A truth universally acknowledged

Recently discovered documents shed new light on the poorly-understood management consulting industry of 18^th century England.

Pemberley, 1 July

My dearest Jane

Since you left to stay with our Aunt Gardiner in London, something has occurred of the most unexpected and serious nature.  Mr Wickham, whom we had all supposed to be tolerably well settled with his regiment in the north, has resigned his commission and thrown himself into a new profession entirely.

Our family is in uproar.  Our father has ridden north to see what can be recovered.  Our mother has had hysterics and now keeps to her rooms rather than take her place in Meryton society.   Mr Collins has written to condole with us: ‘The death of Mr Wickham would have been a blessing in comparison of this... Who, as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family?’ And I couldn’t help noticing that Mr Darcy’s hand trembled slightly when I read out the news at breakfast – consternation indeed!  Since then we have received news from Lady Lucas that Mr Wickham has carried out a ‘root-and-branch review of the estate and recommended offshoring it’.

Having been so occupied since moving to Derbyshire, I cannot say that I am familiar with what a management consultant does.  Enlighten me if you can by return, I beg you.

Your loving sister, Elizabeth

Cheapside, 4 July

My dearest Lizzie

Pray do not concern yourself.  Since starting business school here in London, I have had the good fortune to be exposed to a much wider range of society than in our beloved Hertfordshire.

Mr Wickham is not, I admit, a star among men, but the presence of one dubious individual should not blight the reputation of an entire profession.  If we look around the families of our acquaintance, the Dashwoods, the Elliots and many more, we will see that they are often in want of good advice about the management of their estates.

And console yourself that it could have been much worse: Mr Wickham could have decided to become a banker.  That, truly, would have brought disgrace upon us all.

Your loving sister, Jane