will be quite pleased to live in such
quarters. I am most positive that Lady Catherine will approve as well.
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