Lucy and Lydia Wickham End Their Friendship: Oh, Dear, What Happened?

Dear Readers, Earlier this year, Jane Odiwe as Lydia and Vic, Ms. Place as Lucy, embarked on a series of letters of friendship. (Read the archives here.) The two regency misses discussed their relationship with each other, their parents, Lizzy Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Mr. and Mrs. Collins, with whom Lucy stayed for a protracted period. These letters are, sadly, their last. We are confident that you will admire how they've launched their verbal barbs! In fact, we find it sad that our modern society has largely lost the knack of hiding snarky remarks behind a facade of impeccable manners.

My dearest friend, Lydia,

Please accept my humble apologies for not writing to you sooner. Shortly after receiving your last letter, Papa discovered that we’d been corresponding secretly despite his orders. He was so furious that he removed all writing paper and instruments from my rooms and has kept them under lock and key! He has gone away on business for a few days, and Miss Mainwaring, my new chaperone, feeling partly responsible for my situation (as she was the one who happened to mention that I had sent you a letter), provided me with a few sheets of her own stationery. She says this is to be my final farewell to you, for she is beside herself with worry. Being a woman of no independent means, she does not want to lose her position, you see.

My heart is saddened, but perhaps this is for the best, for after you have read the contents of this letter you may never wish to receive news from me again. But first, let me tell you about my life in Bath. For someone who has experienced the delights of London as you have, Bath must seem awfully small and provincial. As for myself, I am quite delighted. Bath is ever so much more to my taste than Brighton, as I do not like the sea. And I am seldom in dull company here. Every morning Miss Mainwaring and I venture to the Pump Room, where we take the waters and greet our new acquaintances, taking a turn with them around the room for an hour or so. My new friends are so numerous that it has been hard to keep pace with them all. I met a Miss Catherine Morland, a very sweet and lively young woman, and her friend Miss Thorpe, who I do not care for at all, for she seems a bit too loose with her manners; but wherever Miss Morland goes, so goes Miss Thorpe, and I have had to bite my tongue on several occasions when watching her bat her eyelashes at every young gentleman who crosses her path. She reminded me a bit of your old self, dearest, but now that you are married your manners have been above reproach.

The Pump Room

The shoppes are outstanding, especially those along Milsom Street, and I am prodigiously fond of taking tea at Sally Lunn’s establishment. I've become addicted to eating one Bath bun per day. There are so many balls, assemblies, and card parties that I can hardly keep up with the social whirl. And then there are the fireworks in Sydney Park, and long walks to Beechen Cliff and along the Avon river.

During the second week of my stay, I encountered Captain Carter, who was on leave and visiting his family. He has been assiduously courting me ever since, and, wonder of wonders, my papa approves! If all goes according to Captain Carter’s wishes, the banns will soon be announced. It is you I have to thank for my happiness, dear friend, because from knowing you, Colonel Forster introduced me to my handsome Captain in Brighton!

And now for my news! Lydia, my dear, if you are not sitting down, please find a chair now. I have so envied your marriage to your handsome Mr. Wickham. He is all that I would have expected for you in a husband, and I have long felt that you both deserved each other. So it is with great distress that I must inform you that I have seen him sporting about Bath on several occasions this past month behaving as if - oh, pardon me for being the bearer of bad tidings - as if he were not a married man! I will not go into the particulars, for that would be too painful for you, but dearest, do you think it is wise to remain in Newcastle at this time? You must hie to Bath and claim your place alongside your husband before something untoward happens. Not a moment must be wasted.

Miss Mainwaring will deliver your answer in private and I shall do what I can to help you find lodging, but I cannot be seen with you, my unfortunate friend. Papa, who disapproved of Mr. Wickham before, has absolutely forbidden me to have any social intercourse with him now.

Adieu, my dearest friend. We shall meet again after my marriage, for my dear Captain will not disallow our friendship, of that I am sure. Besides, I am on tenterhooks to learn more about Mr. Wickham's reasons for his recent ... actions.

My love and heart go out to you,
Anxiously, Lucy


My Dear Lucy,

How delightful to hear from you again and to note that you are enjoying yourself in Bath – how diverting! I do hope you have not had occasion for ill health for it seems such a poor, infected place, which attracts the diseased and sick like flies to rotten meat. But I daresay you are in the pinkest health, you always did have a florid complexion, which never suited scarlet as I recall. Puce is far more becoming to your pallor, I daresay.

My, you are a very fast worker, are you not? I send my heartiest congratulations for your greatest felicity and pray you shall be vastly content with Captain Carter. He is a well looking man and if he did not have the unfortunate gap between his teeth left by the two extractions he suffered in Brighton I would consider him one of the most handsome men of my acquaintance. Wretched soul, it is a terrible thing to be always picking and probing in the mouth, plagued by the ulcers and sores to which he is prone. It would not be quite so inconvenient if he could only control his drooling. It is a pity. When I knew him there was hardly a gentleman with a finer set of whiskers. How they tickled! Such endearments and protestations of love – I very nearly fell for his charms. He chased me for so many months, but dear Wickham came along and has my heart forever.

I do not know, dearest friend, how you could have jumped to such dreadful conclusions about my darling husband who I am aware has been meeting a lady in Bath when he is not busy with his regimental offices. I believe he said in a letter to me that she was a cousin – they have loved one another from infancy. I daresay his behaviour might seem a little untoward, but Wickham is such an affectionate soul and cannot help but show his love for his fellow man, or woman, for that matter. He mentioned that he had seen you and was most insistent that I should relate the particulars of his relationship with Fanny, to you, if a query was made.

As for myself, I am far too busy to come to Bath. Which puts me in mind. Please do not feel obliged to invite me to your wedding, although of course I would love to come. Unfortunately I am leaving tomorrow for Pemberley, the estate of my esteemed brother and sister, the Darcys of Derbyshire. They live in the best style and I will have so many engagements – shopping with Lizzy, taking the waters at Buxton and moving in the highest circles in the land, that I do not think I shall be able to write to you in the foreseeable future, if indeed, at all. I believe there is to be a ball before Christmas – what a pity you could not be with me, for Mr Darcy is acquainted with a set of very good-looking and eligible beaux. And as for new gowns – Lizzy has promised me a wardobe of silks, satins and the finest muslin. How I would have loved to have you here for your opinion on everything. Do you think my shoes should be matching or contrasting? I cannot decide! At least three new bonnets will have to be ordered, for Lizzy will not like me to go about with her looking anything less than in the first fashion.

As soon as my sojourn at Pemberley is over, I am to make a visit to another grand establishment, that of my sister Jane at Netherfield, where I shall meet up with my angel for Christmas. Oh la! What a good joke!

How sad, dearest Lucy, to think that this is likely to be our last letter or means of loving communication.

I remain, Yrs ever,
Lydia Wickham


Images:

• DHF Kitty and Lydia Bennet Paper Dolls: At Right

• Image of Lydia Flirting With Two Soldiers from the Regimen: Jane Odiwe

• Image of Regency Couple Kissing: From Risky Regencies

About Jane Odiwe:
An author, artist, and historian, Ms. Odiwe has written Lydia Bennet's Story, a book published by SourceBooks in October. Having read the book, I recommend it wholeheartedly. Here is the synopsis:

Lydia Bennet is the flirtatious, wild and free-wheeling youngest daughter. Her untamed expressiveness and vulnerability make her fascinating to readers who¹ll love this imaginative rendering of Lydia¹s life after her marriage to the villainous George Wickham. Will she mature or turn bitter? Can a girl like her really find true love?

In Lydia Bennet's Story we are taken back to Jane Austen's most beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice, to a Regency world seen through Lydia¹s eyes where pleasure and marriage are the only pursuits. But the road to matrimony is fraught with difficulties and even when she is convinced that she has met the man of her dreams, complications arise. When Lydia is reunited with the Bennets, Bingleys, and Darcys for a grand ball at Netherfield Park, the
shocking truth about her husband may just cause the greatest scandal of all.

Lydia Bennet's Recommended Reading: Redcoat, by Richard Holmes

Gentle Readers, If Jane Austen's character Lydia Bennet could ever be tempted to read a book, then Redcoat: The British Soldier in the Age of Horse and Musket, by Richard Holmes might just do the trick. Filled with pages and pages of the personal memories of hundreds of British soldiers between Georgian and Early Victorian times, it also includes letters and memories of the wives and women who followed them. Here is the publisher's description.

"Redcoat is the story of the British soldier - those noncommissioned men whom Kipling called "the backbone of the army" - from roughly 1760 to 1860. Based on the letters and diaries of the men who served and the women who followed them, this book is rich in the history of a fascinating era. Among the highlights are Wolfe's victory and death at Quebec, Wellington's Peninsular War, Waterloo, the retreat from Kabul, the Crimean War, and the Indian Mutiny." The focus of Redcoat, however, is on the individual recollections and experiences of the ordinary soldiers in the wars of Georgian and early Victorian England. Through their stories and anecdotes - of uniforms, equipment floggings, wounds, food, barrack life, courage, comradeship, death, love, and loss - Richard Holmes provides a comprehensive portrait of an extraordinarily successful fighting force. "

Oh la! She will certainly be fagged just by looking at the pictures of all those glorious men in redcoats!

If you would like to read more about the Bennet families scandalous youngest daughter Lydia, then check out Lydia Bennet's Story: A Sequel to Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Odiwe which has just been released in a new international edition by Sourcebooks. You can also read two reviews of it from this blogs two co-author's Vic and Laurel Ann, and visit the author's web site devoted to Lydia's online journal.

posted by Laurel Ann, Austenprose

Lucy Tries to Warn Mrs. Wickham

Inquiring readers, these letters are part of an ongoing exchange between Lydia Bennet (Jane Odiwe) and her dear friend Lucy (Ms. Place). Lucy's father is good friends with Sir William Lucas, and she is staying with his daughter, Charlotte. To read the previous letters in this series, click here, or visit Lydia Bennet's Journal to read the rest of her story.

Lydia Dear,

Oh, my friend, there has been such agitation at Rosings and Hunsford Rectory as you can never imagine! Due to Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s extreme vexation with you and Mr. Wickham (Heaven knows why she would still be upset, for you are now married), Mr. Collins has been at sixes and sevens, unable to concentrate or keep his mind on his sermons. One would think the INSULT, as he calls it, had been done upon his person. He cannot sit still without jumping up and lecturing Charlotte, of all people, about you, the Bennets, and all the ungrateful people upon this earth who do not know their place and who fail to behave with any sense of decency, propriety, and decorum. It is almost comical to see his tall form rush outside of the house every time he hears a carriage. Mr. Collins expects Lady Catherine to appear at any moment to discuss THE SITUATION, as he says repeatedly. Charlotte remains mute, by and large, expressing only her concern for the Bennet family, including YOU. La! One would think she would feel envy rather than concern, for your Mr. Wickham is ever so much more handsome than her Mr. Collins.

Lady Catherine did finally arrive this morning. She remained inside her barouche, all bundled in black and puce, and would not even condescend to open the carriage door more than a tiny crack so that she could be heard. Poor Mr. Collins stood in a drizzling rain for a full fifteen minutes with only his hat and coat for protection. From my station behind the curtain, I could hear Lady Catherine’s voice, but I could understand nary a word. When she left, Mr. Collins hastened inside the house, calling for Charlotte to meet him in private. It turns out, my dear friend, that Lady Catherine is on her way to Meryton to demand that Miss Elizabeth Bennet cease and desist in her intention to STEAL Mr. Darcy away from Lady Anne, her daughter. How on earth Lady Catherine got hold of this idea is beyond my understanding, since we both know that your sister DESPISES the very ground Mr. Darcy walks on and won’t have a thing to do with him.

This brings me to the reason for this letter. I am writing it in haste and am entrusting it to Mr. Collins's man, who promises to put on this afternoon's Mail Coach. If luck is with us, my letter will precede Lady Catherine’s arrival at Longbourn, (for she is an old lady and I suspect must make many stops). If you are still visiting your family, you must warn your sister that Lady Catherine is on a rampage and means to CONFRONT Lizzy and DEMAND obedience.

Oh, my dear friend, when my father sent me to stay with Charlotte, I fretted that my life in this backwater would be dreadfully dull and boring. It has been far from that, I assure you. Oh, Thomas has just come in to take the letter. Quick, I must stop writing. I shall await your reply most anxiously,

Your loving friend, Lucy.



Dear Lucy,

Lord above, whatever will you write to me of next?!!! I have always imagined that at Hunsford Rectory, the Collinses had more than a button missing between them, but with this latest news, I know it to be true! Lady Catherine de Bourgh must be tuppence short of a shilling herself, if she thinks that Elizabeth would even look at Mr Darcy, let alone marry him!!! Between you and me, I've always suspected that she has been harbouring a passion for Colonel FitzWilliam, but I daresay that's another story. I have little time for writing to my sisters now I am a married lady - and, in any case, I feel sure your fears are unfounded.

As for myself, we are settled at last in lodgings at Newcastle, for the present. My darling Georgie assures me we shall not be here for long and that we shall soon be moving into a larger house on the upper slopes where the wealthy are settling. I have been shopping for some items of furniture, as it all desperately required updating and I have filled our sitting room with a new sofa and chairs, some small occasional tables and have green blinds at the window. Everyone who calls comments on my style and all say I have the most exquisite taste. Was it not always so, Lucy? My talent for trimming a new bonnet has held me in good stead for decorating a new home.

I have been received with great cordiality by the officers' wives and even more so by the officers themselves! Lucy, I am sure you are not surprised to hear that I have several favourites already; Mr Gascoigne is so attentive and so like dear Denny, whom I am sure I shall miss to the end of my days. Captain Welby is the most handsome man I ever set eyes on and Mr Lambert is so sweet, he blushes like a girl whenever I look his way. Needless to say, I could fill two sides just writing of these lovely fellows and their antics to present; so you see, I neither lack for company nor friendship!

The ladies certainly spend a lot of money on their appearance and are as fashionable as any I saw in Brighton, if not more so. I can almost understand what they are saying, for their way of talking takes getting used to and for the first week I thought I was in a foreign country and asked dear George what language they were speaking. Quite frankly, it is not unpleasant to the ear and I am sure I have picked it up in the few weeks I have been here. Certainly, if Mr Gascoigne spends any longer whispering in my ear, I shall be a true proficient! I expect to see the latter and all his comrades at the Assembly Ball this week. How you would love it here, Lucy! Rest assured that I am happy, hale and hearty and if in my next letter I do not write with 'increasing news', if you take my meaning, I assure you it will not be for want of trying; George and I are meticulous in that endeavour!

Affectly Yours,

Lydia Wickham

Painting by Jane Odiwe

Lucy promises to keep Lydia's secret!

Gentle readers, Lydia Bennet and her friend Lucy have exchanged another series of letters. Click here to read them, or scroll below the icon poll.

Dear Lydia, An Elopement? Oh, How Wonderfully Dreadful ...!

Lydia, my dear,

I have had the most awful time keeping your secret. If I do not reveal your whereabouts with Mr. Wickham, my papa threatens to cut off my pin money and send me packing to live with my Aunt Beatrice – who, I am sure, you will hardly recall, for she is so dreadfully dull and boring! However, I am hardened in my resolve to help you, and my lips remain sealed.

Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner have been beating down the doors in Brighton, searching for any clues that might lead them to you. My papa says Mr. Wickham should be horsewhipped for having abducted you, and placed your family in such an untenable situation. He declares that none of your sisters will ever make advantageous marriages now. And I must admit, this situation has all the earmarks of a most spectacular SCANDAL.

To be sure, your Mr.Wickham is ever so handsome and dashing. Still, I shall always wonder how you found the courage to run off with him. (La, what a silly observation. You are the MOST adventuresome person of my acquaintance.) Pray, do tell me, how is it that you are living in London? Did you not whisper to me at the ball that you and Mr. Wickham were ELOPING to Gretna Green? What happened to change your mind? And, oh, Lydia, how did you ever manage to get married in England? Are you not too young? Did you LIE? Oh, this is all too delicious to keep inside, but I shall. Do not worry.

Well, I must end this letter in haste. Soames promised to post my missive, but in order to catch the Royal Coach he must leave within the half hour. You can trust that his lips are sealed, for he owes me a favor for helping his sister find employment as a lady's maid. He also promised to deliver any letter of yours addressed to me! So, do hurry and write.

Your loyal, admiring, and most anxious friend, Lucy



My Dearest Lucy,

I cannot thank you enough for keeping my secret - I always knew you were a true confidante!

As for beating down doors, I cannot believe a word of it. My father has never shown the slightest interest in me in my life - why should he start now? But, if it is as you say, I am glad I am holed up in Candlewick Street with my darling George, from whom I shall never be separated and where my papa cannot reach me. I daresay he is a little vexed and needs to cool down before I see him, so George's idea to stay here a bit longer seems a good one.

My friend, I needed no courage to run away with my angel, the man of my dreams, the love of my life! We were and are in love and have been since we were thrown together in Brighton - to be honest, there were others vying for my affections but George captured my heart completely. As perfect a couple you could never imagine. I never believed I could feel this way and to have my love returned a hundredfold - well, I do not exaggerate when I say that Mr Wickham is in a passion for me - indeed, there is little time for anything but love! La! You would laugh to see us!

It was our greatest wish to go to Gretna, but at the last, we were forced to come to London - there are some very wicked people in the world - gambling vagabonds tricked my Georgie out of his funds. It does not matter, we still have my winnings from the Brighton Races and a little of my allowance, though this morning I could not but help treat myself to a bonnet from the shops. Such a divine confection of ribbon and lace you never did see. And when he can, Mr Wickham has promised to take me to the theatre at Drury Lane, Astley's to see the horses and Bond Street for a few trifles, so you see dear Lucy, it has all turned out for the best.

As for a wedding, I have to tell you our plans are for the present postponed. I am sure we will be wed soon but I am so happy I do not care when that will be. My wish is to be married from home in Longbourn Church where all my friends can see me, but whenever I broach the subject of leaving our love nest, George pretends he does not hear me! Wickham is so funny, he does not want to share me with anyone else, the darling man!

I must go, George is impatient for my attendance upon him. La! Lucy, his insatiable appetite for my company is quite exhausting! Can Charlotte Collins know of such bliss?

Yours affectly,
Lydia


Gentle Readers, Lydia (Jane Odiwe) and her silly young friend Lucy (Ms. Place) have been exchanging letters during this crucial time in Lydia's life. They have vowed to keep corresponding No Matter What Happens! If you are anxious to learn more about Lydia, click here to go to Lydia Bennet's Journal. Click here to read the other letters. Image of Regency Miss painted by Jane Odiwe.

Lucy Writes Her Friend Lydia Bennet

My dearest Lydia,

La, I meant to write sooner, but the social whirl has me thinking of nothing but dresses and balls and handsome officers! To be sure Brighton is nothing like London this time of year, but one would never know it for all the parties and dances we have been invited to attend. My mama has had the seamstress make up three new ball dresses, and I am simply dying to show them to you.

Sir William Lucas has written my papa another letter. Is it true? Is Charlotte Lucas to be married? Goodness, but Meryton is a more exciting place to live than I once thought. Please, do tell me what has happened, and if there is a gentleman waiting in the wings for you. Oh, and do tell - is your sister Jane engaged to Mr. Bingley? When are they to be wed?

Your loving friend,
Lucy


Dearest Lucy,

It seems such an age since you last wrote - I cannot tell you how jealous I am to hear of your new ball gowns - you are very lucky to have a family who spoil you. I've told you before - I quite despair of mine; though perhaps if my name were Jane or Lizzy I would enjoy more frippery.

Anyway, what can I say in reply to your queries? You think Meryton exciting but you do not know the half of it! We have had high drama and laughs to last us six months together - you cannot imagine. My cousin Collins, (the rattling rector I call him, because he never ceases prattling,) came for a visit and made such a song and dance about making eyes at Lizzy to the point of even proposing! Lizzy would not have him, my mother was livid and threatened to disown her, but papa said he would never see my sister again if she did consent to the match. Lord! How Kitty and I laughed, I thought my sides would split.

Then - what do you think happened next? My cousin bumped into Charlotte Lucas in the lane and before Lizzy had drawn breath with the relief of a lucky escape, Collins proposed to Miss Lucas and she accepted him!!!! I could not believe it and thought Sir William was having a joke when he came with the news! Everyone in the village is excessively diverted by the 'Lovebirds of Longbourn' as Kitty and I have taken to calling them - I cannot help feeling sorry for Charlotte - you and I will never be so desperate for a husband I am sure!

But - that is not all - my poor sister Jane who had such high hopes of becoming engaged to Mr Bingley has been left high and dry! He has gone to town and if you ask my opinion, that is the end of it. No doubt, his nasty sister Caroline will throw floozies in his path - I am so sorry for Jane - she will end an old maid!

As for myself, there are several young men who are intent on catching my eye - Mr Denny, Mr Pratt and Captain Carter to name but a few. However, there is one particular officer I am very partial to or would be if my sister Lizzy would let me have my share of conversation and dancing. Mr Wickham is one of the most handsome men you ever saw - Oh! Lucy, he looks so well in scarlet! Kitty and I are just going into Meryton, Write again soon, not forgetting to tell me of your beau,

Affectionately yours, Lydia

Read Lydia Bennet's Journal here, and click here to read Lucy and Lydia's first exchange of letters.

Find these pretty illustrations by Jane Odiwe in Lydia Bennet's Journal and look for her lovely cards in Austen Effusions.

Lydia's Opinion of All the Goings On at Meryton

My dearest Lydia,

La, it is uncommonly hot today and not at all the sort of weather for this time of year! I am so glad we are arrived at Brighton, for the sea breezes are refreshingly cool. I am writing to you on the scent of a RUMOUR! My mama’s lady’s maid heard from the footman, who heard from the valet of a visiting gentleman, who had stopped by to deliver a letter from Sir William Lucas to my papa, that your eldest sister Jane is practically engaged to a man of great good fortune. They said your mama said so, and that Jane had met him not a fortnight ago!

When last we spoke, we were lamenting the lack of eligible and handsome young men in Meryton. Indeed, your mama was always wondering aloud how she would manage to marry you all off.

How did Jane find anyone so well connected so soon? What is his name? What is he like, and where is he from? My mama begs me to ask you if he came alone or with a friend. And if so, what is HE like?

Do write me as speedily as you can. And, pray, tell me EVERYTHING! We are all agog with excitement.

Your affectionate friend,
Lucy


My dearest Lucy,

La! I am so diverted to hear from you again but monstrous vexed to hear you are in Brighton where I should like to be. However, for all your unseasonable fine weather and seaside entertainments, I must tell you that I cannot envy you. Meryton was certainly very dull the last time we met but I write to you now with exciting news and gossip.

An entire regiment of soldiers are wintering here - can you believe it? Such dashing officers - such wonderful visions in scarlet! One can hardly step out into the High Street for bumping into a redcoat and they are most obliging!

However, I digress. You are quite right in supposing my mother to have been at her wit's end with regard to finding my sisters a husband, but the arrival of a Mr Bingley to the neighbourhood may soon put mama and Jane out of misery. He is from the North, is very rich and gentleman-like but not really to my taste, so I am very happy to see my sister quite smitten. Mr Bingley has taken Netherfield Park, which my mother thinks will do very nicely indeed - we have not known him a fortnight yet my sister danced four times with him at the Meryton assembly and has dined in company with him at least the same number. But for all this amusement I have to tell you his society is blighted not only by his horrid sisters but by the presence of his vile friend Mr Darcy, the most disagreeable man you ever beheld. Mama says he has ten thousand pounds but it seems to me that his money has not been of any help in making his disposition happy. I have never seen such a sour-faced countenance!

I must dash - Denny and Chamberlayne have just called -

Write again soon with your news,

Fondest felicitations,

Lydia


(Gentle reader, Lydia (Jane Odiwe) will be providing her insights about her family to Lucy (Ms. Place) for the next few weeks. Stay tuned, or click here to learn what Lydia is up to these days, and more about Brighton and Meryton.)

Lydia Bennet's Story: A Review

Lydia Bennet’s Story: A Sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Jane Odiwe (new Sourcebook cover on left, and UK cover below) is a fun and spirited romance. In it, the narrator follows Lydia to Brighton, where she meets up with Wickham and runs off with him. She thinks he is taking her to Gretna Green, but when he announces that they have only enough funds to get them to London, this foolish young girl naively goes along with his plan, still thinking her “Georgie” intends to marry her.

We already know the story as written in Pride & Prejudice from Elizabeth Bennet’s perspective. In her narrative, Jane Odiwe gets into Lydia’s mind. She contrasts Wickham’s general disinterest in Lydia (except to get her into his bed) with Lydia’s youthful ardor. Through Lydia’s journal, we come to understand the process that brought her to forget her strict and genteel upbringing, and throw everything to the wind to follow a worldly man, one who has merely toyed with her in order to escape his creditors. She brushes aside indications of his bad temper and profligate ways, always looking at the sunny side and making excuses for him.

But something happens to our Lydia. As she gets to know her husband intimately, her eyes are opened, and though she will never possess the wit and wisdom of her elder sister, Elizabeth, she does mature with the passage of time. Be it far from me to spoil the plot of this novel, or its plausible ending. Simply know that when you purchase this novel, you will be transported to Brighton and London and all their Regency charms, and revisit some of your favorite Pride & Prejudice characters.

Jane Odiwe has a knack for describing the settings in her narrative, and writing in Lydia’s breathless tone in the journals. I enjoyed the book, much to my surprise. I only say this because I generally don’t read sequels. This one was entertaining, and had me turning the page to find out how the story ends. You can order the book at Amazon.com.

Photo: Lydia and Wickham, 1995 A&E Pride & Prejudice.

My rating for this novel: Three regency fans.

Lydia Bennet's Story

Shall I tell you a secret? You must promise not to tell anyone else. When I took the Which Jane Austen Character Are You? quiz, Lydia Bennet kept popping up in my profile. No, she wasn't number one on my list. Marianne Dashwood was. So, now you know: Ms. Place is either a hopeless romantic or ... a hopeless romantic.

I suspect we all share a warm spot in our hearts for Jane Austen's over the top heroines. Whenever Lydia pops up in Pride & Prejudice, the story sparkles. She is such a delicious character: young, headstrong, and immature. Who among us has not encountered a tweeny who is as willful and behaves just as outrageously as Lydia?

Yesterday I opened up my mailbox and discovered Lydia Bennet's Story inside it. I haven't read this book by Jane Odiwe yet, and will save it for the holidays, but just glancing at the first few pages makes me want to sit down and read it. Look for my review soon. Meanwhile, you can read Chapter One here, and several of the book's reviews on Austen Blog and Becoming Jane Fansite.

Oh, I also received ten of Jane's lovely cards, all tied in her characteristic blue ribbon. I ordered them only a week ago from the U.K. and they arrived in plenty of time for gift giving. Click here to view them and for ordering information.

Find Jane's lovely illustrations, sequels, and gift shop on the following sites:

• Austen Effusions, Jane Odiwe's web site

• Jane Austen Sequels, Lydia Bennet's daily journal