Dear Mr Darcy… Yours, Oliver Twist

Mr Darcy offers advice to a young man who wants more out of life

Dear Mr Darcy

I have been told that you are a wise gentleman, with much experience in life, and so I hope that you will be able to offer me some counsel.

Up until recently my path was mapped out for me; an orphan from birth, I was brought up in the workhouse and then apprenticed to an undertaker. However, many misfortunes befell me during my time in that dismal place, and so I decided to break free and make my way to London to seek my fortune.

Now it seems that I have fallen in with a bad crowd. We are a group of young boys led by an elderly gentleman, who requires us to venture out into the streets pickpocketing innocent gents and ladies. I know this is wrong, but I do not know how to escape my lot as I have not a friend or relative in the world.

I would be truly grateful for any advice you can offer, kind sir, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours,

Oliver Twist

My Dear Oliver

How refreshing it is to hear from a young man of such good conscience as yourself, who wishes to break free from the ignominy of his surroundings! You are likely unaware that such moral standing is, sadly, a rarity these days, but I must earnestly commend you on your stout character and would encourage you not to lose heart.

Is there no-one in whom you can confide? A woman, perhaps? I find it difficult to believe that such a band as you describe could function without any contribution from the fairer sex, if only for the more effective concealment of their nefarious pursuits. Women are more driven by their emotions than we men are, and should you win the heart of one, you may be surprised at the help and support she can offer, even while you are otherwise confined in misery. This may make your situation easier to bear until an escape or rescue can be effected.

I would also urge you to avoid, if at all possible, involving yourself in the more criminal activities carried out by this group. A little light pickpocketing – while undoubtedly wicked – is nothing compared to, for instance, burglary and housebreaking. If this so-called gentleman (and I seriously hesitate to apply the term to such a thoroughly reprehensible individual) demands such a commitment from you, you must attempt at all costs to excuse yourself from the undertaking. If you do not, and you are caught, I cannot foresee what horrors the law will bring to bear on you, and you may well be lost forever.

But do not lose hope. Although it may seem as though you are trapped in an intolerable situation, I have no doubt that you will see it through. Who knows what twists of fate lie around the corner, ready to lift us up when all seems futile? You will do what you must to survive, but as long as you do not venture down paths from which there is no return, you remain capable of being saved.

I am certain that it will not be long before your fortune changes, and you will reap the just rewards of your patience, honesty and virtue. I very much look forward to hearing from you again when you should find yourself in a position more suited to the moral fortitude you so clearly possess.

Take heart, young man.

Yours,

Fitzwilliam Darcy, Esq.