Steventon : Saturday January 9
In the first place I hope you will live twenty-three years longer. Mr. Tom Lefroy's birthday was yesterday, so that you are very near of an age.
After this necessary preamble I shall proceed to inform you that we had an exceeding good ball last night, and that I was very much disappointed at not seeing Charles Fowle of the party, as I had previously heard of his being invited. In addition to our set at the Harwoods' ball, we had the Grants, St. Johns, Lady Rivers, her three daughters and a son, Mr. and Miss Heathcote, Mrs. Lefevre, two Mr. Watkins, Mr. J. Portal, Miss Deanes, two Miss Ledgers, and a tall clergyman who came with them, whose name Mary would never have guessed.
We were so terrible good as to take James in our carriage, though there were three of us before ; but indeed he deserves encouragement for the very great improvement which has lately taken place in his dancing. Miss Heathcote is pretty, but not near so handsome as I expected. Mr. H. began with Elizabeth, and afterwards danced with her again ; but they do not know how to be particular. I flatter myself, however, that they will profit by the three successive lessons which I have given them.
You scold me so much in the nice long letter which I have
this moment received from you, that I am
We left Warren at Dean Gate, in our way home last night, and he is now on his road to town. He left his love, &c., to you, and I will deliver it when we meet. Henry goes to Harden to-day in his way to his Master's degree. We shall feel the loss of these two most agreeable young men exceedingly, and shall have nothing to console us till the arrival of the Coopers on Tuesday. As they will stay here till the Monday following, perhaps Caroline will go to the Ashe ball with me, though I dare say she will not.
I danced twice with Warren last night, and once with Mr. Charles Watkins, and, to my inexpressible astonishment, I entirely escaped John Lyford. I was forced to fight hard for it, however. We had a very good supper, and the greenhouse was illuminated in a very elegant manner.
We had a visit yesterday morning from Mr. Benjamin
Portal, whose eyes are as handsome as ever. Everybody is
extremely anxious for your return, but as you cannot come
home by the Ashe ball, I am glad that
Henry is still hankering after the Regulars, and as his project of purchasing the adjutancy of the Oxfordshire is now over, he has got a scheme in his head about getting a lieutenancy and adjutancy in the 86th, a new-raised regiment, which he fancies will be ordered to the Cape of Good Hope. I heartily hope that he will, as usual, be disappointed in this scheme. We have trimmed up and given away all the old paper hats of Mamma's manufacture ; I hope you will not regret the loss of yours.
After I had written the above, we received a visit from Mr. Tom Lefroy and his cousin George. The latter is really very well-behaved now ; and as for the other, he has but one fault, which time will, I trust, entirely remove - it is that his morning coat is a great deal too light. He is a very great admirer of Tom Jones, and therefore wears the same coloured clothes, I imagine, which he did when he was wounded.
Sunday. - By not returning till the 19th, you will
exactly contrive to miss seeing the Coopers, which I suppose
it is your wish to do. We have heard nothing from Charles
for some time. One would suppose they must have sailed by
this time, as the wind is so favourable.
I condole with Miss M. on her losses and with Eliza on her gains, and am ever yours,
J.A.
Steventon : Thursday January 16
I have just received yours and Mary's letter, and I thank
you both, though their contents might have been more
agreeable. I do not at all expect to see you on Tuesday,
since matters have fallen out so unpleasantly ; and if you
are not able to return till after that day, it will hardly
be possible for us to send for you before Saturday, though
for my own part I care so little about the ball that it
would be no sacrifice to me to give it up for the sake of
seeing you two days earlier. We are extremely sorry for poor
Eliza's illness. trust, however, that she has continued to
recover since you wrote, and that you will none of you be
the worse for your attendance on her. What a good-for-
nothing fellow Charles is to bespeak the stockings ! I hope
he will be too hot all the rest of his life for it !
I sent you a letter yesterday to Ibthorp, which I suppose
you will not receive at Kintbury. It was not
Our party to Ashe to-morrow night will consist of Edward Cooper, James (for a ball is nothing without him), Buller, who is now staying with us, and I. i look forward with great impatience to it, as I rather expect to receive an offer from my friend in the course of the evening. I shall refuse him, however, unless he promises to give away his white coat.
I am very much flattered by your commendation of my last letter, for I write only for fame, and without any view to pecuniary emolument.
Edward is gone to spend the day with his friend, John Lyford, and does not return till to-morrow. Anna is now here ; she came up in her chaise to spend the day with her young cousins, but she does not much take to them or to anything about them, except Caroline's spinning-wheel. I am very glad to find from Mary that Mr. and Mrs. Fowle are pleased with you. i hope you will continue to give satisfaction.
How impertinent you are to write to me about Tom, as if I
had not opportunities of hearing from him myself ! The last
letter that I received from him was dated on Friday, 8th,
and he told me that if the wind should be favourable on
Sunday, which it proved to be, they were to sail from
Falmouth on that day. By this time, therefore, they are at
Barbadoes, I suppose. The Rivers are still at Manydown, and
are to be at Ashe to-morrow. I intended to call on the Miss
Biggs yesterday had the weather been tolerable. Caroline,
Tell Mary that I make over Mr. Heartley and all his estate to her for her sole use and benefit in future, and not only him, but all my other admirers into the bargain wherever she can find them, even the kiss which C. powlett wanted to give me, as I mean to confine myself in future to Mr. Tom Lefroy, for whom I do not care sixpence. Assure her also, as a last and indubitable proof of Warren's indifference to me, that he actually drew that gentleman's picture for me, and delivered it to me without a sigh.
Friday. - At length the day is come on which I am to flirt my last with Tom Lefroy, and when you receive this it will be over. My tears flow as I write at the melancholy idea. Wm. Chute called here yesterday. I wonder what he means by being so civil. There is a report that Tom is going to be married to a Lichfield lass. John Lyford and his sister bring Edward home to-day, dine with us, and we shall all go together to Ashe. I understand that we are to draw for partners. I shall be extremely impatient to hear from you again, that I may know how Eliza is, and when you are to return.
With best love, &c., I am affectionately yours,
J. Austen
Cork Street : Tuesday morn ((August 1796)) My dear Cassandra
Here I am once more in this scene of dissipation and vice, and I begin already to find my morals corrupted. We reached Staines yesterday, I do not (know) when, without suffering so much from the heat as I had hoped to do. We set off again this morning at seven o'clock, and had a very pleasant drive, as the morning was cloudy and perfectly cool. I came all the way in the chaise from Hertford Bridge.
Edward and Frank are both gone out to seek their fortunes ; the latter is to return soon and help us seek ours. The former we shall never see again. We are to be at Astley's to-night, which I am glad of. Edward has heard from Henry this morning. He has not been at the races at all, unless his driving Miss Pearson over to Rowling one day can be so called. We shall find him there on Thursday.
I hope you are all alive after our melancholy parting yesterday, and that you pursued your intended avocation with success. God bless you ! I must leave off, for we are going out.
Yours very affectionately,
J. Austen
Everybody's love.
Rowling : Thursday September 1 My dearest Cassandra
The letter which I have this moment received from you has diverted me beyond moderation. I could die of laughter at it, as they used to say at school. You are indeed the finest comic writer of the present age.
Since I wrote last, we have been very near returning to Steventon so early as next week. Such, for a day or two, was our dear brother Henry's scheme, but at present matters are restored, not to what they were, for my absence seems likely to be lengthened still farther. I am sorry for it, but what can I do ?
Henry leaves us to-morrow for Yarmouth, as he wishes very much to consult his physician there, on whom he has great reliance. He is better than he was when he first came, though still by no means well. According to his present plan, he will not return here till about the 23rd, and bring with him, if he can, leave of absence for three weeks, as he wants very much to have some shooting at Godmersham, whither Edward and Elizabeth are to remove very early in October. If this scheme holds, I shall hardly be at Steventon before the middle of that month ; but if you cannot do without me, I could return, I suppose, with Frank if he ever goes back. He enjoys himself here very much, for he has just learnt to turn, and is so delighted with the employment, that he is at it all day long.
I am sorry that you found such a conciseness in the
I have had my new gown made up, and it really makes a very superb surplice. I am sorry to say that my new coloured gown is very much washed out, though I charged everybody to take great care of it. I hope yours is so too. Our men had but indifferent weather for their visit to Godmersham, for it rained great part of the way there and all the way back. They found Mrs. Knight remarkably well and in very good spirits. It is imagined that she will shortly be married again. I have taken little George once in my arms since I have been here, which I thought very kind. I have told Fanny about the bead of her necklace, and she wants very much to know where you found it.
To-morrow I shall be just like Camilla in Mr. Dubster's summer-house ; for my Lionel will have taken away the ladder by which I came here, or at least by which I intended to get away, and here I must stay till his return. My situation, however, is somewhat preferable to hers, for I am very happy here, though I should be glad to get home by the end of the month. I have no idea that Miss Pearson will return with me.
What a fine fellow Charles is, to deceive us into writing two letters to him at Cork ! I admire his ingenuity extremely, especially as he is so great a gainer by it.
Mr. and Mrs. Cage and Mr. and Mrs. Bridges dined with us
yesterday. Fanny seemed as glad to see me as anybody, and
enquired very much after you, whom
Lady Hales, with her two youngest daughters, have been to see us. Caroline is not grown at all coarser than she was, nor Harriet at all more delicate. I am glad to hear so good an account of Mr. Charde, and only fear that my long absence may occasion his relapse. I practise every day as much as I can - I wish it were more for his sake. I have heard nothing of Mary Robinson since I have been (here). I expect to be well scolded for daring to doubt, whenever the subject is mentioned.
Frank has turned a very nice little butter-churn for Fanny. I do not believe that any of the party were aware of the valuables they had left behind ; nor can I hear anything of Anna's gloves. Indeed I have not enquired at all about them hitherto.
We are very busy making Edward's shirts, and I am proud to say that I am the neatest worker of the party. They say that there are a prodigious number of birds hereabouts this year, so that perhaps I may kill a few. I am glad to hear so good an account of Mr. Limprey and J. lovett. I know nothing of my mother's handkerchief, but I dare say I shall find it soon.
I am very affectionately yours,
Jane
Rowling Monday 5th** Septr* My dear Cassandra
I shall be extremely anxious to hear the Event of your
Ball, & shall hope to receive so long & minute an account of
every particular that I shall be tired of reading it. Let me
know how many besides their fourteen Selves & Mr & Mrs
Wright, Michael will contrive to place about their Coach,
and how many of the Gentlemen, Musicians & Waiters, he will
have persuaded to come in their Shooting Jackets. I hope
John Lovett's accident will not prevent his attending the
Ball, as you will otherwise be obliged to dance with Mr.
Tincton the whole Evening. Let me know how J. harwood
deports himself without the Miss Biggs ; - and which of the
Marys will carry the day with my Brother James. We were at a
Ball on Saturday I assure you. We dined at Goodnestone & in
the Evening danced two Country Dances and the Boulangeries.
- I opened the Ball with Edwd* Bridges ; the other couples,
were Lewis Cage & Harriot, Frank and Louisa, Fanny & George.
Elizth** played one Country dance, Lady Bridges the other,
which she made Henry dance with her ; and Miss Finch played
the Boulangeries - On reading over the last three or four
Lines, I am aware of my having expressed myself
We supped there, & walked home at night under the shade of two Umbrellas. - Today the Goodnestone Party begins to disperse & spread itself abroad. Mr. & Mrs. Cage & George repair to Hythe. Lady Waltham, Miss Bridges & Miss Mary Finch to Dover, for the health of the two former. - I have never seen Marianne at all. -
On Thursday Mr. & Mrs. Bridges return to Danbury ; Miss Harriot Hales accompanies them to London in her way to Dorsetshire. Farmer Clarinbould died this morning, & I fancy Edward means to get some of his Farm if he can cheat Sir Brook enough in the agrement. - We have just got some venison from Godmersham, which the two Mr. Harveys are to devour to-morrow ; and on friday or Saturday the Goodnestone people are to finish their Scraps. Henry went away on friday as he purposed without fayl ; - You will hear from him soon I imagine, as he talked of writing to Steventon shortly. Mr. Richard Harvey is going to be married ; but as it is a great secret, & only known to half the Neighbourhood, you must not mention it. The Lady's name is Musgrove. - I am in great Distress.
- I cannot determine whether I shall give Richis half a
guinea or only five Shillings when I go away. Counsel me,
amiable Miss Austen, and tell me which will be the most. -
We walked Frank last night to Crixhall ruff, and he appeared
much edified. Little
Give my Love to Mary Harrison, & tell her I wish whenever
she is attached to a young Man, some respectable Dr.
Marchmont may keep them apart for five Volumes.
Rowling : Thursday 15th** Septr** My dear Cassandra
We have been very gay since I wrote last; dining at
Nackington, returning by Moonlight, and everything quite in
Stile, not to mention Mr. Claringbould's Funeral which we
saw go by on Sunday. I beleive I told you in a former Letter
that Edward had some idea of taking the name of Claringbould
; but that scheme is over, tho' it would be a very eligible
as well as a very pleasant plan, would any one advance him
Money enough to begin on. We rather expected Mr. Milles to
have done so on Tuesday ; but to our great Surprise, nothing
was said on the subject, and unless it is in your power to
assist your Brother with five or six Hundred pounds, he must
entirely give up the idea. At Nackington we met Lady Sondes'
picture over the Mantlepeice in the Dining room, and the
pictures of her three Children in an Antiroom, besides
Friday - Your Letter & one from Henry are just come, and
the contents of both accord with my Scheme more than I had
dared expect - In one particular
Buy Mary Harrison's Gown by all means. You shall have mine for ever so much money, tho' if I am tolerably rich when I get home, I shall like it very much myself.
Till we know whether she accompanies us or not, we can say nothing in reply to my Father's kind offer - .
As to the mode of our travelling to Town, I want to go in a Stage Coach, but Frank will not let me. As you are likely to have the Williams' & Lloyds with you next week, you would hardly find room for us then.
If anybody wants anything in Town, they must send their
Commissions to Frank, as I shall merely pass thro' it. - The
Tallow Chandler is Penlington, at the Crown & Beehive
Charles Street, Covent Garden.
Rowling : Sunday 18th** Septr* My dear Cassandra
This morning has been spent in Doubt & Deliberation ; in
forming plans, and removing Difficulties, for
My Father will be so good as to fetch home his prodigal
Daughter from Town, I hope, unless he wishes me to walk the
Hospitals, Enter at the Temple, or mount Guard at St. James.
It will hardly be in Frank's power to take me home ; nay, it
certainly will not. I shall write again as soon as I get to
Greenwich. -
What dreadful Hot weather we have ! - It keeps one in a continual state of Inelegance. - If Miss Pearson should return with me, pray be careful not to expect too much Beauty. I will not pretend to say that on a first veiw, she quite answered the opinion I had formed of her. - My Mother I am sure will be disappointed, if she does not take great care. From what I remember of her picture, it is no great resemblance. I am very glad that the idea of returning with Frank occurred to me, for as to Henry's coming into Kent again, the time of its taking place is so very uncertain, that I should be waiting for Dead-men's Shoes.
I had once determined to go with Frank to-morrow and take my chance &c. ; but they dissuaded me from so rash a step - as I really think on consideration it would have been ; for if the Pearsons were not at home, I should inevitably fall a Sacrifice to the arts of some fat Woman who would make me drunk with Small Beer. -
Mary is brought to bed of a Boy ; both doing very well. I shall leave you to guess what Mary, I mean. - Adieu, with best Love to all your agreable Inmates. Do not let the Lloyds go on any account before I return, unless Miss P. is of the party.
How ill I have written. I begin to hate myself.
Yrs ever,
J: Austen
The Triton is a new 32 Frigate, just launched at
Deptford. - Frank is much pleased with the prospect of
having Capt: Gore under his command.
Steventon Sunday April 8th**
((1798in another hand)) My dear Cousin
As Cassandra is at present from home, you must accept from my pen, our sincere Condolance on the melancholy Event which Mrs** humphries Letter announced to my Father this morning. - The loss of so kind & affectionate a Parent, must be a very severe affliction to all his Children, to yourself more especially, as your constant residence with him has given you so much the more constant & intimate Knowledge of his Virtues. - But the very circumstance which at present enhances your loss, must gradually reconcile you to it the better ; - the Goodness which made him valuable on Earth, will make him Blessed in Heaven. - This consideration must bring comfort to yourself, to my Aunt, & to all his family & friends ; & this comfort must be heightened by the consideration of the little Enjoyment he was able to receive from this World for some time past, & of the small degree of pain attending his last hours. I will not press you to write before you would otherwise feel equal to it, but when you can do it without pain, I hope we shall receive from you as good an account of my Aunt & yourself, as can be expected in these early days of Sorrow. - My Father & Mother join me in every kind wish, & I am my dear Cousin, yours affec:tely****
Jane Austen
"Bull and George," Dartford :
Wednesday October 24 My dear Cassandra
You have already heard from Daniel, I conclude, in what excellent time we reached and quitted Sittingbourne, and how very well my mother bore her journey thither. I am now able to send you a continuation of the same good account of her. She was very little fatigued on her arrival at this place, has been refreshed by a comfortable dinner, and now seems quite stout. It wanted five minutes of twelve when we left Sittingbourne, from whence we had a famous pair of horses, which took us to Rochester in an hour and a quarter ; the postboy seemed determined to show my mother that Kentish drivers were not always tedious, and really drove as fast as Cax.
Our next stage was not quite so expeditiously performed ; the road was heavy and our horses very indifferent. - However, we were in such good time, and my mother bore her journey so well, that expedition was of little importance to us ; and as it was, we were very little more than two hours and a half coming hither, and it was scarcely past four when we stopped at the inn. My mother took some of her bitters at Ospringe, and some more at Rochester, and she ate some bread several times.
We have got apartments up two pair of stairs, as we could
not be otherwise accommodated with a
I should have begun my letter soon after our arrival but for a little adventure which prevented me. After we had been here a quarter of an hour it was discovered that my writing and dressing boxes had been by accident put into a chaise which was just packing off as we came in, and were driven away towards Gravesend in their way to the West Indies. No part of my property could have been such a prize before, for in my writing-box was all my worldly wealth, 7l., and my dear Harry's deputation Mr Nottley immediately despatched a man and horse after the chaise, and in half an hour's time I had the pleasure of being as rich as ever ; they were got about two or three miles off.
My day's journey has been pleasanter in every respect than I expected. I have been very little crowded and by no means unhappy. Your watchfulness with regard to the weather on our accounts was very kind and very effectual. We had one heavy shower on leaving Sittingbourne, but afterwards the clouds cleared away, and we had a very bright chrystal afternoon.
My father is now reading the " Midnight Bell," which he
has got from the library, and mother sitting by the fire.
Our route to-morrow is not determined. We have none of us
much inclination for London, and if
Yours affectionately,
J. A.
I flatter myself that itty Dordy will not forget me at
least under a week. Kiss him for me.
Steventon : Saturday October 27 My dear Cassandra
Your letter was a most agreeable surprise to me to-day, and I have taken a long sheet of paper to show my gratitude.
We arrived here yesterday between four and five, but I
cannot send you quite so triumphant an account of our last
day's journey as of the first and second. Soon after I had
finished my letter from Staines, my mother began to suffer
from the exercise & fatigue of travelling so far, and she
was a good deal indisposed from that particular kind of
evacuation which has generally preceded her illnesses. She
had not a very good night at Staines, & felt a heat in her
throat as we travelled yesterday morning, which seemed to
foretell more Bile. - She bore her Journey however much
better than I had expected, and at Basingstoke, where we
stopped more than half an hour, received much comfort from a
mess of broth and the sight of Mr. Lyford, who recommended
her to take twelve drops of laudanum when she went to bed as
a composer, which she accordingly did. It is by no means
wonderful that her Journey should have produced some kind of
visitation; I hope a few days will entirely remove it.
James called on us just as we were going to tea, and my mother was well enough to talk very cheerfully to him before she went to bed. Lyford has promised to call in the course of a few days, & then they will settle about the Dandelion Tea; the receipts for which were shown him at Basingstoke, & he approved of them highly, they will only require some slight alteration to be better adapted to my Mother's constitution. James seems to have taken to his old trick of coming to Steventon in spite of Mary's reproaches, for he was here before breakfast and is now paying us a second visit. [Mary is quite all he says, & uncommonly large.] They were to have dined here to-day, but the weather is too bad. I have had the pleasure of hearing that Martha is with them. James fetched her from Ibthorp on Thursday, and she will stay with them till she removes to Kintbury.
We met with no adventures at all in our journey yesterday, except that our trunk had once nearly slipped off, and we were obliged to stop at Hartley to have our wheels greased.
Whilst my mother and Mr. Lyford were together I went to Mrs. Ryder's and bought what I intended to buy, but not in much perfection. There were no narrow braces for children and scarcely any notting silk ; but Miss Wood, as usual, is going to town very soon, and will lay in a fresh stock. I gave 2s. 3d. a yard for my flannel, and I fancy it is not very good, but it is so disgraceful and contemptible an article in itself that its being comparatively good or bad is of little importance. I bought some Japan [silk] likewise, and next week shall begin my operations on my hat, on which you know my principal hopes of happiness depend.
I am very grand indeed ; I had the dignity of dropping
out my mother's laudanum last night. I carry about the keys
of the wine and closet, and twice since I began this letter
have had orders to give in the kitchen. Our dinner was very
good yesterday, and
Almost everything was unpacked and put away last night. Nanny chose to do it, and I was not sorry to be busy. I have unpacked the gloves and placed yours in your drawer. Their colour is light and pretty, and I believe exactly what we fixed on.
Your letter was chaperoned here by one from Mrs. Cooke, in which she says that " Battleridge " is not to come out before January, and she is so little satisfied with Cawthorn's dilatoriness that she never means to employ him again.
Mrs. Hall, of Sherborne, was brought to bed yesterday of a dead child, some weeks before she expected, owing to a fright. I suppose she happened unawares to look at her husband.
There has been a great,deal of rain here for this last fortnight, much more than in Kent, and indeed we found the roads all the way from Staines most disgracefully dirty. Steventon lane has its full share of it, and I don't know when I shall be able to get to Deane.
I hear that Martha is in better looks and spirits than she has enjoyed for a long time, and I flatter myself she will now be able to jest openly about Mr. W.
The spectacles which Molly found are my mother's, the
scissors my father's. We are very glad to hear such a good
account of your patients, little and great. My dear itty
Dordy's remembrance of me is very pleasing to me - foolishly
pleasing, because I know it will be over so soon. My
attachment to him will be more durable. I shall think with
tenderness and delight on his beautiful and smiling
countenance and interesting manners till a few years have
turned him
The books from Winton are all unpacked and put away ; the binding has compressed them most conveniently, and there is now very good room in the bookcase for all that we wish to have there. I believe the servants were very glad to see us. Nanny was, I am sure. She confesses that it was very dull, and yet she had her child with her till last Sunday. I understand that there are some grapes left, but I believe not many ; they must be gathered as soon as possible, or this rain will entirely rot them.
I am quite angry with myself for not writing closer ; why is my alphabet so much more sprawly than yours ? Dame Tilbury's daughter has lain in. Shall I give her any of your baby clothes ? The laceman was here only a few days ago. How unfortunate for both of us that he came so soon ! Dame Bushell washes for us only one week more, as Sukey has got a place. John Steevens' wife undertakes our purification. She does not look as if anything she touched would ever be clean, but who knows ? We do not seem likely to have any other maidservant at present, but Dame Staples will supply the place of one. Mary has hired a young girl from Ashe who has never been out to service to be her scrub, but James fears her not being strong enough for the place.
Earle Harwood has been to Deane lately, as I think Mary
wrote us word, and his family then told him that they would
receive his wife, if she continued to behave well for
another year. He was very grateful, as well he might ; their
behaviour throughout the whole affair has been particularly
kind. Earle and his wife live in the most private manner
imaginable at
It is now Saturday evening, but I wrote the chief of this in the morning. My mother has not been down at all to-day ; the laudanum made her sleep a good deal, and upon the whole I think she is better. I shall be able to be more positive on this subject I hope tomorrow. My father and I dined by ourselves. How strange ! He and John Bond are now very happy together, for I have just heard the heavy step of the latter along the passage.
James Digweed called to-day, and I gave him his brother's deputation. Charles Harwood, too, has just called to ask how we are, in his way from Dummer, whither he has been conveying Miss Garrett, who is going to return to her former residence in Kent. I will leave off, or I shall not have room to add a word to-morrow.
Sunday. - My mother has had a very good night, and [tho' she did not get up to breakfast,] feels much better to-day.
I have received my Aunt's letter, and thank you for your scrap. I will write to Charles soon. Pray give Fanny and Edward a kiss from me, and ask George if he has got a new song for me. 'Tis really very kind of my Aunt to ask us to Bath again; a kindness that deserves a better return than to profit by it.
Yours ever,
J. A.
Saturday, November 17, 1798. My dear Cassandra
If you paid any attention to the conclusion of my last letter, you will be satisfied, before you receive this, that my mother has had no relapse, and that Miss Debary comes. The former continues to recover, and though she does not gain strength very rapidly, my expectations are humble enough not to outstride her improvements. She was able to sit up nearly eight hours yesterday, and to-day I hope we shall do as much.... So much for my patient - now for myself.
Mrs. Lefroy did come last Wednesday, and the Harwoods came likewise, but very considerately paid their visit before Mrs. Lefroy's arrival, with whom, in spite of interruptions both from my father and James, I was enough alone to hear all that was interesting, which you will easily credit when I tell you that of her nephew she said nothing at all, and of her friend very little. She did not once mention the name of the former to me, and I was too proud to make any enquiries ; but on my father's afterwards asking where he was, I learnt that he was gone back to London in his way to Ireland, where he is called to the Bar and means to practise.
She showed me a letter which she had received from her
friend a few weeks ago (in answer to one written by her to
recommend a nephew of Mrs. Russell to his notice at
Cambridge), towards the end of which was
Mrs. Lefroy made no remarks on the letter, nor did she indeed say anything about him as relative to me. Perhaps she thinks she has said too much already. She saw a great deal of the Mapletons while she was in Bath. Christian is still in a very bad state of health, consumptive, and not likely to recover.
Mrs. Portman is not much admired in Dorsetshire ; the good-natured world, as usual, extolled her beauty so highly, that all the neighbourhood have had the pleasure of being disappointed.
My mother desires me to tell you that I am a very good
housekeeper, which I have no reluctance in doing, because I
really think it my peculiar excellence, and for this reason
- I always take care to provide such things as please my own
appetite, which I consider as the chief merit in
housekeeping. I have had some ragout veal, and I mean to
have some haricot mutton to-morrow. We are to kill a pig
soon.
There is to be a ball at Basingstoke next Thursday. Our assemblies have very kindly declined ever since we laid down the carriage, so that dis-convenience and dis-inclination to go have kept pace together.
My father's affection for Miss Cuthbert is as lively as ever, and he begs that you will not neglect to send him intelligence of her or her brother, whenever you have any to send. I am likewise to tell you that one of his Leicestershire sheep, sold to the butcher last week, weighed 27 lb. and 14 per quarter.
I went to Deane with my father two days ago to see Mary, who is still plagued with the rheumatism, which she would be very glad to get rid of, and still more glad to get rid of her child, of whom she is heartily tired. Her nurse is come, and has no particular charm either of person or manner ; but as all the Hurstbourne world pronounce her to be the best nurse that ever was, Mary expects her attachment to increase.
What fine weather this is ! Not very becoming perhaps early in the morning, but very pleasant out of doors at noon, and very wholesome - at least everybody fancies so, and imagination is everything. To Edward, however, I really think dry weather of importance. I have not taken to fires yet.
I believe I never told you that Mrs. Coulthard and Anne, late of Manydown, are both dead, and both died in childbed. We have not regaled Mary with this news. Harry St. John is in Orders, has done duty at Ashe, and performs very well.
I am very fond of experimental housekeeping, such as
having an ox-cheek now and then ; I shall have one next
week, and I mean to have some little dumplings put into it,
that I may fancy myself at Godmersham.
I hope George was pleased with my designs. Perhaps they would have suited him as well had they been less elaborately finished ; but an artist cannot do anything slovenly. I suppose baby grows and improves.
Sunday. - I have just received a note from James to say that Mary was brought to bed last night, at eleven o'clock, of a fine little boy, and that everything is going on very well. My mother had desired to know nothing of it before it should be all over, and we were clever enough to prevent her having any suspicion of it, though Jenny, who had been left here by her mistress, was sent for home....
I called yesterday on Betty Londe, who enquired particularly after you, and said she seemed to miss you very much, because you used to call in upon her very often. This was an oblique reproach at me. which I am sorry to have merited, and from which I will profit. I shall send George another picture when I write next, which I suppose will be soon, on Mary's account. My mother continues well.
Yours,
J. A.
Steventon : Sunday November 25 My dear Sister
I expected to have heard from you this morning, but no
letter is come. I shall not take the trouble of announcing
to you any more of Mary's children, if,
Having now relieved my heart of a great deal of malevolence, I will proceed to tell you that Mary continues quite well, and my mother tolerably so. I saw the former on Friday, and though I had seen her comparatively hearty the Tuesday before, I was really amazed at the improvement which three days had made in her. She looked well, her spirits were perfectly good, and she spoke much more vigorously than Elizabeth did when we left Godmersham. I had only a glimpse at the child, who was asleep ; but Miss Debary told me that his eyes were large, dark, and handsome. She looks much as she used to do, is netting herself a gown in worsteds, and wears what Mrs. Birch would call a pot hat. A short and compendious history of Miss Debary !
I suppose you have heard from Henry himself that his affairs are happily settled. We do not know who furnishes the qualification. Mr. Mowell would have readily given it, had not all his Oxfordshire property been engaged for a similar purpose to the Colonel. Amusing enough !
Our family affairs are rather deranged at present, for
Nanny has kept her bed these three or four days, with a pain
in her side and fever, and we are forced to have two
charwomen, which is not very comfortable. she is
considerably better now, but it must still be some time, I
suppose, before she is able to do anything. You and Edward
will be amused, I think, when you know that Nanny Littlewart
dresses my hair.
The ball on Thursday was a very small one indeed, hardly so large as an Oxford smack. There were but seven couples, and only twenty-seven people in the room.
The Overton Scotchman has been kind enough to rid me of some of my money, in exchange for six shifts and four pair of stockings. The Irish is not so fine as I should like it ; but as I gave as much money for it as I intended, I have no reason to complain. It cost me 3s. 6d. per yard. It is rather finer, however, than our last, and not so harsh a cloth.
We have got "Fitz-Albini;" my father has bought it against my private wishes, for it does not quite satisfy my feelings that we should purchase the only one of Egerton's works of which his family are ashamed. That these scruples, however, do not at all interfere with my reading it, you will easily believe. We have neither of us yet finished the first volume. my father is disappointed - I am not, for I expected nothing better. Never did any book carry more internal evidence of its author. Every sentiment is completely Egerton's. There is very little story, and what there is told in a strange, unconnected way. There are many characters introduced, apparently merely to be delineated. We have not been able to recognise any of them hitherto, except Dr. and Mrs. Hey and Mr. Oxenden, who is not very tenderly treated.
You must tell Edward that my father gives 25s. a piece to Seward for his last lot of sheep, and, in return for this news, my father wishes to receive some of Edward's pigs.
We have got Boswell's " Tour to the Hebrides," and
By the bye, I have written to Mrs. Birch among my other
writings, and so I hope to have some account of all the
people in that part of the world before long. I have written
to Mrs. E. Leigh too, and Mrs. Heathcote has been ill-
natured enough to send me a letter of enquiry ; so that
altogether I am tolerably tired of letter-writing, and,
unless I have anything new to tell you of my mother or Mary,
I shall not write again for many days ; perhaps a little
repose may restore my regard for a pen. Ask little Edward
whether Bob Brown wears a great coat this cold weather.
Steventon : December 1. My dear Cassandra
I am so good as to write to you again thus speedily, to
let you know that I have just heard from Frank. He was at
Cadiz, alive and well, on October 19, and had then very
lately received a letter from you, written as long ago as
when the " London " was at St. Helen's. But his raly latest
intelligence of us was in one from me of September 1, which
I sent soon after we got to godmersham. He had written a
packet full for his dearest friends in England, early in
October, to go by the "Excellent;" but the "Excellent" was
not sailed,
Frank writes in good spirits, but says that our correspondence cannot be so easily carried on in future as it has been, as the communication between Cadiz and Lisbon is less frequent than formerly. You and my mother, therefore, must not alarm yourselves at the long intervals that may divide his letters. I address this advice to you two as being the most tender-hearted of the family.
My mother made her entree into the dressing-room through crowds of admiring spectators yesterday afternoon, and we all drank tea together for the first time these five weeks. She has had a tolerable night, and bids fair for a continuance in the same brilliant course of action to- day....
Mr. Lyford was here yesterday ; he came while we were at dinner, and partook of our elegant entertainment. I was not ashamed at asking him to sit down to table, for we had some pease-soup, a sparerib, and a pudding. He wants my mother to look yellow and to throw out a rash, but she will do neither.
I was at Deane yesterday morning. Mary was very well, but
does not gain bodily strength very fast. When I saw her so
stout on the third and sixth days, i expected to have seen
her as well as ever by the end of a fortnight.
James went to Ibthorp yesterday to see his mother and child. Letty is with Mary at present, of course exceedingly happy, and in raptures with the child. Mary does not manage matters in such a way as to make me want to lay in myself. She is not tidy enough in her appearance ; she has no dressing-gown to sit up in ; her curtains are all too thin, and things are not in that comfort and style about her which are necessary to make such a situation an enviable one. Elizabeth was really a pretty object with her nice clean cap put on so tidily and her dress so uniformly white and orderly. We live entirely in the dressing-room now, which I like very much ; I always feel so much more elegant in it than in the parlour.
No news from Kintbury yet. Eliza sports with our impatience. She was very well last Thursday. Who is Miss Maria Montresor going to marry, and what is to become of Miss Mulcaster ?
I find great comfort in my stuff gown, but I hope you do not, wear yours too often. I have made myself two or three caps to wear of evenings since I came home, and they save me a world of torment as to hair-dressing, which at present gives me no trouble beyond washing and brushing, for my long hair is always plaited up out of sight, and my short hair curls well enough to want no papering. I have had it cut lately by Mr. Butler.
There is no reason to suppose that Miss Morgan is dead
after all. Mr. Lyford gratified us very much yesterday by
his praises of my father's mutton, which they all think the
finest that was ever ate. John Bond begins to find himself
grow old, which John Bonds ought not to do, and unequal to
much hard work ; a
Charles Powlett gave a dance on Thursday, to the great disturbance of all his neighbours, of course, who, you know, take a most lively interest in the state of his finances, and live in hopes of his being soon ruined.
We are very much disposed to like our new maid ; she knows nothing of a dairy, to be sure, which, in our family, is rather against her, but she is to be taught it all. In short, we have felt the inconvenience of being without a maid so long, that we are determined to like her, and she will find it a hard matter to displease us. As yet, she seems to cook very well, is uncommonly stout, and says she can work well at her needle.
Sunday. - My father is glad to hear so good an account of
Edward's pigs, and desires he may be told, as encouragement
to his taste for them, that Lord bolton is particularly
curious in his pigs, has had
Affectionately yours,
J. A.
Steventon Tuesday Decr* 18th** My dear Cassandra
Your letter came quite as soon as I expected, and so your
letters will always do, because I have made it a rule not to
expect them till they come, in which I think I consult the
ease of us both. - It is a great satisfaction to us to hear
that your Business is in a way to be settled, & so settled
as to give you as little inconvenience as possible. - You
are very welcome to my father's name, & to his Services if
they are ever required in it. - I shall keep my ten pounds
too to wrap myself up in next winter. - I took the liberty a
few days ago of asking your Black velvet Bonnet to lend me
its cawl, which it very readily did, & by which I have been
enabled to give a considerable improvement of dignity to my
Cap, which was before too nidgetty to please me. - I shall
wear it on Thursday, but I hope you will not be offended
with me for following your advice as to its ornaments only
in part. - I still venture to retain the narrow silver round
it, put twice round without any bow, & instead of the black
military feather shall put in the Coquelicot one, as being
smarter ; - & besides Coquelicot is to be all the
- to do you justice however, you had some doubts of the
propriety of such a measure yourself. - I am very much
obliged to my dear little George for his message, for his
Love at least ; - his Duty I suppose was only in consequence
of some hint of my favourable intentions towards him from
his father or Mother. - I am sincerely rejoiced however that
I ever was born, since it has been the means of procuring
him a dish of Tea. - Give my best Love to him. This morning
has been made very gay to us, by visits from our two lively
Neighbours Mr. Holder & Mr. John Harwood. I have received a
very civil note from Mrs. Martin requesting my name as a
Subscriber to her Library which opens the 14th** of January,
& my name, or rather Yours is accordingly given. My Mother
finds the Money. - Mary subscribes too, which I am glad of,
but hardly expected. - As an inducement to subscribe Mrs.
Martin tells us that her Collection is not to consist only
of novels, but of every kind of Literature, &c. &c - She
might have spared this pretension to our family; who are
great Novel-readers & not ashamed of being so; -
- John Lyford means to take pupils. - James Digweed has had a very ugly cut - how could it happen ? It happened by a young horse which he had lately purchased, & which he was trying to back into its stable ;
- the animal kicked him down with his forefeet, & kicked a great hole in his head ; - he scrambled away as soon as he could, but was stunned for a time, & suffered a good deal of pain afterwards. Yesterday he got up the Horse again, & for fear of something worse, was forced to throw himself off. - Wednesday. - I have changed my mind, & changed the trimmings of my Cap this morning ; they are now such as you suggested ; - I felt as if I should not prosper if I strayed from your directions, & I think it makes me look more like Lady Conyngham now than it did before, which is all that one lives for now. - I beleive i shall make my new gown like my robe, but the back of the latter is all in a peice with the tail, & will 7 yards enable me to copy it in that respect ? Mary went to Church on Sunday, & had the weather been smiling, we should have seen her here before this time. - Perhaps I may stay at Manydown as long as Monday, but not longer - Martha sends me word that she is too busy to write to me now, and but for your letter I should have supposed her deep in the study of Medecine preparatory to their removal from Ibthrop.
- The letter to Gambier goes today. - I expect a very
stupid Ball, there will be nobody worth dancing with, &
nobody worth talking to but Catherine ; for I believe Mrs.
Lefroy will not be there ; Lucy is to go
- I have just heard from Martha & Frank - his letter was written on the 12th** Novr* - all well, & nothing particular.
J. A.
Steventon : Monday night December 24. My dear Cassandra
I have got some pleasant news for you which I am eager to
communicate, and therefore begin my letter sooner, though I
shall not send it sooner than usual. Admiral Gambier, in
reply to my father's application, writes as follows : - " As
it is usual to keep young officers in small vessels, it
being most proper on account of their inexperience, and it
being also a situation where they are more in the way of
learning
There ! I may now finish my letter and go and hang myself, for I am sure I can neither write nor do anything which will not appear insipid to you after this. Now I really think he will soon be made, and only wish we could communicate our foreknowledge of the event to him whom it principally concerns. My father has written to Daysh to desire that he will inform us, if he can, when the commission is sent. Your chief wish is now ready to be accomplished ; and could Lord Spencer give happiness to Martha at the same time, what a joyful heart he would make of yours !
I have sent the same extract of the sweets of Gambier to Charles, who, poor fellow, though he sinks into nothing but an humble attendant on the hero of the piece, will, I hope, be contented with the prospect held out to him. By what the Admiral says, it appears as if he had been designedly kept in the " Scorpion." But I will not torment myself with conjectures and suppositions ; facts shall satisfy me.
Frank had not heard from any of us for ten weeks when he
wrote to me on November 12 in consequence
Our ball was very thin, but by no means unpleasant. there
were thirty-one people, and only eleven ladies out of the
number, and but five single women in the room. Of the
gentlemen present you may have some idea from the list of my
partners - Mr. Wood, G. Lefroy, Rice, a Mr. Butcher
(belonging to the Temples, a sailor and not of the 11th
Light Dragoons), Mr. Temple (not the horrid one of all), Mr.
Wm. Orde (cousin to the Kingsclere man), Mr. John Harwood,
and Mr. Calland, who appeared as usual with his hat in his
hand, and stood every now and then behind catherine and me
to be talked to and abused for not dancing. We teased him,
however, into it at last. I was very glad to see him again
after so long a separation, and he was altogether rather the
genius and flirt of the evening. He enquired after you.
There were twenty dances, and I danced them all, and without any fatigue. I was glad to find myself capable of dancing so much, and with so much satisfaction as I did ; from my slender enjoyment of the Ashford balls (as assemblies for dancing) I had not thought myself equal to it, but in cold weather and with few couples I fancy I could just as well dance for a week together as for half an hour. My black cap was openly admired by Mrs. Lefroy, and secretly I imagine by everybody else in the room.
Tuesday. - I thank you for your long letter, which I will endeavour to deserve by writing the rest of this as closely as possible. I am full of joy at much of your information ; that you should have been to a ball, and have danced at it, and supped with the Prince, and that you should meditate the purchase of a new muslin gown, are delightful circumstances. I am determined to buy a handsome one whenever I can, and I am so tired and ashamed of half my present stock, that I even blush at the sight of the wardrobe which contains them. But I will not be much longer libelled by the possession of my coarse spot ; I shall turn it into a petticoat very soon. I wish you a merry Christmas, but no compliments of the season.
Poor Edward ! It is very hard that he, who has everything
else in the world that he can wish for, should not have good
health too. But I hope with the assistance of stomach
complaints, faintnesses, and sicknesses, he will soon be
restored to that blessing likewise. If his nervous complaint
proceeded from a suppression of something that ought to be
thrown out, which does not seem unlikely, the first of these
disorders may really be a remedy, and I sincerely wish
I cannot determine what to do about my new gown ; I wish such things were to be bought ready-made. I have some hopes of meeting Martha at the christening at Deane next Tuesday, and shall see what she can do for me. I want to have something suggested which will give me no trouble of thought or direction.
Again I return to my joy that you danced at Ashford, and that you supped with the Prince. I can perfectly comprehend Mrs. Cage's distress and perplexity. She has all those kind of foolish and incomprehensible feelings which would make her fancy herself uncomfortable in such a party. I love her, however, in spite of all her nonsense. Pray give "t'other Miss Austen's" compliments to Edward Bridges when you see him again.
I insist upon your persevering in your intention of buying a new gown ; I am sure you must want one, and as you will have 5l. due in a week's time, I am certain you may afford it very well, and if you think you cannot, I will give you the body-lining.
Of my charities to the poor since I came home you shall have a faithful account. I have given a pair of worsted stockings to Mary Hutchins, Dame Kew, mary Steevens, and Dame Staples ; a shift to Hannah Staples, and a shawl to Betty Dawkins ; amounting in all to about half a guinea. But I have no reason to suppose that the Battys would accept of anything, because I have not made them the offer.
I am glad to hear such a good account of Harriet Bridges
; she goes on now as young ladies of seventeen ought to do,
admired and admiring, in a much more
I was to have dined at Deane to-day, but the weather is so cold that I am not sorry to be kept at home by the appearance of snow. We are to have company to dinner on Friday : the three Digweeds and James. We shall be a nice silent party, I suppose. Seize upon the scissors as soon as you possibly can on the receipt of this. I only fear your being too late to secure the prize.
The Lords of the Admiralty will have enough of our applications at present, for I hear from Charles that he has written to Lord Spencer himself to be removed. I am afraid his Serene Highness will be in a passion, and order some of our heads to be cut off.
My mother wants to know whether Edward has ever made the hen-house which they planned together. I am rejoiced to hear from Martha that they certainly continue at Ibthorp, and I have just heard that I am sure of meeting Martha at the christening.
You deserve a longer letter than this; but it is my unhappy fate seldom to treat people so well as they deserve.... God bless you!
Yours affectionately,
Jane Austen
Wednesday. - The snow came to nothing yesterday, so I did
go to Deane, and returned home at nine o'clock at night in
the little carriage, and without being very cold.
Frank is made. - He was yesterday raised to the rank of Commander & appointed to the Petterel Sloop, now at Gibraltar. - A letter from Daysh has just announced this, & as it is confirmed by a very friendly one from Mr* Mathew to the same effect transcribing one from Admiral Gambier to the General, We have no reason to suspect the truth of it. - As soon as you have cried a little for Joy, you may go on, & learn farther that the India House have taken Captn* Austen's Petition into consideration - this comes from Daysh - & likewise that Lieut: Charles John Austen is removed to the Tamer Frigate - this comes from the Admiral. - We cannot find out where the Tamer is, but I hope we shall now see Charles here at all Events.
This letter is to be dedicated entirely to good News.
- If you will send my father an account of your Washing & Letter expences &c, he will send you a draft for the amount of it, as well as for your next quarter, & for Edward's Rent. - If you don't buy a muslin Gown now on the strength of this Money, & Frank's promotion, I shall never forgive you. -
Mrs** Lefroy has just sent me word that Lady Dortchester
means to invite me to her Ball on the 8th** of january,
which tho' an humble Blessing compared with what the last
page records, I do not consider as
Yours affecly**
Jane
Steventon Friday Decr* 28th**
Steventon : Tuesday January 8 My dear Cassandra
You must read your letters over five times in future
before you send them, and then, perhaps, you may find them
as entertaining as I do. I laughed at several parts of the
one which I am now answering.
Charles is not come yet, but he must come this morning,
or he shall never know what I will do to him. The ball at
Kempshott is this evening, and I have got him an invitation,
though I have not been so considerate as to get him a
partner. But the cases are different between him and Eliza
Bailey, for he is not in a dying way, and may therefore be
equal to getting a partner for himself. I believe I told you
that Monday was to be the ball night, for which, and for all
other errors into which I may ever have led you, I humbly
ask your pardon.
Elizabeth is very cruel about my writing music, and, as a
punishment for her, I should insist upon always writing out
all hers for her in future, if I were not punishing myself
at the same time.
I am tolerably glad to hear that Edward's income is so good a one - as glad as I can be at anybody's being rich except you and me - and I am thoroughly rejoiced to hear of his present to you.
I am not to wear my white satin cap to-night, after all ; I am to wear a mamalone cap instead, which Charles Fowle sent to Mary, and which she lends me. It is all the fashion now ; worn at the opera, and by Lady Mildmays at Hackwood balls. I hate describing such things, and I dare say you will be able to guess what it is like. I have got over the dreadful epocha of mantua-making much better than I expected. My gown is made very much like my blue one, which you always told me sat very well, with only these variations : the sleeves are short, the wrap fuller, the apron comes over it, and a band of the same completes the whole.
I assure you that I dread the idea of going to Brighton as much as you do, but I am not without hopes that something may happen to prevent it.
F--- has lost his election at B---, and perhaps they may not be able to see company for some time. They talk of going to Bath, too, in the spring, and perhaps they may be overturned in their way down, and all laid up for the summer.
Wednesday. - I have had a cold and weakness in one of my eyes for some days, which makes writing neither very pleasant nor very profitable, and which will probably prevent my finishing this letter myself. My mother has undertaken to do it for me, and I shall leave the Kempshott ball for her.
You express so little anxiety about my being murdered
under Ash Park Copse by Mrs. Hulbert's
This complaint in my eye has been a sad bore to me, for I have not been able to read or work in any comfort since Friday, but one advantage will be derived from it, for I shall be such a proficient in music by the time I have got rid of my cold, that I shall be perfectly qualified in that science at least to take Mr. Roope's office at Eastwell next summer ; and I am sure of Elizabeth's recommendation, be it only on Harriet's account. Of my talent in drawing I have given specimens in my letters to you, and I have nothing to do but to invent a few hard names for the stars.
Mary grows rather more reasonable about her child's
beauty, and says that she does not think him really handsome
; but I suspect her moderation to be something like that of
W--- w---'s mama. Perhaps Mary has told you that they are
going to enter more into dinner parties ; the Biggs and Mr.
Holder dine there to-morrow, and I am to meet them. I shall
sleep there. Catherine has the honour of giving her name to
a set, which will be composed of two
My sweet little George ! I am delighted to hear that he has such an inventive genius as to face-making. I admired his yellow wafer very much, and hope he will choose the wafer for your next letter. I wore my green shoes last night, and took my white fan with me ; I am very glad he never threw it into the river.
Mrs. Knight giving up the Godmersham estate to Edward was no such prodigious act of generosity after all, it seems, for she has reserved herself an income out of it still; this ought to be known, that her conduct may not be overrated. I rather think Edward shows the most magnanimity of the two, in accepting her resignation with such incumbrances.
The more I write, the better my eye gets, so I shall at least keep on till it is quite well, before I give up my pen to my mother.
Mrs. Bramston's little moveable apartment was tolerably filled last night by herself, Mrs. H. Blackstone, her two daughters, and me. I do not like the Miss Blackstones ; indeed, I was always determined not to like them, so there is the less merit in it. Mrs. Bramston was very civil, kind, and noisy. I spent a very pleasant evening, chiefly among the Manydown party. There was the same kind of supper as last year, and the same want of chairs. There were more dancers than the room could conveniently hold, which is enough to constitute a good ball at any time.
I do not think I was very much in request. People were
rather apt not to ask me till they could not help
I danced with Mr. John Wood again, twice with a Mr. South, a lad from Winchester, who, I suppose, is as far from being related to the bishop of that diocese as it is possible to be, with G. Lefroy, and J. Harwood, who, I think, takes to me rather more than he used to do. One of my gayest actions was sitting down two dances in preference to having Lord Bolton's eldest son for my partner, who danced too ill to be endured. The Miss Charterises were there, and played the parts of the Miss Edens with great spirit. Charles never came. Naughty Charles ! I suppose he could not get superseded in time.
Miss Debary has replaced your two sheets of drawing-paper with two of superior size and quality ; so I do not grudge her having taken them at all now. Mr. Ludlow and Miss Pugh of Andover are lately married, and so is Mrs. Skeete of Basingstoke, and Mr. French, chemist, of Reading.
I do not wonder at your wanting to read "First impressions " again, so seldom as you have gone through it, and that so long ago. I am much obliged to you for meaning to leave my old petticoat behind you. I have long secretly wished it might be done, but had not courage to make the request.
Pray mention the name of Maria Montresor's lover when you
write next. My mother wants to know it,
I shall not be able to send this till to-morrow, and you will be disappointed on Friday ; I am very sorry for it, but I cannot help it.
The partnership between Jeffereys, Toomer, and Legge is dissolved ; the two latter are melted away into nothing, and it is to be hoped that Jeffereys will soon break, for the sake of a few heroines whose money he may have. I wish you joy of your birthday twenty times over.
I shall be able to send this to the post to-day, which exalts me to the utmost pinnacle of human felicity, and makes me bask in the sunshine of prosperity, or gives me any other sensation of pleasure in studied language which you may prefer. Do not be angry with me for not filling my sheet, and believe me yours affectionately,
J. A.
Steventon : Monday January 21 My dear Cassandra
I will endeavour to make this letter more worthy your
acceptance than my last, which was so shabby a one that I
think Mr. Marshall could never charge you with the postage.
My eyes have been very indifferent since it was written, but
are now getting better
Charles leaves us to-night. The " Tamar " is in the Downs, and Mr. Daysh advises him to join her there directly, as there is no chance of her going to the westward. Charles does not approve of this at all, and will not be much grieved if he should be too late for her before she sails, as he may then hope to get into a better station. He attempted to go to town last night, and got as far on his road thither as Dean Gate ; but both the coaches were full, and we had the pleasure of seeing him back again. He will call on Daysh to-morrow to know whether the "Tamar" has sailed or not, and if she is still at the Downs he will proceed in one of the night coaches to Deal. I want to go with him, that I may explain the country to him properly between Canterbury and Rowling, but the unpleasantness of returning by myself deters me. I should like to go as far as Ospringe with him very much indeed, that I might surprise you at Godmersham.
Martha writes me word that Charles was very much admired
at Kintbury, and Mrs. Lefroy never saw anyone so much
improved in her life, and thinks him handsomer than Henry.
He appears to far more advantage here than he did at
Godmersham, not surrounded by strangers and neither
oppressed by a pain in his face or powder in his hair.
James christened Elizabeth Caroline on Saturday morning, and then came home. Mary, Anna, and Edward have left us of course; before the second went I took down her answer to her cousin Fanny.
Yesterday came a letter to my mother from Edward Cooper to announce, not the birth of a child, but of a living ; for Mrs. Leigh has begged his acceptance of the Rectory of Hamstall-Ridware in Staffordshire, vacant by Mr. Johnson's death. We collect from his letter that he means to reside there, in which he shows his wisdom. Staffordshire is a good way off ; so we shall see nothing more of them till, some fifteen years hence, the Miss Coopers are presented to us, fine, jolly, handsome, ignorant girls. The living is valued at 140l. a year, but perhaps it may be improvable. How will they be able to convey the furniture of the dressing-room so far in safety ?
Our first cousins seem all dropping off very fast. One is incorporated into the family, another dies, and a third goes into Staffordshire. We can learn nothing of the disposal of the other living. I have not the smallest notion of Fulwar's having it. Lord Craven has probably other connections and more intimate ones, in that line, than he now has with the Kintbury family.
Our ball on Thursday was a very poor one, only eight
couple and but twenty three people in the room ; but it was
not the ball's fault, for we were deprived of two or three
families by the sudden illness of Mr. Wither, who was seized
that morning at Winchester with a return of his former
alarming complaint. An express was sent off from thence to
the family ; Catherine and Miss Blachford were dining with
Mrs. Russell. Poor Catherine's distress must have been
It was a fine thing for conversation at the ball. But it deprived us not only of the Biggs, but of Mrs. Russell too, and of the Boltons and John Harwood, who were dining there likewise, and of Mr. Lane, who kept away as related to the family. Poor man ! - I mean Mr. Wither - his life is so useful, his character so respectable and worthy, that I really believe there was a good deal of sincerity in the general concern expressed on his account.
Our ball was chiefly made up of Jervoises and Terrys, the former of whom were apt to be vulgar, the latter to be noisy. I had an odd set of partners : Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Street, Col. Jervoise, James Digweed, J. Lyford, and Mr. Briggs, a friend of the latter. I had a very pleasant evening, however, though you will probably find out that there was no particular reason for it ; but I do not think it worth while to wait for enjoyment until there is some real opportunity for it. Mary behaved very well, and was not at all fidgetty. For the history of her adventures at the ball I refer you to Anna's letter.
When you come home you will have some shirts to make up
for Charles. Mrs. Davies frightened him into buying a piece
of Irish when we were in Basingstoke. Mr. Daysh supposes
that Captain Austen's commission has reached him by this
time.
Tuesday. - Your letter has pleased and amused me very much. Your essay on happy fortnights is highly ingenious, and the talobert skin made me laugh a good deal. Whenever I fall into misfortune, how many jokes it ought to furnish to my acquaintance in general, or I shall die dreadfully in their debt for entertainment.
It began to occur to me before you mentioned it that I had been somewhat silent as to my mother's health for some time, but I thought you could have no difficulty in divining its exact state - you, who have guessed so much stranger things, She is tolerably well - better upon the whole than she was some weeks ago. She would tell you herself that she has a very dreadful cold in her head at present ; but I have not much compassion for colds in the head without fever or sore throat.
Our own particular little brother got a place in the coach last night, and is now, I suppose, in town. I have no objection at all to your buying our gowns there, as your imagination has pictured to you exactly such a one as is necessary to make me happy. You quite abash me by your progress in notting, for I am still without silk. You must get me some in town or in Canterbury ; it should be finer than yours.
I thought Edward would not approve of Charles being a
crop, and rather wished you to conceal it from him at
present, lest it might fall on his spirits and retard his
recovery. My father furnishes him with a pig from Cheesedown
; it is already killed and cut up, but it is not to weigh
more than nine stone ; the season is too far advanced to get
him a larger one. my mother means to pay herself for the
salt and the
I congratulate you on Mr. E. hatton's good fortune i suppose the marriage will now follow out of hand. Give my compliments to Miss Finch.
What time in March may we expect your return in ? I begin to be very tired of answering people's questions on that subject, and, independent of that, I shall be very glad to see you at home again, and then if we can get Martha and shirk..... who will be so happy as we ?
I think of going to Ibthorp in about a fortnight. My eyes are pretty well, I thank you, if you please.
Wednesday, 23rd. - I wish my dear Fanny many returns of this day, and that she may on every return enjoy as much pleasure as she is now receiving from her doll's-beds.
I have just heard from Charles, who is by this time at Deal. He is to be Second Lieutenant, which pleases him very well. The " Endymion " is come into the Downs, which pleases him likewise. He expects to be ordered to Sheerness shortly, as the "Tamar" has never been refitted.
My father and mother made the same match for you last night, and are very much pleased with it. he is a beauty of my mother's.
Yours affectionately,
Jane
13, Queen's Square, Friday May 17 My dearest Cassandra
Our journey yesterday went off exceedingly well; nothing occurred to alarm or delay us. We found the roads in excellent order, had very good horses all the way, and reached Devizes with ease by four o'clock. I suppose John has told you in what manner we were divided when we left Andover, and no alteration was afterwards made. At Devizes we had comfortable rooms and a good dinner, to which we sat down about five ; amongst other things we had asparagus and a lobster, which made me wish for you, and some cheesecakes, on which the children made so delightful a supper as to endear the town of Devizes to them for a long time.
Well, here we are at Bath ; we got here about one o'clock, and have been arrived just long enough to go over the house, fix on our rooms, and be very well pleased with the whole of it. Poor Elizabeth has had a dismal ride of it from Devizes, for it has rained almost all the way, and our first view of Bath has been just as gloomy as it was last November twelvemonth.
I have got so many things to say, so many things equally unimportant, that I know not on which to decide at present, and shall therefore go and eat with the children.
We stopped in Paragon as we came along, but as it
I have some hopes of being plagued about my trunk; I had more a few hours ago, for it was too heavy to go by the coach which brought Thomas and Rebecca from Devizes; there was reason to suppose that it might be too heavy likewise for any other coach, and for a long time we could hear of no waggon to convey it. At last, however, we unluckily discovered that one was just on the point of setting out for this place, but, at any rate the trunk cannot be here till to-morrow ; so far we are safe, and who knows what may not happen to procure a farther delay?
I put Mary's letter into the post-office at Andover with my own hand.
We are exceedingly pleased with the house ; the rooms are
quite as large as we expected. Mrs. Bromley is a fat woman
in mourning, and a a little black kitten runs about the
staircase. Elizabeth has the apartment within the drawing-
room ; she wanted my mother to have it, but as there was no
bed in the inner one, and the stairs are so much easier of
ascent, or my mother so much stronger than in Paragon as not
to regard the double flight, it is settled for us to be
above, where we
Tell Mary that there were some carpenters at work in the inn at Devizes this morning, but as I could not be sure of their being Mrs. W. fowle's relations, * i did not make myself known to them.
I hope it will be a tolerable afternoon. When first we came, all the umbrellas were up, but now the pavements are getting very white again.
My mother does not seem at all the worse for her journey, nor are any of us, I hope, though Edward seemed rather fagged last night, and not very brisk this morning ; but I trust the bustle of sending for tea, coffee, and sugar, &c., and going out to taste a cheese himself, will do him good.
There was a very long list of arrivals here in the newspaper yesterday, so that we need not immediately dread absolute solitude ; and there is a public breakfast in Sydney Gardens every morning, so that we shall not be wholly starved.
Elizabeth has just had a very good account of the three
little boys. I hope you are very busy and very comfortable.
I find no difficulty in doing my eyes. I like our situation
very much ; it is far more cheerful than Paragon, and the
prospect from the drawing-room window, at which I now write,
is rather picturesque,
I am rather impatient to know the fate of my best gown, but I suppose it will be some days before Frances can get through the trunk. In the meantime i am, with many thanks for your trouble in making it, as well as marking my silk stockings,
Yours very affectionately,
Jane
A great deal of love from everybody.
13. Queen Square - Sunday June 2d*. My dear Cassandra
I am obliged to you for two letters, one from Yourself &
the other from Mary, for of the latter I knew nothing till
on the receipt of yours yesterday, when the Pigeon Basket
was examined & I received my due. - As I have written to her
since the time which ought to have brought me her's, I
suppose she will consider herself as I chuse to consider
her, still in my debt. - I will lay out all the little
Judgement I have in endeavouring to get such stockings for
Anna as she will approve ; - but I do not know that I shall
execute Martha's commission at all, for I am not fond of
I am quite pleased with Martha & Mrs. Lefroy for wanting the pattern of our Caps, but I am not so well pleased with your giving it to them - . Some wish, some prevailing wish is necessary to the animation of everybody's Mind, & in gratifying this, you leave them to form some other which will not probably be half so innocent. - I shall not forget to write to Frank. - Duty & Love &c.
Yours affecly**
Jane
My uncle is quite surprised at my hearing from you so
often ; but as long as we can keep the frequency of our
correspondence from Martha's uncle, we will not fear our
own.
13, Queen Square, Tuesday June 11. My dear Cassandra
Your letter yesterday made me very happy. I am heartily glad that you have escaped any share in the impurities of Deane, and not sorry, as it turns out, that our stay here has been lengthened. I feel tolerably secure of our getting away next week, though it is certainly possible that we may remain till Thursday the 27th. I wonder what we shall do with all our intended visits this summer! I should like to make a compromise with Adlestrop, Harden, and Bookham, that Martha's spending the summer at Steventon should be considered as our respective visits to them all.
Edward has been pretty well for this last week, and as
the waters have never disagreed with him in any respect, we
are inclined to hope that he will derive advantage from them
in the end. Everybody encourages us in this expectation, for
they all say that the effect of the waters cannot be
negative, and many are the instances in which their benefit
is felt afterwards more than on the spot. He is more
comfortable here than I thought he would be, and so is
Elizabeth, though they will both, I believe, be very glad to
get away - the latter especially, which one can't wonder at
somehow. So much for Mrs. Piozzi. I had some thoughts of
writing the whole of my letter in her style, but I believe I
shall not.
Though you have given me unlimited powers concerning your sprig, I cannot determine what to do about it, and shall therefore in this and in every other future letter continue to ask you for directions. We have been to the cheap shop, and very cheap we found it, but there are only flowers made there, no fruit ; and as I could get four or five very pretty sprigs of the former for the same money which would procure only one Orleans plumb - in short, could get more for three or four shillings than I could have means of bringing home - I cannot decide on the fruit till I hear from you again. Besides, I cannot help thinking that it is more natural to have flowers grow out of the head than fruit. What do you think on that subject ?
I would not let Martha read " First Impressions " again upon any account, and am very glad that I did not leave it in your power. She is very cunning, but i saw through her design ; she means to publish it from memory, and one more perusal must enable her to do it. As for " Fitzalbini," when I get home she shall have it, as soon as ever she will own that Mr. Elliott is handsomer than Mr. Lance, that fair men are preferable to black ; for I mean to take every opportunity of rooting out her prejudices.
Benjamin Portal is here. How charming that is ! I do not exactly know why, but the phrase followed so naturally that I could not help putting it down. My mother saw him the other day, but without making herself known to him.
I am very glad you liked my lace, and so are you, and so
is Martha, and we are all glad together. I have got your
cloak home, which is quite delightful - as delightful at
least as half the circumstances which are called so.
I do not know what is the matter with me to-day, but I cannot write quietly ; I am always wandering away into some exclamation or other. Fortunately i have nothing very particular to say.
We walked to Weston one evening last week, and liked it very much. Liked what very much ? Weston ? No, walking to Weston. I have not expressed myself properly, but I hope you will understand me.
We have not been to any public place lately, nor performed anything out of the common daily routine of No. 13, Queen Square, Bath. But to-day we were to have dashed away at a very extraordinary rate, by dining out, had it not so happened that we do not go.
Edward renewed his acquaintance lately with Mr. Evelyn, who lives in the Queen's Parade, and was invited to a family dinner, which I believe at first Elizabeth was rather sorry at his accepting ; but yesterday Mrs. Evelyn called on us, and her manners were so pleasing that we liked the idea of going very much. The Biggs would call her a nice woman. But Mr. Evelyn, who was indisposed yesterday, is worse to-day, and we are put off.
It is rather impertinent to suggest any household care to a housekeeper, but I just venture to say that the coffee- mill will be wanted every day while Edward is at Steventon, as he always drinks coffee for breakfast.
Fanny desires her love to you, her love to grandpapa, her
love to Anna, and her love to Hannah ; the latter is
particularly to be remembered. Edward desires his love to
you, to grandpapa, to Anna, to little Edward, to Aunt James
and Uncle James, and he hopes all your turkeys and ducks,
and chicken and guinea fowls are very well ; and he wishes
you very
- and they both rather think they shall answer it. EA.
"On more accounts than one you wished our stay here to be lengthened beyond last Thursday." There is some mystery in this. What have you going on in Hampshire besides the itch from which you want to keep us ?
Dr. Gardiner was married yesterday to Mrs. Percy and her three daughters.
Now I will give you the history of Mary's veil, in the purchase of which I have so considerably involved you that it is my duty to economise for you in the flowers. I had no difficulty in getting a muslin veil for half a guinea, and not much more in discovering afterwards that the muslin was thick, dirty, and ragged, and therefore would by no means do for a united gift. I changed it consequently as soon as I could, and, considering what a state my imprudence had reduced me to, I thought myself lucky in getting a black lace one for sixteen shillings. I hope the half of that sum will not greatly exceed what you had intended to offer upon the altar of sister-in-law affection.
Yours affectionately, Jane
They do not seem to trouble you much from Manydown. I
have long wanted to quarrel with them, and I believe I shall
take this opportunity. There is no denying that they are
very capricious - for they like to enjoy their elder
sister's company when they can.
13. Queen Square - Wednesday June 19th**. My dear Cassandra
The Children were delighted with your letters, as I fancy
they will tell you themselves before this is concluded. -
Fanny expressed some surprise at the wetness of the Wafers,
but it did not lead to any suspicion of the Truth. - Martha
& You were just in time with your commissions, for two
o'clock on monday was the last hour of my receiving them ; -
the office is now closed. - John Lyford's history is a
melancholy one. - I feel for his family, & when I know that
his Wife was really fond of him, I will feel for her too,
but at present I cannot help thinking their loss the
greatest. - Edward has not been well these last two days ;
his appetite has failed him, & he has complained of sick &
uncomfortable feelings, which with other Symptoms make us
think of the Gout - perhaps a fit of it might cure him, but
I cannot wish it to begin at Bath. - He made an important
purchase Yesterday; no less so than a pair of Coach Horses ;
his friend Mr. Evelyn found them out & recommended them, &
if the judgement of a Yahoo can ever be depended on, I
suppose it may now, for I beleive Mr. Evelyn has all his
life thought more of Horses than of anything else. - Their
Colour is black & their size not large - their price sixty
Guineas, of which the Chair Mare was
Yours ever
Jane
We shall be with you on Thursday to a very late Dinner - later I suppose than my father will like for himself - but I give him leave to eat one before. You must give us something very nice, for we are used to live well. ((My dear Cassandra I thank you for your pretty letter ; - My little Brothers were very well when Mama heard from Sackree. I have given all your messages except to my Uncle & Aunt Perrot, & I have not seen them since I had your letter. I am very happy at Bath, but I am afraid Papa is not much better for drinking the Waters. - Mama's best Love. - Is the other chaffinche's nest in the Garden hatched ? - Your affec: neice F A G - P. S. - Yes, I shall be very glad to home & see brothers.
My dear Aunt Cassandra I hope you are very well. Grandmama hopes the white Turkey lays, & that you have eat up the black one. - We like Gooseberry Pye & Gooseberry pudding very much. - Is that the same Chaffinches Nest that we saw before we went away? & pray will you send me another printed Letter when you write to Aunt Jane again - If you like it. -
E A))
Steventon : Saturday evening Oct 25. My dear Cassandra
I am not yet able to acknowledge the receipt of any
parcel from London, which I suppose will not occasion you
much surprise. - I was a little disappointed today, but not
more than is perfectly agreable; & I hope to be disappointed
again tomorrow, as only one coach comes down on sundays. -
You have had a very pleasant Journey of course, & have found
Elizabeth & all the Children very well on your arrival at
Godmersham, & I congratulate you on it. Edward is rejoicing
this evening I dare say to find himself once more at home,
from which he fancies he has been absent a great while. -
His son left behind him the very fine chestnuts which had
been selected for planting at Godmersham, & the drawing of
his own which he had intended to carry to George ; + the
former will there- fore be deposited in the soil of
Hampshire instead of Kent ; the latter, I have already
consigned to another Element. We have been exceedingly busy
ever since you went away. In the first place we have had to
rejoice two or three times every day at your having such
very delightful weather for the whole of your Journey - & in
the second place we have been obliged to take advantage of
the delightful weather ourselves by going to see almost all
our Neighbours. - On Thursday we walked to Deane, yesterday
to Oakley Hall &
My father approves his Stockings very highly - & finds no fault with any part of Mrs. Hancock's bill except the charge of 3s 6d for the Packing box.
The weather does not know how to be otherwise than fine. - I am surprised that Mrs. Marriot should not be taller - Surely You have made a mistake. - Did Mr. Roland make you look well ? -
Yours affecly**
J. A.
Steventon : Saturday Nov 1st**. My dear Cassandra
You have written I am sure, tho' I have received no
letter from you since your leaving London ; - the Post, &
not yourself must have been unpunctual. - We have at last
heard from Frank ; a letter from him to you came yesterday,
& I mean to send it on as soon as i can get a ditto, (that
means a frank,) which I hope to do in a day or two. - En
attendant, You must rest satisfied with knowing that on the
8th of July the Petterell with the rest of the Egyptian
Squadron was off the Isle of Cyprus, whither they went from
Jaffa for Provisions &c., & whence they were to sail in a
day or two for Alexandria, there to wait the result of the
English proposals for the Evacuation of Egypt. The rest of
the letter, according to the present fashionable stile of
Composition, is cheifly Descriptive ; of his Promotion he
knows nothing, & of Prizes he is guiltless. - Your letter is
come ; it came indeed twelve lines ago, but I could not stop
to acknowledge it before, & i am glad it did not arrive till
I had completed my first sentence, because the sentence had
been made ever since yesterday, & I think forms a very good
beginning. - Your abuse of our Gowns amuses, but does not
discourage me ; I shall take mine to be made up next week, &
the more I look at it, the better it pleases me. - My Cloak
came on tuesday, & tho' I expected
Yours very affec:tely****
J. A.
I am very unhappy. - In re-reading your letter I find I might have spared myself my Intelligence of Charles. - To have written only what you knew before ! - You may guess how much I feel.
I wore at the Ball your favourite gown, a bit of muslin
of the same round my head, border'd with Mrs. Cooper's band
- & one little Comb. -
Steventon Saturday Eveng* - Novr* 8 My dear Cassandra,
Having just finished the first volume of Les Veillees du
Chateau, I think it a good opportunity for beginning a
letter to you while my mind is stored with Ideas worth
transmitting. - I thank you for so speedy a return to my two
last, & particularly thank you for your anecdote of
Charlotte Graham & her cousin Harriet Bailey, which has very
much amused both my Mother & myself. If you can learn
anything farther of that interesting affair I hope you will
mention it. - I have two messages ; let me get rid of them,
& then my paper will be my own. - Mary fully intended
writing to you by Mr Chute's frank, & only happened intirely
to forget it - but will write soon - & my father wishes
Edward to send him a memorandum in your next letter, of the
price of the hops. - The Tables are come, & give general
contentment. I had not expectcd that they would so perfectly
suit the fancy of us all three, or that we should so well
agree in the disposition of them ; but nothing except their
own surface can have been smoother ; - The two ends put
together form our constant Table for everything, & the
centre peice stands exceedingly well under the glass ; holds
a great deal most commodiously, without looking awkwardly. -
They are both covered with green baize & send their best
Love. - The Pembroke
- at present he is going on very well, but the Surgeon
will not declare him to be in no danger. - John Harwood came
back last night, & will probably go to him again soon. James
had not time at Gosport to take any other steps towards
seeing Charles, than the very few which conducted him to the
door of the assembly room in the Inn, where there happened
to be a Ball on the night of their arrival. A likely spot
enough for the discovery of a Charles : but I am glad to say
that he was not of the party, for it was in general a very
ungenteel one, & there was hardly a pretty girl in the room.
- I cannot possibly oblige you by not wearing my gown,
because I have it made up on purpose to wear it a great
deal, & as the discredit will be my own, I feel the less
regret. - You must learn to like it yourself & make it up at
Godmersham ; it may easily be done; it is only protesting it
to be very beautiful, & you will soon think it so. -
Yesterday was a day of great business with me ; Mary drove
me all in the rain to Basingstoke, & still more all in the
rain back again, because it rained harder ; and soon after
our return to Dean a sudden invitation & an own postchaise
took us to Ash Park, to dine tete a tete with Mr Holder, Mr
Gauntlett & James Digweed ; but our tete a tete was cruelly
reduced by the non-attendance of the two latter. - We had a
very quiet evening, I beleive Mary found it dull, but I
thought it very pleasant. To sit in idleness over a good
fire in a well-proportioned room is a luxurious sensation. -
Sometimes we talked & sometimes we were quite
Sunday Evening. - We have had a dreadful storm of wind in the forepart of this day, which has done a great deal of mischeif among our trees. - I was sitting alone in the dining room, when an odd kind of crash startled me - in a moment afterwards it was repeated ; I then went to the window, which I reached just in time to see the last of our two highly valued Elms descend into the Sweep ! ! ! ! ! The other, which had fallen I suppose in the first crash, & which was the nearest to the pond, taking a more easterly direction sunk amongst our screen of chesnuts and firs, knocking down one spruce fir, beating off the head of another, & stripping the two corner chesnuts of several branches, in its fall. - This is not all. - One large Elm out of two on the left hand side, as you enter what I call the Elm walk, was likewise blown down, the Maypole bearing the weathercock was broke in two, and what I regret more than all the rest, is that all the three Elms which grew in Hall's meadow & gave such ornament to it, are gone. - Two were blow down, & the other so much injured that it cannot stand. - I am happy to add however that no greater Evil than the loss of Trees has been the consequence of the Storm in this place, or in our immediate neighbourhood. - We greive therefore in some comfort.
You spend your time just as quietly & comfortably
I hope it is true that Edward Taylor is to marry his cousin Charlotte. Those beautiful dark Eyes will then adorn another Generation at least in all their purity. -
Mr* Holder's paper tells us that sometime in last August,
Capt: Austen & the Petterell were very active in securing a
Turkish Ship (driven into a Port in Cyprus by bad weather)
from the French. - He was forced to burn her however. - You
will see the account in the Sun I dare say. -
Steventon Wednesday Eveng*. Nov: 12th** My dear Martha
I did not receive your note yesterday till after
Charlotte had left Deane, or I would have sent my answer by
her, instead of being the means, as I now must be, of
lessening the Elegance of your new Dress for the Hurstbourn
Ball by the value of 3d. - You are very good in wishing to
see me at Ibthrop so soon, & I am equally good in wishing to
come to you; I beleive our Merit in that respect is much
upon a par, our Self-denial mutually strong. - Having paid
this tribute of praise to the Virtue of both, I shall have
done with Panegyric & proceed to plain matter of fact.
- In about a fortnight's time I hope to be with you ; I have two reasons for not being able to come before ; I wish so to arrange my visit as to spend some days with you after your Mother's return, in the 1st** place that I may have the pleasure of seeing her, & in the 2d*, that I may have a better chance of bringing you back with me. - Your promise in my favour was not quite absolute, but if your Will is not perverse, you & I will do all in our power to overcome your scruples of conscience. - I hope we shall meet next week to talk all this over, till we have tired ourselves with the very idea of my visit, before my visit begins. - Our invitations for the 19th** are arrived, & very curiously are they worded. - Mary mentioned to you yesterday poor Earle's unfortunate accident I dare say ; he does not seem to be going on very well ; the two or three last posts have brought rather less & less favourable accounts of him. This morning's letter states the apprehensions of the Surgeon that the violent catchings of his Patient have done material injury to the bone, which from the first has appeared so nearly broken that any particular irritation or sudden movement might make the fracture certain. - John Harwood is gone to Gosport again to day. - We have two families of friends that are now in a most anxious state ; for tho' by a note from Catherine this morning there seems now to be a revival of hope at Manydown, it's continuance may be too reasonably doubted. - Mr*. Heathcote however who has broken the small bone of his leg, is so good as to be doing very well. It would be really too much to have three people to care for ! -
Mary has heard from Cassandra to day ; she is now gone
with Edward & Elizabeth to the Cages for two
Yr* very affecte** JA. - It is reported at Portsmouth
that Sir T. Williams is going to be married - It has been
reported indeed twenty times before, but Charles is inclined
to give some credit to it now, as they hardly ever see him
on board, & he looks very much like a Lover. - Thursday. -
The Harwoods have received a much
Steventon Thursday Novr* 20th** My dear Cassandra
Your letter took me quite by surprise this morning ; you
are very welcome however, & I am very much obliged to you. -
I beleive I drank too much wine last night at Hurstbourne ;
I know not how else to account for the shaking of my hand
today ; - You will kindly make allowance therefore for any
indistinctness of writing by attributing it to this venial
Error. - Naughty Charles did not come on tuesday ; but good
Charles came yesterday morning. About two o'clock he walked
in on a Gosport Hack. - His feeling equal to such a fatigue
is a good sign, & his finding no fatigue in it a still
better. - We walked down to Deane to dinner, he danced the
whole Evening, & today is no more tired than a gentleman
ought to be. - Your desiring to hear from me on Sunday will
perhaps bring in you a more particular account of the Ball
than you may care for, because one is prone to think much
more of such things the morning after they happen, than when
time has entirely driven them out of one's recollection. -
It was a pleasant Evening, Charles
- We began at 10, supped at 1, & were at Deane before 5.
- There were but 50 people in the room ; very few families
indeed from our side of the Country, & not many more from
the other. - My partners were the two St. Johns, Hooper
Holder - and very prodigious - Mr. Mathew, with whom I
called the last, & whom I liked the best of my little stock.
- There were very few Beauties, & such as there were, were
not very handsome. Miss Iremonger did not look well, & Mrs.
Blount was the only one much admired. She appeared exactly
as she did in September, with the same broad face, diamond
bandeau, white shoes, pink husband, & fat neck. - The two
Miss Coxes were there ; I traced in one the remains of the
vulgar, broad featured girl who danced at Enham eight years
ago ; - the other is refined into a nice, composed looking
girl like Catherine Bigg. - I looked at Sir Thomas Champneys
& thought of poor Rosalie ; I looked at his daughter &
thought her a queer animal with a white neck. - Mrs. Warren,
I was constrained to think a very fine young woman, which I
much regret. She has got rid of some part of her child, &
danced away with great activity, looking by no means very
large. - Her husband is ugly enough ; uglier even than his
cousin John ; but he does not look so very old. - The Miss
Maitlands are both prettyish ; very like Anne ; with brown
skins, large dark eyes, & a good
- Mrs. Bramston talked a good deal of nonsense, which Mr.
Bramston & Mr. Clerk seemed almost equally to enjoy. - There
was a whist & a casino table, & six outsiders. - Rice & Lucy
made love, Mat: Robinson fell asleep, James & Mrs. Augusta
alternately read Dr. Jenner's pamphlet on the cow pox, & I
bestowed my company by turns on all. On enquiring of Mrs.
Clerk, I find that Mrs. Heathcote made a great blunder in
her news of the Crooks & Morleys ; it is young Mr. Crooke
who is to marry the second Miss Morley - & it is the Miss
Morleys instead of the second Miss Crooke, who were the
beauties at the Music meeting. - This seems a more likely
tale, a better devised Impostor. - The three Digweeds all
came on tuesday, & we played a pool at Commerce. - James
Digweed left Hampshire today. I think he must be in love
with you, from his anxiety to have you go to the Faversham
Balls, & likewise from his supposing, that the two Elms fell
from their greif at your absence. Was not it a galant idea ?
- It never occurred to me before, but I dare say it was so.
- Hacker has been here today, putting in the fruit trees. -
A new plan has been suggested concerning the plantation of
the new inclosure on the right hand side of the Elm Walk -
the doubt is whether it would be better to make a little
Your affec: sister
J. A.
Charles likes my gown now.
Friday. - I have determined to go on Thursday, but of
course not before the post comes in. - Charles is in very
good looks indeed. I had the comfort of finding out the
other evening who all the fat girls with short noses were
that disturbed me at the 1st H. ball. They all prove to be
Miss Atkinsons of En[....]. I rejoice to say that we have
just had another letter from our dear Frank. - It is to you,
very short, written from Larnica in Cyprus & so lately as
the 2d* of October. - He came from Alexandria & was to
return there in 3 or 4 days, knew nothing of his promotion,
& does not write above twenty lines, from a doubt
My mother has heard from Mrs. E. Leigh. Lady S & S - - and her daughter are going to remove to Bath.
- Mrs. Estwick is married again to a Mr. Sloane, a young
Man under age - without the knowledge of either family. - He
bears a good character however. -
Ibthrop Sunday Novr* 30th** My dear Cassandra
Shall you expect to hear from me on Wednesday or not ? -
I think you will, or I should not write, as the three days &
half which have passed since my last letter was sent, have
not produced many materials towards filling another sheet of
paper. - But like Mrs** Hastings, " I do not despair " - &
you perhaps like the faithful Maria may feel still more
certain of the happy Event. - I have been here ever since a
quarter after three on thursday last, by the Shrewsbury
Clock, which I am fortunately enabled absolutely to
ascertain, because Mrs. Stent once lived at Shrewsbury, or
- I spent an hour in Andover, of which Messrs** Painter &
Pridding had the larger part ; - twenty minutes however fell
to the lot of Mrs** Poore & her mother, whom I was glad to
see in good looks & spirits. - The latter asked me more
questions than I had very well time to answer; the former I
beleive is very big; but I am by no means certain; - she is
either very big, or not at all big, I forgot to be accurate
in my observation at the time, & tho' my thoughts are now
more about me on the subject, the power of exercising them
to any effect is much diminished. - The two
Monday. - Martha has this moment received your letter - I
hope there is nothing in it requiring an
J A.
Steventon : Saturday Janry** 3d*. My dear Cassandra
As you have by this time received my last letter, it is
fit that I should begin another ; & I begin with the hope,
which is at present uppermost in my mind, that you often
wore a white gown in the morning, at the time of all the gay
party's being with you. Our visit at Ash Park last
Wednesday, went off in a come-ca way ; we met Mr. Lefroy &
Tom Chute, played at cards & came home again. - James & Mary
dined here on the following day, & at night Henry set off in
the Mail for London. - He was as agreable as ever during his
visit, & has not lost anything in Miss Lloyd's estimation. -
Yesterday, we were quite alone, only our four selves ; - but
today the scene is agreeably varied by Mary's driving Martha
to Basingstoke, & Martha's afterwards dining at Deane. - My
Mother looks forward with as much certainty as you can do,
to our keeping two Maids - my father is the only one not in
the secret. - We plan having a steady Cook, & a young giddy
Housemaid, with a sedate, middle aged Man, who is to
undertake the double office of Husband to the former &
sweetheart to the latter. - No Children
My father is doing all in his power to encrease his Income by raising his Tythes &c., & I do not despair of getting very nearly six hundred a year. - In what part of Bath do you mean to place your Bees ? - We are afraid of the South Parade's being too hot.
Monday. - Martha desires her best Love, & says a great many kind things about spending some time with you in March - & depending on a large return from us both in the Autumn. - Perhaps I may not write again before Sunday. -
Yours affecly**
J. A.
Steventon Thursday Janry** 8th** My dear Cassandra
The " Perhaps " which concluded my last letter being only
a " perhaps," will not occasion your being overpowered with
Surprise, I dare say, if you should receive this before
tuesday, which unless circumstances are very perverse will
be the case. - I received yours with much general
Philanthropy & still more peculiar good will two days ago ;
& I suppose I need not tell you that it was very long, being
written on a foolscap sheet, & very entertaining, being
written by you. - Mr. Payne has been dead long enough for
Henry to be out of mourning for him before his last visit,
tho' we knew nothing of it till about that time. Why he
died, or of what complaint, or to what Noblemen he
bequeathed his four daughters in marriage we have not heard.
- I am glad that the Wildmans' are going to give a Ball, &
hope you will not fail to benefit both yourself & me, by
laying out a few kisses in the purchase of a frank. - I
beleive you are right in proposing to delay the Cambric
muslin, & I submit with a kind of voluntary reluctance. -
Mr. Peter Debary has declined Dean curacy ; he wishes to be
settled nearer London. A foolish reason!, as if Deane were
not near London in comparison of Exeter or York. - Take the
whole world through, & he will find many more places at a
greater distance from London than Deane, than he will at
Friday. No answer from my Aunt. - She has no time for writing I suppose in the hurry of selling furniture, packing cloathes & preparing for their removal to Scarletts. - You are very kind in planning presents for me to make, & my Mother has shewn me exactly the same attention - but as I do not chuse to have Generosity dictated to me, I shall not resolve on giving my cabinet to Anna till the first thought of it has been my own. Sidmouth is now talked of as our summer abode ; get all the information therefore about it that you can from Mrs. C. Cage.
My father's old Ministers are already deserting him to
pay their court to his Son ; the brown Mare, which as well
as the black was to devolve on James at our removal, has not
had patience to wait for that, & has settled herself even
now at Deane. - The death of Hugh Capet, which like that of
Mr. Skipsey - tho' undesired was not wholly unexpected,
being purposely effected, has made the immediate possession
of the
Yours affecly** J. A.
Steventon : Wednesday Janry** 14th**.
Poor Miss Austen ! - It appears to me that I have rather
oppressed you of late by the frequency of my letters. You
had hoped not to hear from me again before tuesday but
Sunday shewed you with what a merciless Sister you had to
deal. - I cannot recall the past, but you shall not hear
from me quite so often in future. - Your letter to Mary was
duly received before she left Dean with Martha yesterday
morning, & it gives us great pleasure to know that the
Chilham Ball was so agreable & that you danced four dances
with Mr. Kemble. - Desirable however as the latter
circumstance was I cannot help wondering at it's taking
place ; - Why did you dance four dances with so stupid a Man
? - why not rather dance two of them with some elegant
brother-officer who was struck with your appearance as soon
as you entered the room ? - Martha left you her best Love ;
she will write to you herself in a short time ; but trusting
to my memory rather than her own, she has nevertheless
desired me to ask you to purchase for her two bottles of
Steele's Lavender Water when you are in Town, provided you
- John Bond est a lui. - Mr. Holder was perfectly willing
to take him on exactly the same terms with my father, & John
seems exceedingly well satisfied. - The comfort of not
changing his home is a very material one to him, and since
such are his unnatural feelings his belonging to Mr. Holder
is the every thing needful ; but otherwise there would have
been a situation offering to him which I had thought of with
particular satisfaction, viz= under Harry Digweed, who if
John had quitted Cheesedown would have been eager to engage
him as superintendant at Steventon, would have kept an horse
for him to ride about on, would probably have supplied him
with a more permanent home, & I think would certainly have
been a more desirable Master altogether. - John & Corbett
are not to have any concern with each other ; - there are to
be two Farms and two Bailiffs. - We are of opinion that it
would be better in only one. - This morning brought my
Aunt's reply, & most thoroughly affectionate is it's tenor.
She thinks with the greatest pleasure of our being settled
in Bath ; it is an event which will attach her to the place
more than anythng else could do, &c., &c. - She is moreover
very urgent with my mother not to delay her visit in Paragon
if
Friday. I thank you for yours, tho' I should have been
more grateful for it, if it had not been charged 8d. instead
of 6d., which has given me the torment of writing to Mr.
Lambould on the occasion. - I am rather surprised at the
Revival of the London visit - but Mr. Doricourt has
travelled ; he knows best. That James Digweed has refused
Dean Curacy I suppose he has told you himself - tho'
probably the subject has never been mentioned between you. -
Mrs. Milles flatters herself falsely ; it has never been
Mrs. Rice's wish to have her son settled near herself - &
there is now a hope entertained of her relenting in favour
of Deane. - Mrs. Lefroy & her son in law were here yesterday
; she tries not to be sanguine, but he was in excellent
spirits. - I rather wish they may have the Curacy. It will
be an amusement to Mary to superintend their Household
management, & abuse
Yours affecly** J. A.
Steventon Wednesday Janry** 21th**
Expect a most agreable Letter ; for not being
overburdened with subject - (having nothing at all to say)
- I shall have no check to my Genius from beginning to
end. - Well - & so, Frank's letter has made you very happy,
but you are afraid he would not have patience to stay for
the Haarlem, which you wish him to have done as being safer
than the Merchantman. - Poor fellow ! to wait from the
middle of November to the end of December, & perhaps even
longer ! it must be sad work ! - especially in a place where
the ink is so abominably pale. - What a surprise to him it
must have been on the 20th of Octr* to be visited, collar'd
& thrust out of the Petterell by Captn* Inglis !
- He kindly passes over the poignancy of his feelings in
quitting his Ship, his Officers & his Men. - What a pity it
is that he should not be in England at the time of this
promotion, because he certainly would have had an
appointment ! - so everybody says, & therefore it must be
right for me to say it too. - Had he been really here, the
certainty of the appointment I dare say would not have been
half so great - but as
You are not to give yourself the trouble of going to
Penlingtons when you are in Town ; my father is to settle
the matter when he goes there himself ; You are only to take
special care of the Bills of his in your hands, & I dare say
will not be sorry to be excused the rest of the business. -
Thursday. Our party yesterday was very quietly pleasant.
Today we all attack Ash Park, & tomorrow I dine again at
Deane. What an eventful week ! - Eliza left me a message for
you which I have great pleasure in delivering ; she will
write to you & send you your Money next Sunday. - Mary has
likewise a message - . She will be much obliged to you if
you can bring her the pattern of the Jacket & Trowsers, or
whatever it is, that Eliz*'s boys wear when they are first
put into breeches - ; or if you could bring her an old suit
itself she would be very glad, but that I suppose is hardly
do-able. I am happy to hear of Mrs. Knight's amendment,
whatever might be her complaint. I cannot think so ill of
her however in spite of your insinuations, as to suspect her
of having lain-in. - I do not think she would be betrayed
beyond an Accident at the utmost. - The Wylmots being robbed
must be an amusing thing to their acquaintance, & I hope it
is as much their
We have a Ball on Thursday too - . I expect to go to it
from Manydown. - Do not be surprised, or
Steventon : Sunday January 25.
I have nothing to say about Manydown, but I write because you will expect to hear from me, and because if I waited another day or two, I hope your visit to Goodnestone would make my letter too late in its arrival. I dare say I shall be at M. in the course of this week, but as it is not certain you will direct to me at home.
I shall want two new coloured gowns for the summer, for
my pink one will not do more than clear me from Steventon. I
shall not trouble you, however, to get more than one of
them, and that is to be a plain brown cambric muslin, for
morning wear ; the other, which is to be a very pretty
yellow and white cloud, I mean to buy in Bath. Buy two brown
ones, if you please, and both of a length, but one longer
than the other - it is for a tall woman. Seven yards for my
mother, seven yards and a half for me ; a dark brown, but
the kind of brown is left to your own choice, and I had
rather they were different, as it will be always something
to say, to dispute about which is the prettiest. They must
be cambric muslin. How do you like this cold weather ? I
hope you have all been earnestly praying for it as a
salutary
Your unfortunate sister was betrayed last Thursday into a situation of the utmost cruelty. I arrived at Ashe Park before the Party from Deane, and was shut up in the drawing-room with Mr. Holder alone for ten minutes. I had some thoughts of insisting on the housekeeper or Mary Corbett being sent for, and nothing could prevail on me to move two steps from the door, on the lock of which I kept one hand constantly fixed. We met nobody but ourselves, played at vingt-un again, and were very cross.
On Friday I wound up my four days of dissipation by meeting William Digweed at Deane, and am pretty well, I thank you, after it. While I was there a sudden fall of snow rendered the roads impassable, and made my journey home in the little carriage much more easy and agreeable than my journey down.
Fulwar and Eliza left Deane yesterday. You will be glad to hear that Mary is going to keep another maid. I fancy Sally is too much of a servant to find time for everything, and Mary thinks Edward is not so much out of doors as he ought to be ; there is therefore to be a girl in the nursery.
I would not give much for Mr. Rice's chance of living at
Deane ; he builds his hope, I find, not upon anything that
his mother has written, but upon the effect of what he has
written himself. He must write a great deal better than
those eyes indicate if he can
Your brother Edward makes very honourable mention of you, I assure you, in his letter to James, and seems quite sorry to part with you. It is a great comfort to me to think that my cares have not been thrown away, and that you are respected in the world. Perhaps you may be prevailed on to return with him and Elizabeth into Kent, when they leave us in April, and I rather suspect that your great wish of keeping yourself disengaged has been with that view. Do as you like ; I have overcome my desire of your going to Bath with my mother and me. There is nothing which energy will not bring one to.
Edward Cooper is so kind as to want us all to come to Hamstall this summer, instead of going to the sea, but we are not so kind as to mean to do it. The summer after, if you please, Mr. Cooper, but for the present we greatly prefer the sea to all our relations.
I dare say you will spend a very pleasant three weeks in town. I hope you will see everything worthy notice, from the Opera House to Henry's office in Cleveland Court ; and I shall expect you to lay in a stock of intelligence that may procure me amusement for a twelvemonth to come. You will have a turkey from Steventon while you are there, and pray note down how many full courses of exquisite dishes M. Halavant converts it into.
I cannot write any closer. Neither my affection for you
nor for letter-writing can stand out against a Kentish
visit. For a three months' absence I can be a very loving
relation and a very excellent correspondent, but beyond that
I degenerate into negligence and indifference.
I wish you a very pleasant ball on Thursday, and myself another, and Mary and Martha a third, but they will not have theirs till Friday, as they have a scheme for the Newbury Assembly.
Nanny's husband is decidedly against her quitting service in such times as these, and I believe would be very glad to have her continue with us. In some respects she would be a great comfort, and in some we should wish for a different sort of servant. The washing would be the greatest evil. Nothing is settled, however, at present with her, but I should think it would be as well for all parties if she could suit herself in the meanwhile somewhere nearer her husband and child than Bath. Mrs. H. rice's place would be very likely to do for her. It is not many, as she is herself aware, that she is qualified for.
My mother has not been so well for many months as she is now.
Adieu. Yours sincerely, J. a.
Manydown Wednesday Feb 11th** My dear Cassandra
As I have no Mr* Smithson to write of I can date my
letters. - Yours to my Mother has been forwarded to me this
morning, with a request that I would take
J A.
Paragon : Tuesday May 5 My dear Cassandra
I have the pleasure of writing from my own room up two pair of stairs, with everything very comfortable about me.
Our journey here was perfectly free from accident or event ; we changed horses at the end of every stage, and paid at almost every turnpike. We had charming weather, hardly any dust, and were exceedingly agreeable, as we did not speak above once in three miles.
Between Luggershall and Everley we made our grand meal, and then with admiring astonishment perceived in what a magnificent manner our support had been provided for. We could not with the utmost exertion consume above the twentieth part of the beef. The cucumber will, I believe, be a very acceptable present, as my uncle talks of having inquired the price of one lately, when he was told a shilling.
We had a very neat chaise from Devizes ; it looked almost as well as a gentleman's, at least as a very shabby gentleman's ; in spite of this advantage, however, we were above three hours coming from thence to Paragon, and it was half after seven by your clocks before we entered the house.
Frank, whose black head was in waiting in the Hall
window, received us very kindly ; and his master and
How do you do to-day ? I hope you improve in sleeping - I think you must, because I fall off ; I have been awake ever since five and sooner ; I fancy I had too much clothes over me ; I thought I should by the feel of them before I went to bed, but I had not courage to alter them. I am warmer here without any fire than I have been lately with an excellent one.
Well, and so the good news is confirmed, and Martha triumphs. My uncle and aunt seemed quite surprised that you and my father were not coming sooner.
I have given the soap and the basket, and each have been kindly received. One thing only among all our concerns has not arrived in safety : when I got into the chaise at Devizes I discovered that your drawing ruler was broke in two ; it is just at the top where the cross-piece is fastened on. I beg pardon.
There is to be only one more ball - next Monday is the day. The Chamberlaynes are still here. I begin to think better of Mrs. C - -, and upon recollection believe she has rather a long chin than otherwise, as she remembers us in Gloucestershire when we were very charming young women.
The first view of Bath in fine weather does not answer my
expectations ; I think I see more distinctly through rain.
The sun was got behind everything, and the appearance of the
place from the top of Kingsdown was all vapour, shadow,
smoke, and confusion,
I fancy we are to have a house in Seymour Street, or thereabouts. My uncle and aunt both like the situation. I was glad to hear the former talk of all the houses in New King Street as too small ; it was my own idea of them. I had not been two minutes in the dining-room before he questioned me with all his accustomary eager interest about Frank and Charles, their views and intentions. I did my best to give information.
I am not without hopes of tempting Mrs. Lloyd to settle
in Bath ; meat is only 8d. per pound, butter 12d., and
cheese 91#2d. You must carefully conceal from her, however,
the exorbitant price of fish : a salmon has been sold at 2s.
9d. per pound the whole fish. The Duchess of York's removal
is expected to make that article more reasonable - and till
it really appears so, say nothing about salmon. Tuesday
night. - When my uncle went to take his second glass of
water I walked with him, and in our morning's circuit we
looked at two houses in Green Park Buildings, one of which
pleased me very well. We walked all over it except into the
garret ; the dining-room is of a comfortable size, just as
large as you like to fancy it ; the second room about 14 ft.
square. The apartment over the drawing-room pleased me
particularly, because it is divided into two, the smaller
one a very nice-sized dressing-room, which upon occasion
might admit a bed. The aspect is south-east. The only doubt
is about the dampness of the offices, of which there were
symptoms. Wednesday. - Mrs. Mussell has got my gown, and I
will endeavour to explain what her intentions are. It is to
be a round gown, with a jacket and a frock
My mother has ordered a new bonnet, and so have I; both white strip, trimmed with white ribbon. I find my straw bonnet looking very much like other people's, and quite as smart. Bonnets of cambric muslin on the plan of Lady Bridges' are a good deal worn, and some of them are very pretty ; but I shall defer one of that sort till your arrival. Bath is getting so very empty that I am not afraid of doing too little. Black gauze cloaks are worn as much as anything. I shall write again in a day or two. Best love.
Yours ever, J. A.
We have had Mrs. Lillingstone and the Chamberlaynes to
call on us. My mother was very much struck with the odd
looks of the two latter ; I have only seen
Paragon Tuesday May 12th**. My dear Cassandra
My mother has heard from Mary & I have heard from Frank ; we therefore know something now of our concerns in distant quarters, & you I hope by some means or other are equally instructed, for I do not feel inclined to transcribe the letter of either. - You know from Elizabeth I dare say that my father & Frank, deferring their visit to Kippington on account of Mr. M. Austen's absence are to be at Godmersham today ; & James I dare say has been over to Ibthrop by this time to enquire particularly after Mrs. Lloyd's health, & forestall whatever intelligence of the sale I might attempt to give. - Sixty-one guineas & a half for the three cows gives one some support under the blow of only Eleven Guineas for the Tables. Eight for my Pianoforte, is about what I really expected to get ; I am more anxious to know the amount of my books, especially as they are said to have sold well. -
My Adventures since I wrote last, have not been very
numerous ; but such as they are, they are much at your
service. - We met not a creature at Mrs. Lillingstone's, &
yet were not so very stupid as I expected,
- Mrs. Badcock & two young Women were of the same party, except when Mrs. Badcock thought herself obliged to leave them to run round the room after her drunken Husband. - His avoidance, & her pursuit, with the probable intoxication of both, was an amusing scene. - The Evelyns returned our visit on saturday ; - we were very happy to meet, & all that ; - they are going tomorrow into Gloucestershire, to the Dolphins for ten days. - Our acquaintance Mr. Woodward is just married to a Miss Rowe, a young lady rich in money & music. - I thank you for your Sunday's letter, it is very long & very agreable - . I fancy you know many more particulars of our sale than we do - ; we have heard the price of nothing but the Cows, Bacon, Hay, Hops, Tables, & my father's Chest of Drawers & Study Table. - Mary is more minute in her account of their own Gains than in ours - probably being better informed in them. - I will attend to Mrs. Lloyd's commission - & to her abhorrence of Musk when I write again. - I have bestowed three calls of enquiry on the Mapletons, & I fancy very beneficial ones to Marianne, as I am always told that she is better. I have not seen any of them. - Her complaint is a billious fever. - I like my dark gown very much indeed, colour, make, & everything. - I mean to have my new white one made up now, in case we should go to the rooms again next monday, which is to be really the last time.
Wednesday. Another stupid party last night ; perhaps if
larger they might be less intolerable, but here there were
only just enough to make one card table,
- He & I are soon to take the long-plann'd walk to the Cassoon - & on friday we are all to accompany Mrs. Chamberlayne & Miss Langley to Weston. My Mother had a letter yesterday from my father ; it seems as if the W. kent scheme were entirely given up. - He talks of spending a fortnight at Godmersham & then returning to Town. -
Yrs** ever J. A.
Excepting a slight cold, my mother is very well ; she has
been quite free from feverish or billious complaints since
her arrival here.
Paragon Thursday May 21st**. My dear Cassandra
To make long sentences upon unpleasant subjects is very
odious, & I shall therefore get rid of the one now uppermost
in my thoughts as soon as possible. - Our views on G. P.
Buildings seem all at an end ; the observation of the damps
still remaining in the offices of an house which has been
only vacated a week, with reports of discontented families &
putrid fevers, has given the coup de grace. - We have now
nothing in veiw. - When you arrive, we will at least have
the pleasure of examining some of these putrifying Houses
again ; - they are so very desirable in size & situation,
that there is some satisfaction in spending ten minutes
within them. - I will now answer the enquiries in your last
letter. I cannot learn any other explanation of the coolness
between my Aunt & Miss Bond than that the latter felt
herself slighted by the former's leaving Bath last summer
without calling to see her before she went. - It seems the
oddest kind of quarrel in the world ; they never visit, but
I beleive they speak very civilly if they meet ; My Uncle &
Miss Bond certainly do. The 4 Boxes of Lozenges at 1s-1d 1\2
per box, amount as I was told to 4s-6d and as the sum was so
trifling, I thought it better to pay at once than contest
the matter. I have just heard from Frank ;
Friday. You have a nice day for your Journey in whatever way it is to be performed - whether in the Debary's Coach or on your own twenty toes. - When you have made Martha's bonnet you must make her a cloak of the same sort of materials ; they are very much worn here, in different forms - many of them just like her black silk spencer, with a trimming round the armholes instead of sleeves ; - some are long before, & some long all round like C. bigg's. - Our party last night supplied me with no new idea for my Letter - .
Yrs** ever J. A.
The Pickfords are in Bath & have called here. - She is
the most elegant looking Woman I have seen since I left
Martha - He is as raffish in his appearance as I would wish
every Disciple of Godwin to be. - We
Best Love to everybody.
Paragon - Tuesday May 26th**
My dear Cassandra
For your letter from Kintbury & for all the compliments
on my writing which it contained, I now return you my best
thanks. - I am very glad that Martha goes to Chilton ; a
very essential temporary comfort her presence must afford to
Mrs** Craven, and I hope she will endeavour to make it a
lasting one by exerting those kind offices in favour of the
young Man, from which you were both with-held in the case of
the Harrison family by the mistaken tenderness of one part
of ours. - The Endymion came into Portsmouth on Sunday, & I
have sent Charles a short letter by this day's post. - My
adventures since I wrote to you three days ago have been
such as the time would easily contain ; I walked yesterday
morning with Mrs Chamberlayne to Lyncombe & Widcombe, and in
the evening I drank tea with the Holders. - Mrs
Chamberlayne's pace was not quite so magnificent on this
- Frank writes me word that he is to be in London tomorrow ; some money Negociation from which he hopes to derive advantage, hastens him from Kent, & will detain him a few days behind my father in Town.
- I have seen the Miss Mapletons this morning ; Marianne
was buried yesterday, and I called without expecting to be
let in, to inquire after them all. - On the servant's
invitation however I sent in my name, & jane & Christiana
who were walking in the Garden came to me immediately, and I
sat with them about ten minutes. - They looked pale &
dejected, but were more composed than I had thought
probable. - When
Wednesday. - I am just returned from my airing in the very bewitching Phaeton & four, for which I was prepared by a note from Mr* E. soon after breakfast : We went to the top of Kingsdown & had a very pleasant drive : One pleasure succeeds another rapidly
- On my return I found your letter & a letter from
Charles on the table. The contents of yours I suppose I need
not repeat to you ; to thank you for it will be enough. - I
give Charles great credit for remembering my Uncle's
direction, & he seems rather surprised at it himself. - He
has received 30\ for his share of the privateer & expects
10\ more - but of what avail is it to take prizes if he lays
out the produce in presents to his sisters. He has been
buying gold chains & Topaze crosses for us ; - he must be
well scolded. The Endymion has already received orders for
taking Troops to Egypt - which I should not like at all if I
did not trust to Charles' being removed from her somehow or
other before she sails. He knows nothing of his own
destination he says, - but desires me to write directly as
the Endymion will probably sail in 3 or 4 days. - He will
receive my yesterday's letter today, and I shall write again
by this post to thank & reproach him. - We shall be
unbearably fine. - I have made an engagement for you for
Thursdav the 4th of
I will engage Mrs** Mussell as you desire. She made my
dark gown very well & may therefore be trusted I hope with
yours - but she does not always succeed with lighter
colours. - My white one I was obliged to alter a good deal.
Unless anything particular occurs I shall not write again.
Lyme Friday Sept 14. My dear Cassandra
I take the first sheet of this fine striped paper to
thank you for your letter from Weymouth, and express my
hopes of your being at Ibthrop before this time. I expect to
hear that you reached it yesterday evening, being able to
get as far as Blandford on Wednesday. Your account of
Weymouth contains nothing which strikes me so forcibly as
there being no ice in the town. For every other vexation I
was in some measure prepared, and particularly for your
disappointment in not seeing the Royal Family go on board on
Tuesday, having already heard from Mr. Crawford that he had
seen you in the very act of being too late, but for there
being no ice what could prepare me ? Weymouth
Yrs** affecly**
J. A.
Friday Eveng*. The bathing was so delightful this morning
& Molly so pressing with me to enjoy myself that I believe I
staid in rather too long, as since the middle of the day I
have felt unreasonably tired. I shall be more careful
another time, & shall not bathe to-morrow as I had before
intended. Jenny & James are walked to Charmouth this
afternoon. I am glad to have such an amusement for him, as I
am very anxious for his being at once quiet & happy. He can
read, & I must get him some books. Unfortunately he has read
the 1st** vol. of Robinson Crusoe. We have the Pinckards
newspaper however which I shall take care to lend him.
Green Park Bgs** monday Janry** 21st** My dearest Frank
I have melancholy news to relate, & sincerely feel for
your feelings under the shock of it. - I wish I could better
prepare you for it. But having said so much,
- He was taken ill on Saturday morning, exactly in the
same way as heretofore, an oppression in the head, with
fever, violent tremulousness, & the greatest degree of
Feebleness. The same remedy of Cupping, which had before
been so successful, was immediately applied to - but without
such happy effects. The attack was more violent, & at first
he seemed scarcely at all releived by the operation. -
Towards the Evening however he got better, had a tolerable
night, & yesterday morning was so greatly amended as to get
up & join us at breakfast as usual, & walk about with only
the help of a stick, & every symptom was then so favourable
that when Bowen saw him at one, he felt sure of his doing
perfectly well. - But as the day advanced, all these
comfortable appearances gradually changed ; the fever grew
stronger than ever, & when Bowen saw him at ten at night, he
pronounc'd his situation to be most alarming. - At nine this
morning he came again - & by his desire a Physician was
called in ; - Dr. Gibbs - But it was then absolutely a lost
case - . Dr. Gibbs said that nothing but a Miracle could
save him, and about twenty minutes after Ten he drew his
last gasp. - Heavy as is the blow, we can already feel that
a thousand comforts remain to us to soften it. Next to that
of the consciousness of his worth & constant preparation for
another World, is the remembrance of his having suffered,
comparatively speaking, nothing. Being quite insensible of
his own state, he was spared all the pain of separation,
J A.
Green Park Bgs** tuesday Eveng*, Janry** 22d* My dearest
Frank
I wrote to you yesterday ; but your letter to Cassandra
this morning, by which we learn the probability of your
being by this time at Portsmouth, obliges me to write to you
again, having unfortunately a communication as necessary as
painful to make to you. - Your affectionate heart will be
greatly wounded, & I wish the shock could have been lessen'd
by a better preparation ; - but the Event has been sudden, &
so must be the information of it. We have lost an Excellent
Father. - An illness of only eight & forty hours carried him
off yesterday morning between ten
We all unite in Love, & I am affecly** Yours
J A.
Green Park Bgs** Tuesday Janry** 29. My dearest Frank
My Mother has found among our dear Father's little
personal property, a small astronomical Instrument which she
hopes you will accept for his sake. It is, I beleive a
Compass & Sun-Dial, & is in a Black chagreen Case. Would you
have it sent to you now, & with what direction ? - There is
also a pair of scissars for you. - We hope these are
articles that may be useful to you, but we are sure they
will be valuable. - I have not time for more.
Yours very affecly**
J A.
25 Gay St* Monday My dear Cassandra
Here is a day for you ! Did Bath or Ibthrop ever see a
finer 8th** of April ? - It is March & April together, the
glare of one & the warmth of the other. We do nothing but
walk about ; as far as your means will admit I hope you
profit by such weather too. I dare say you are already the
better for change of place. We were out again last night ;
Miss Irvine invited us, when I met her in the Crescent, to
drink tea with them, but I rather declined it, having no
idea that my Mother would be disposed for another Evening
visit there so soon ; but when I gave her the message I
found her very well inclined to go ; - and accordingly on
leaving Chapel we walked to Lansdown. - Richard Chamberlayne
& a young Ripley from Mr* Morgan's school, were there ; &
our visit did very well. - This morning we have been to see
Miss Chamberlayne look hot on horseback. - Seven years &
four months ago we went to the same Ridinghouse to see Miss
Lefroy's performance ! - What a different set are we now
moving in ! But seven years I suppose are enough to change
every pore of one's skin, & every feeling of one's mind. -
We did not walk long in the Crescent yesterday, it was hot &
not crouded enough ; so we went into the field, & passed
close by Stephen Terry
- The Ambuscade reached Gibraltar on the 9th of March and found all well ; so say the papers. - We have had no letters from anybody, but I expect to hear from Edward tomorrow, & from you soon afterwards. - How happy they are at Godmersham now ! - I shall be very glad of a letter from Ibthrop, that I may know how you all are there, & particularly yourself. This is nice weather for Mrs** J. Austen's going to Speen, & I hope she will have a pleasant visit there. I expect a prodigious account of the Christening dinner ; perhaps it brought you at last into the company of Miss Dundas again. -
Tuesday. I received your letter last night, & wish it may
be soon followed by another to say that all is over ; but I
cannot help thinking that Nature will struggle again &
produce a revival. Poor woman ! May her end be peaceful &
easy, as the Exit we have witnessed ! And I dare say it
will. If there is no revival, suffering must be all over ;
even the consciousness of Existence I suppose was gone when
you wrote. The Nonsense I have been writing in this and in
my last letter, seems out of place at such a time ;
- Were I going to send a girl to school I would send her
to this person ; to be rational in anything is great praise,
especially in the ignorant class of school mistresses - &
she keeps the School in the upper crescent. - Since I wrote
so far, I have walked with my Mother to St* James' Square &
Paragon ; neither family at home. I have also been with the
Cookes trying to fix Mary for a walk this afternoon, but as
she was on the point of taking a long walk with some other
Lady, there is little chance of her joining us. I should
like to know how far they are going ; she invited me to go
with them [&] when I excused myself as rather tired &
mentioned my coming from St J[ames'] Square, she said " that
is a long walk indeed". They want us to drink te[a] with
them tonight, but I do not know whether my mother will have
nerves for it. - We are engaged tomorrow Evening. What
request we are in ! - Mrs** Chamberlayne expressed to her
neice her wish of being intimate enough with us
Thursday. I was not able to go on yesterday, all my Wit & leisure were bestowed on letters to Charles & Henry. To the former I wrote in consequence of my Mother's having seen in the papers that the Urania was waiting at Portsmouth for the convoy for Halifax ; - this is nice, as it is only three weeks ago that you wrote by the Camilla. - The Wallop race seem very fond of Nova Scotia. I wrote to Henry because I had a letter from him, in which he desired to hear from me very soon. His to me was most affectionate & kind, as well as entertaining ; - there is no merit to him in that, he cannot help being amusing.
- He expresses himself as greatly pleased with the
Screen, & says that he does not know whether he is " most
delighted with the idea or the Execution ". -
Gay St* Sunday Evening, April 21st** My dear Cassandra
I am much obliged to you for writing to me again so soon
; your letter yesterday was quite an unexpected pleasure.
Poor Mrs** stent ! it has been her lot to be always in the
way ; but we must be merciful, for perhaps in time we may
come to be Mrs** stents ourselves, unequal to anything &
unwelcome to everybody. - We shall be very glad to see you
whenever you can get away, but I have no expectation of your
coming before the 10th** or 11th** of May. - Your account of
Martha is very comfortable indeed, & now we shall be in no
fear of receiving a worse. This day, if she has gone to
Church, must have been a trial of her feelings, but I hope
it will be the last of any acuteness. - James may not be a
Man of Business, but as a " Man of Letters " he is certainly
very useful ; he affords you a most convenient communication
with the Newbury Post. - You were very right in supposing I
wore my crape sleeves to the Concert, I had them put in on
the occasion ; on my head I wore my crape & flowers, but I
do not think it looked particularly well. - My Aunt is in a
great hurry to pay me for my Cap, but cannot find in her
heart to give me good
- She was so well-disposed, & so reasonable that I soon
forgave her, & made this engagement with her in proof of it.
- She is really an agreable girl, so I think I may like her,
& her great want of a companion at home, which may well make
any tolerable acquaintance important to her, gives her
another claim on my attention. I shall endeavour as much as
possible to keep my Intimacies in their proper place, &
prevent their clashing. - I have been this morning with Miss
Irvine ; it is not in my power to return her evening-visits
at present. I must pay her as I can. - On tuesday we are to
have a party. It came into my wise head that tho' my Mother
did not go out of an evening, there was no reason against
her seeing her friends at home, & that it would be as well
to get over the Chamberlaynes visit now, as to delay it. I
accordingly invited them this morning, Mrs** C. fixed on
tuesday, & I rather think they will all come ; the
possibility of it will deter us from asking Mr* & Mrs** L.
P. to meet them. - I asked Miss Irvine, but she declined it,
as not feeling quite stout, & wishing to keep quiet ; - but
her Mother is to enliven our circle. - Bickerton has been at
home for the Easter Holidays, & returns tomorrow ; he is a
very sweet boy, both in manner & countenance. He seems to
have the attentive, affectionate feelings of Fulwar-William
- who by the bye is actually fourteen - what are we to do ?
- I have never seen Bickerton without his immediately
enquiring whether I had heard from you - from " Miss
- The Cookes leave Bath next week I believe, & my Cousin
goes earlier. - The papers announce the Marriage of the Rev.
Edward Bather, Rector of some place in Shropshire to a Miss
Emma Halifax - a wretch ! - he does not deserve an Emma
Halifax's maid Betty. - Mr* hampson is here ; this must
interest Martha ; I met him the other morning in his way (as
he said) to Green Park Bgs**; i trusted to his forgetting
our number in Gay St* when I gave it him, & so I conclude he
has, as he [has] not yet called. - Mrs** stanhope has let
her house from Midsummer, so we shall get rid of them. She
is lucky in disposing of it so soon, as there is an
astonishing number of Houses at this time vacant in that end
of the Town. - Mrs** Elliot is to quit hers at Michaelmas. -
I wonder whether Mr* hampson's friend Mr* saunders is any
relation to the famous Saunders whose letters have been
lately published ! - I am quite of your opinion as to the
folly of concealing any longer our intended Partnership with
Martha, & whenever there has of late been an enquiry on the
subject I have always been sincere ; & I have sent word of
it to the Mediterranean in a letter to Frank. - None of our
nearest connections I think will be unprepared for it ; & I
do
Monday. The Cookes' place seems of a sort to suit Isaac,
if he means to go to service again, & does not object to
change of Country. He will have a good
Tuesday. I have not much more to add. My Uncle & Aunt drank tea with us last night, & in spite of my resolution to the contrary, I could not help putting forward to invite them again this Evening. I thought it was of the first consequence to avoid anything that might seem a slight to them. I shall be glad when it is over, & hope to have no necessity for having so many dear friends at once again. - I shall write to Charles by the next Packet, unless you tell me in the meantime of your intending to do it. Beleive me if you chuse
Yr* affecte** Sister.
Godmersham Park, Saturday Augst** 24 My dear Cassandra
How do you do ? & how is Harriot's cold ? - I hope you
are at this time sitting down to answer these questions. -
Our visit to Eastwell was very agreable, I found Ly Gordon's
manners as pleasing as they had been described, & saw
nothing to dislike in Sir Janison, excepting once or twice a
sort of sneer at Mrs** Anne Finch. He was just getting into
Talk with Elizth** as the carriage was ordered, but during
the first part of the visit he said very little. - Your
going with Harriot was highly approved of by everyone ; &
only too much applauded as an act of virtue on your part. I
said all I could to lessen your merit. - The Mrs** finches
were afraid you would find Goodnestone very dull ; I wished
when I heard them say so, that they could have heard Mr* E.
Bridges's solicitude on the subject & have known all the
amusements that were planned to prevent it. - They were very
civil to me, as they always are ; - Fortune was also very
civil to me in placing Mr* e. hatton by me at dinner. - I
have discovered that Ly Elizth** for a woman of her age &
situation, has astonishingly little to say for herself, &
that Miss Hatton has not much more. - Her eloquence lies in
her fingers ; they were most fluently harmonious. - George
is a fine boy, & well behaved, but Daniel cheifly delighted
me ; the good humour
Yours very affecly**
J A.
You are desired to bring back with you Henry's picture of Rowling for the Mrs** finches.
Elizth** hopes you will not be later here on Monday than 5 o'clock, on Lizzy's account. -
As I find on looking into my affairs, that instead of being very rich I am likely to be very poor, I cannot afford more than ten shillings for Sackree ; but as
We are to meet in Canterbury I need not have mentioned this. It is as well however, to prepare you for the sight of a Sister sunk in poverty, that it may not overcome your Spirits. We have heard nothing from Henry since he went. - Daniel told us that he went from Ospringe in one of the Coaches.
Goodnestone Farm : Tuesday August 27 My dear Cassandra
We had a very pleasant drive from Canterbury, and reached
this place about half-past four, which seemed
Harriot found a letter from Louisa Hatton, desiring to know if she and her brothers were to be at the ball at Deal on Friday, and saying that the Eastwell family had some idea of going to it, and were to make use of Rowling if they did ; and while I was dressing she came to me with another letter in her hand, in great perplexity. It was from Captain Woodford, containing a message from Lady Forbes, which he had intended to deliver in person, but had been prevented from doing.
The offer of a ticket for this grand ball, with an invitation to come to her house at Dover before and after it, was Lady Forbes's message. Harriot was at first very little inclined, or rather totally disinclined, to profit by her ladyship's attention ; but at length, after many debates, she was persuaded by me and herself together to accept the ticket. The offer of dressing and sleeping at Dover she determined on Marianne's account to decline, and her plan is to be conveyed by Lady Elizabeth Hatton.
I hope their going is by this time certain, and will be
soon know to be so. I think Miss H. would not have written
such a letter if she had not been all but sure of it, and a
little more. I am anxious on the subject, from the fear of
being in the way if they do not come to give Harriot a
conveyance. I proposed and pressed being sent home on
Thursday, to prevent the possibility of being in the wrong
place, but Harriot would not hear of it.
There is no chance of tickets for the Mr. Bridgeses, as no gentlemen but of the garrison are invited.
With a civil note to be fabricated to Lady F., and an answer written to Miss H., you will easily believe that we could not begin dinner till six. We were agreeably surprised by Edward Bridges's company to it. He had been, strange to tell, too late for the cricket match, too late at least to play himself, and, not being asked to dine with the players, came home. It is impossible to do justice to the hospitality of his attentions towards me ; he made a point of ordering toasted cheese for supper entirely on my account.
We had a very agreeable evening, and here I am before breakfast writing to you, having got up between six and seven ; Lady Brydges's room must be good for early rising.
Mr. Sankey was here last night, and found his patient better, but I have heard from a maidservant that she has had but an indifferent night.
Tell Elizabeth that I did not give her letter to Harriot till we were in the carriage, when she received it with great delight, and could read it in comfort.
As you have been here so lately, I need not particularly describe the house or style of living, in which all seems for use and comfort ; nor need I be diffuse on the state of Lady Brydges's bookcase and cornershelves upstairs. What a treat to my mother to arrange them !
Harriot is constrained to give up all hope of seeing Edward here to fetch me, as I soon recollected that Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knatchbull's being at Godmersham on Thursday must put it out of the question.
Had I waited till after breakfast, the chief of all
I have asked Sophie if she has anything to say to Lizzy in acknowledgment of the little bird, and her message is that, with her love, she is very glad Lizzy sent it. She volunteers, moreover, her love to little Marianne, with the promise of bringing her a doll the next time she goes to Godmersham.
John is just come from Ramsgate, and brings a good account of the people there. He and his brother, you know, dine at Nackington ; we are to dine at four, that we may walk afterwards. As it is now two, and Harriot has letters to write, we shall probably not get out before.
Yours affectionately,
J. A.
Three o'clock. - Harriot is just come from Marianne, and
thinks her upon the whole better. The sickness has not
returned, and a headache is at present her chief complaint,
which Henry attributes to the sickness.
Goodnestone Farm : Friday August 30 My dear Cassandra
I have determined on staying here till Monday. Not that there is any occasion for it on Marianne's account, as she is now almost as well as usual, but Harriot is so kind in her wishes for my company that I could not resolve on leaving her to-morrow, especially as I had no reason to give for its necessity. It would be inconvenient to me to stay with her longer than the beginning of next week, on account of my clothes, and therefore I trust it will suit Edward to fetch or send for me on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday should be wet. Harriot has this moment desired me to propose his coming hither on Monday, and taking me back the next day.
The purport of Elizabeth's letter makes me anxious to hear more of what we are to do and not to do, and I hope you will be able to write me your own plans and opinions to- morrow. The journey to London is a point of the first expediency, and I am glad it is resolved on, though it seems likely to injure our Worthing scheme. I expect that we are to be at Sandling, while they are in town.
It gives us great pleasure to hear of little Edward's
being better, and we imagine, from his mama's expressions,
that he is expected to be well enough to return to school
with his brothers.
Marianne was equal to seeing me two days ago ; we sat with her for a couple of hours before dinner, and the same yesterday, when she was evidently better, more equal to conversation, and more cheerful than during our first visit. She received me very kindly, and expressed her regret in not having been able to see you.
She is, of course, altered since we saw her in October, 1794. eleven years could not pass away even in health without making some change, but in her case it is wonderful that the change should be so little. I have not seen her to advantage, as I understand she has frequently a nice colour, and her complexion has not yet recovered from the effects of her late illness. Her face is grow longer and thinner, and her features more marked, and the likeness which I remember to have always seen between her and Catherine Bigg is stronger than ever, and so striking is the voice and manner of speaking that I seem to be really hearing Catherine, and once or twice have been on the point of calling Harriot " Alethea." She is very pleasant, cheerful, and interested in everything about her, and at the same time shows a thoughtful, considerate, and decided turn of mind.
Edward Bridges dined at home yesterday ; the day before he was at St. Albans; to-day he goes to Broome, and to- morrow to Mr. Hallett's, which latter engagement has had some weight in my resolution of not leaving Harriot till Monday.
We have walked to Rowling on each of the two last days
after dinner, and very great was my pleasure in going over
the house and grounds. We have also found time to visit all
the principal walks of this place,
Next week seems likely to be an unpleasant one to this family on the matter of game. The evil intentions of the Guards are certain, and the gentlemen of the neighbourhood seem unwilling to come forward in any decided or early support of their rights. Edward
Bridges has been trying to arouse their spirits, but without success. Mr. Hammond, under the influence of daughters and an expected ball, declares he will do nothing.
Harriot hopes my brother will not mortify her by resisting all her plans and refusing all her invitations ; she has never yet been successful with him in any, but she trusts he will now make her all the amends in his power by coming on Monday. She thanks Elizabeth for her letter, and you may be sure is not less solicitous than myself for her going to town.
Pray say everything kind for us to Miss Sharpe, who could not regret the shortness of our meeting in Canterbury more than we did. I hope she returned to Godmersham as much pleased with Mrs. Knight's beauty and Miss Milles's judicious remarks as those ladies respectively were with hers. You must send me word that you have heard from Miss Irvine.
I had almost forgot to thank you for your letter. I am glad you recommended " Gisborne," for having begun, I am pleased with it, and I had quite determined not to read it.
I suppose everybody will be black for the D. of G. must we buy lace, or will ribbon do ?
We shall not be at Worthing so soon as we have been used
to talk of, shall we ? This will be no evil to
Yours affectionately, J.A. you continue, I suppose,
taking hartshorn, and i hope with good effect.
Southampton : Wednesday January 7 My dear Cassandra
You were mistaken in supposing I should expect your
letter on Sunday ; I had no idea of hearing from you before
Tuesday, and my pleasure yesterday was therefore unhurt by
any previous disappointment. I thank you for writing so much
; you must really have sent me the value of two letters in
one. We are extremely glad to hear that Elizabeth is so much
better, and hope you will be sensible of still further
amendment in her when you return from Canterbury.
Of your visit there I must now speak " incessantly ; " it
surprises, but pleases me more, and I consider it as a very
just and honourable distinction of you, and not less to the
credit of Mrs. Knight. I have no doubt of your spending your
time with her most pleasantly in quiet and rational
conversation, and am so far from thinking her expectations
of you will be deceived, that my only fear is of your being
so agreeable, so much to
When you receive this, our guests will be all gone or going ; and I shall be left to the comfortable disposal of my time, to ease of mind from the torments of rice puddings and apple dumplings, and probably to regret that I did not take more pains to please them all.
Mrs. J. Austen has asked me to return with her to Steventon ; I need not give my answer ; and she has invited my mother to spend there the time of Mrs. F. A.'s confinement, which she seems half inclined to do.
A few days ago I had a letter from Miss Irvine, and as I was in her debt, you will guess it to be a remonstrance, not a very severe one, however ; the first page is in her usual retrospective, jealous, inconsistent style, but the remainder is chatty and harmless. She supposes my silence may have proceeded from resentment of her not having written to inquire particularly after my hooping cough, &c. She is a funny one.
I have answered her letter, and have endeavoured to give something like the truth with as little incivility as I could, by placing my silence to the want of subject in the very quiet way in which we live. Phebe has repented, and stays. I have also written to Charles, and I answered Miss Buller's letter by return of post, as I intended to tell you in my last.
Two or three things I recollected when it was too late,
that I might have told you ; one is, that the Welbys have
lost their eldest son by a putrid fever at Eton, and another
that Tom Chute is going to settle in Norfolk.
You have scarcely ever mentioned Lizzy since your being at Godmersham. I hope it is not because she is altered for the worse.
I cannot yet satisfy Fanny as to Mrs. Foote's baby's name, and I must not encourage her to expect a good one, as Captain Foote is a professed adversary to all but the plainest ; he likes only Mary, Elizabeth, Anne, &c. Our best chance is of " Caroline," which in compliment to a sister seems the only exception.
He dined with us on Friday, and I fear will not soon venture again, for the strength of our dinner was a boiled leg of mutton, underdone even for James ; and Captain Foote has a particular dislike to underdone mutton ; but he was so good-humoured and pleasant that I did not much mind his being starved. He gives us all the most cordial invitation to his house in the country, saying just what the Williams ought to say to make us welcome. Of them we have seen nothing since you left us, and we hear that they are just gone to Bath again, to be out of the way of further alterations at Brooklands.
Mrs. F. A. has had a very agreeable letter from Mrs.
Dickson, who was delighted with the purse, and desires her
not to provide herself with a christening dress, which is
exactly what her young correspondent wanted ; and she means
to defer making any of the caps as long as she can, in hope
of having Mrs. D.'s present in time to be serviceable as a
pattern. She desires me to tell you that the gowns were cut
out before your letter arrived, but that they are long
enough for Caroline. The Beds, as I believe they are called,
have fallen to Frank's share to continue, and of course are
cut out to admiration.
"Alphonsine " did not do. We were disgusted in twenty pages, as, independent of a bad translation, it has indelicacies which disgrace a pen hitherto so pure ; and we changed it for the " Female Quixotte," which now makes our evening amusement ; to me a very high one, as I find the work quite equal to what I remembered it. Mrs. F. A., to whom it is new, enjoys it as one could wish ; the other Mary, I believe, has little pleasure from that or any other book.
My mother does not seem at all more disappointed than ourselves at the termination of the family treaty ; she thinks less of that just now than of the comfortable state of her own finances, which she finds on closing her year's accounts beyond her expectation, as she begins the new year with a balance of 30l. in her favour ; and when she has written her answer to my aunt, which you know always hangs a little upon her mind, she will be above the world entirely. You will have a great deal of unreserved discourse with Mrs. K., I dare say, upon this subject, as well as upon many other of our family matters. Abuse everybody but me.
Thursday. - We expected James yesterday, but he did not come ; if he comes at all now, his visit will be a very short one, as he must return to-morrow, that Ajax and the chair may be sent to Winchester on Saturday. Caroline's new pelisse depended upon her mother's being able or not to come so far in the chair ; how the guinea that will be saved by the same means of return is to be spent I know not. Mrs. J. A. does not talk much of poverty now, though she has no hope of my brother's being able to buy another horse next summer.
Their scheme against Warwickshire continues, but
My mother is afraid I have not been explicit enough on the subject of her wealth ; she began 1806 with 68l., she begins 1807 with 99l., and this after 32l. purchase of stock. Frank too has been settling his accounts and making calculations, and each party feels quite equal to our present expenses ; but much increase of house-rent would not do for either. Frank limits himself, I believe, to four hundred a year.
You will be surprised to hear that Jenny is not yet come back ; we have heard nothing of her since her reaching Itchingswell, and can only suppose that she must be detained by illness in somebody or other, and that she has been each day expecting to be able to come on the morrow. I am glad I did not know beforehand that she was to be absent during the whole or almost the whole of our friends being with us, for though the inconvenience has not been nothing, I should have feared still more. Our dinners have certainly suffered not a little by having only Molly's head and Molly's hands to conduct them ; she fries better than she did, but not like Jenny.
We did not take our walk on Friday, it was too dirty, nor have we yet done it ; we may perhaps do something like it to-day, as after seeing Frank skate, which he hopes to do in the meadows by the beech, we are to treat ourselves with a passage over the ferry. It is one of the pleasantest frosts I ever knew, so very quiet. I hope it will last some time longer for Frank's sake, who is quite anxious to get some skating ; he tried yesterday, but it would not do.
Our acquaintance increase too fast. He was recognised
We found only Mrs. Lance at home, and whether she boasts any offspring besides a grand pianoforte did not appear. She was civil and chatty enough, and offered to introduce us to some acquaintance in Southampton, which we gratefully declined.
I suppose they must be acting by the orders of Mr. Lance of Netherton in this civility, as there seems no other reason for their coming near us. They will not come often, I dare say. They live in a handsome style and are rich, and she seemed to like to be rich, and we gave her to understand that we were far from being so ; she will soon feel therefore that we are not worth her acquaintance.
You must have heard from Martha by this time. We have had no accounts of Kintbury since her letter to me.
Mrs. F. A. has had one fainting fit lately; it came on as usual after eating a hearty dinner, but did not last long.
I can recollect nothing more to say. When my letter is gone, I suppose I shall.
Yours affectionately, J. A.
I have just asked Caroline if I should send her love to
her godmama, to which she answered " Yes."
Southampton Feb. 8th My dearest Cassandra
My expectation of having nothing to say to you after the
conclusion of my last, seems nearer Truth than I thought it
would be, for I feel to have but little. I need not
therefore be above acknowledging the receipt of yours this
morng* ; or of replying to every part of it which is capable
of an answer ; & you may accordingly prepare for my ringing
the Changes of the Glads & Sorrys for the rest of the page.
- Unluckily however I see nothing to be glad of, unless I
make it a matter of Joy that Mrs. Wylmot has another son, &
that Ld* lucan has taken a Mistress, both of which Events
are of course joyful to the Actors ; - but to be sorry I
find many occasions, the first is that your return is to be
delayed, & whether I ever get beyond the first is doubtful.
It is no use to lament. - I never heard that even Queen
Mary's Lamentation did her any good, & I could not therefore
expect benefit from mine. - We are all sorry, & now that
subject is exhausted. I heard from Martha yesterday : she
spends this week with the Harwoods, goes afterwards with
James & Mary for a few days to see Peter Debary & two of his
sisters at Eversley - the Living of which he has gained on
the death of Sir R. cope - & means to be here on ye* 24th**,
which will be Tuesday fortnight. I shall be truely glad if
she can keep to her day, but
- The morning was so wet that I was afraid we should not
be able to see our little visitor, but Frank who alone could
go to Church called for her after service, & she is now
talking away at my side & examining the Treasures of my
Writing-desk drawer ; - very happy I beleive ; - not at all
shy of course. - Her name is Catherine & her Sister's
Caroline. - She is something like her Brother, & as short
for her age, but not so well-looking. - What is become of
all the Shyness in
- these are some of my sorrows, - & that Mrs. Deedes is to have another Child I suppose I may lament. - The death of Mrs. W. K. we had seen ; - I had no idea that anybody liked her, & therefore felt nothing for any Survivor, but I am now feeling away on her Husband's account, and think he had better marry Miss Sharpe. - I have this instant made my present, & have the pleasure of seeing it smiled over with genuine satisfaction. I am sure I may on this occasion call Kitty Foote, as Hastings did H. egerton, my " very valuable Friend." - Eveng*. - Our little visitor has just left us, & left us highly pleased with her ; - she is a nice, natural, openhearted, affectionate girl, with all the ready civility which one sees in the best Children in the present day ; - so unlike anything that I was myself at her age, that I am often all astonishment & shame. - Half her time here was spent at Spillikins, which I consider as a very valuable part of our Household furniture, & as not the least important Benefaction from the family of Knight to that of Austen. - But I must tell you a story. Mary has for some time had notice from Mrs. Dickson of the intended arrival of a certain Miss Fowler in this place ;
- Miss F. is an intimate friend of Mrs. D. & a good deal
know as such to Mary. - On Thursday last she called here
while we were out ; - Mary found on our return her card with
only her name on it, & she had
Miss Harrison is going into Devonshire to attend Mrs.
Dusautoy as usual. - Miss Jackson is married to young Mr.
Gunthorpe, & is to be very unhappy. He swears, drinks, is
cross, jealous, selfish & Brutal ; - the match makes her
family miserable, & has occasioned
I am sorry & angry that his Visits should not give one more pleasure ; the company of so good & so clever a Man ought to be gratifying in itself ; - but his Chat seems all forced, his Opinions on many points too much copied from his Wife's, & his time here is spent I think in walking about the House & banging the doors, or ringing the bell for a glass of water. -
There, I flatter myself I have constructed you a smartish Letter, considering my want of Materials. But like my dear Dr. Johnson I beleive I have dealt more in Notions than Facts. -
I hope your Cough is gone & that you are otherwise well. - And remain with Love,
Yrs** affectely**** J. A.
Southampton Friday Feby* 20th** My dear Cassandra
We have at last heard something of Mr* austen's Will. It
is beleived at Tunbridge that he has left everything after
the death of his widow to Mr. My* Austen's 3d* son John ; &
as the said John was the only one of the Family who attended
the Funeral, it seems likely to be true. - Such ill-gotten
wealth can never prosper ! - I really have very little to
say this week, & do not feel as if I should spread that
little into the shew of much. I am inclined for short
sentences. - Mary will be obliged to you to take notice how
often Elizth** nurses her Baby in the course of the 24
hours, how often it is fed & with what; - you need not
trouble yourself to write the result of your observations,
your return will be early enough for the communication of
them. - You are recommended to bring away some flower-seeds
from Godmersham, particularly Mignionette seed. - My Mother
has heard this morng* from Paragon. My Aunt talks much of
the violent colds prevailing in Bath, from which my Uncle
has suffered ever since their return, & she has herself a
cough much worse than any she ever had before, subject as
she has always been to bad ones. - She writes in good humour
& chearful spirits however. The negociation between them &
Adlestrop so happily over indeed, what can have power to vex
her materially ?
- Elliston, she tells us has just succeeded to a considerable fortune on the death of an Uncle. I would not have it enough to take him from the Stage; she should quit her business, & live with him in London. - We could not pay our visit on Monday, the weather altered just too soon ; & we have since had a touch of almost everything in the weather way ; - two of the severest frosts since the winter began, preceded by rain, hail & snow. - Now we are smiling again.
Saturday. - I have received your letter, but I suppose
you do not expect me to be gratified by it's contents. I
confess myself much disappointed by this repeated delay of
your return, for tho' I had pretty well given up all idea of
your being with us before our removal, I felt sure that
March would not pass quite away without bringing you. Before
April comes, of course something else will occur to detain
you. But as you are happy, all this is selfishness, of which
here is enough for one page. - Pray tell Lizzy that if I had
imagined her Teeth to be really out, I should have said
before what I say now, that it was a very unlucky fall
indeed, that I am afraid it must have given her a great deal
of pain, & that I dare say her Mouth looks very comical. - I
am obliged to Fanny for the list of Mrs. Coleman's Children,
whose names I had not however quite forgot ; the new one I
am sure will be Caroline. - I have got Mr. Bowen's Recipe
for you, it came in my aunt's letter. - You must have had
more snow at Gm*, than we had here ; - on Wednesday morng*
there was a thin covering of it over the fields & roofs of
the Houses, but I do not think there was any left the next
day. Everybody used to Southampton
I wish You a pleasant party tomorrow, & not more than you
like of Miss Hatton's neck. - Lady B. must have been a
shameless woman if she named H. Hales as within her
Husband's reach. It is a peice of impertinence indeed in a
Woman to pretend to fix on
Godmersham : Wednesday June 15 My dear Cassandra
Where shall I begin ? Which of all my important nothings
shall I tell you first ? At half after seven yesterday
morning Henry saw us into our own carriage, and we drove
away from the Bath Hotel ; which, by-the-bye, had been found
most uncomfortable quarters - very dirty, very noisy, and
very ill-provided. James began his journey by the coach at
five. Our first eight miles were hot ; Deptford Hill brought
to my mind our hot journey into Kent fourteen years ago ;
but after Blackheath we suffered nothing, and as the day
advanced it grew quite cool. At Dartford, which we reached
within the two hours and three-quarters, we went to the
Bull, the same inn at which we breakfasted in that said
journey, and on the present occasion had about the same bad
butter.
At half-past ten we were again off, and, travelling on without any adventure reached Sittingbourne by three. Daniel was watching for us at the door of the George, and I was acknowledged very kindly by Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, to the latter of whom I devoted my conversation, while Mary went out to buy some gloves. A few minutes, of course, did for Sittingbourne ; and so off we drove, drove, drove, and by six o'clock were at Godmersham.
Our two brothers were walking before the house as we approached, as natural as life. Fanny and Lizzy met us in the Hall with a great deal of pleasant joy ; we went for a few minutes into the breakfast parlour, and then proceeded to our rooms. Mary has the Hall chamber. I am in the Yellow room - very literally - for I am writing in it at this moment. It seems odd to me to have such a great place all to myself, and to be at Godmersham without you is also odd.
You are wished for, I assure you : Fanny, who came to me as soon as she had seen her Aunt James to her room, and stayed while I dressed, was as energetic as usual in her longings for you. She is grown both in height and size since last year, but not immoderately, looks very well, and seems as to conduct and manner just what she was and what one could wish her to continue.
Elizabeth, who was dressing when we arrived, came to me
for a minute attended by Marianne, Charles, and Louisa, and,
you will not doubt, gave me a very affectionate welcome.
That I had received such from Edward also I need not mention
; but I do, you see, because it is a pleasure. I never saw
him look in better health, and Fanny says he is perfectly
well.
I was agreeably surprised to find Louisa Bridges still here. She looks remarkably well (legacies are very wholesome diet), and is just what she always was. John is at Sandling. You may fancy our dinner party therefore ; Fanny, of course, belonging to it, and little Edward, for that day. He was almost too happy, his happiness at least made him too talkative.
It has struck ten ; I must go to breakfast.
Since breakfast I have had a tete-a-tete with Edward in
his room ; he wanted to know James's plans and mine, and
from what his own now are I think it already nearly certain
that I shall return when they do, though not with them.
Edward will be going about the same time to Alton, where he
has business with Mr. Trimmer, and where he means his son
should join him ; and I shall probably be his companion to
that place, and get on afterwards somehow or other. I should
have preferred a rather longer stay here certainly, but
there is no prospect of any later conveyance for me, as he
does not mean to accompany Edward on his return to
Winchester, from a very natural unwillingness to leave
Elizabeth at that time. I shall at any rate be glad not to
be obliged to be an
I need scarcely beg you to keep all this to yourself, lest it should get round by Anna's means. She is very kindly inquired after by her friends here, who all regret her not coming with her father and mother.
I left Henry, I hope, free from his tiresome complaint, in other respects well, and thinking with great pleasure of Cheltenham and Stoneleigh. The brewery scheme is quite at an end : at a meeting of the subscribers last week it was by general, and
I believe very hearty, consent dissolved. The country is very beautiful. I saw as much as ever to admire in my yesterday s journey.
Thursday. - I am glad to find that Anna was pleased with going to Southampton, and hope with all my heart that the visit may be satisfactory to everybody. Tell her that she will hear in a few days from her mamma, who would have written to her now but for this letter .
Yesterday passed quite a la Godmersham : the gentlemen
rode , about Edward's farm, and returned in time to saunter
along Bentigh with us ; and after dinner we visited the
Temple Plantations, which, to be sure, is a Chevalier Bayard
of a plantation. James and Mary are much struck with the
beauty of the place. To-day the spirit of the thing is kept
up by the two brothers being gone to Canterbury in the chair
I cannot discover, even through Fanny, that her mother is fatigued by her attendance on the children. I have, of course, tendered my services, and when Louisa is gone, who sometimes hears the little girls read, will try to be accepted in her stead. She will not be here many days longer. The Moores are partly expected to dine here to- morrow or Saturday.
I feel rather languid and solitary - perhaps because I have a cold ; but three years ago we were more animated with you and Harriot and Miss Sharpe. We shall improve, I dare say, as we go on.
I have not yet told you how the new carriage is liked - very well, very much indeed, except the lining, which does look rather shabby.
I hear a very bad account of Mrs. Whitefield ; a very good one of Mrs. Knight, who goes to Broadstairs next month. Miss Sharpe is going with Miss Bailey to Tenby. The Widow Kennet succeeds to the post of laundress.
Would you believe it my trunk is come already; and, what completes the wondrous happiness, nothing is damaged. I unpacked it all before I went to bed last night, and when I went down to breakfast this morning presented the rug, which was received most gratefully, and met with universal admiration. My frock is also given, and kindly accepted.
Friday. - I have received your letter, and I think it gives me nothing to be sorry for but Mary's cold, which I hope is by this time better. Her approbation of her child's hat makes me very happy. Mrs. J. A. bought one at Gayleard's for Caroline, of the same shape, but brown and with a feather.
I hope Huxham is a comfort to you ; I am glad you
Lady Catherine is Lord Portmore's daughter. have read Mr. Jefferson's case to Edward, and he desires to have his name set down for a guinea and his wife's for another ; but does not wish for more than one copy of the work. Your account of Anna gives me pleasure. Tell her, with my love, that I like her for liking the quay. Mrs. J. A. seems rather surprised at the Maitlands drinking tea with you, but that does not prevent my approving it. I hope you had not a disagreeable evening with Miss Austen and her niece. You know how interesting the purchase of a spongecake is to me.
I am now just returned from Eggerton ; Louisa and I walked together and found Miss Maria at home. Her sister we met on our way back. She had been to pay her compliments to Mrs. Inman, whose chaise was seen to cross the park while we were at dinner yesterday.
I told Sackree that you desired to be remembered to her, which pleased her ; and she sends her duty, and wishes you to know that she has been into the great world. She went on to town after taking William to Eltham, and, as well as myself, saw the ladies go to Court on the 4th. She had the advantage indeed of me in being in the Palace.
Louisa is not so handsome as I expected, but she is not
quite well. Edward and Caroline seem very happy here; he has
nice playfellows in Lizzy and
You are very important with your Captain Bulmore and Hotel Master, and I trust, if your trouble overbalances your dignity on the occasion, it will be amply repaid by Mrs. Craven's approbation, and a pleasant scheme to see her.
Mrs. Cooke has written to my brother James to invite him and his wife to Bookham in their way back, which, as I learn through Edward's means, they are not disinclined to accept, but that my being with them would render it impracticable, the nature of the road affording no conveyance to James. I shall therefore make them easy on that head as soon as I can.
I have a great deal of love to give from everybody.
Yours most affectionately, Jane
My mother will be glad to be assured that the size of the
rug does perfectly well. It is not to be used till winter.
Godmersham Monday June 20th**. My dear Cassandra
I will first talk of my visit to Canterbury, as Mrs. J.
A.'s letter to Anna cannot have given you every
- Pray let Anna have the pleasure of knowing that she is
remembered with kindness both by Mrs. Cooke & Miss Sharpe.
Her manners must be very much worsted by your description of
them, but I hope they will improve by this visit. - Mrs.
Knight finishes her letter with " Give my best Love to
Cassandra when you write to her." - I shall like spending a
day at the White Friars very much. - We breakfasted in the
Library this morng* for the first time, & most of the
- On Tuesday there is to be a family meeting at Mrs. C.
milles's. - Lady Bridges & Louisa from Goodnestone,
- but you have certainly more little events than we have. Mr. Lyford supplies you with a great deal of interesting Matter (Matter Intellectual, not physical)
- but I have nothing to say of Mr. Scudamore. And now,
that is such a sad stupid attempt at Wit, about Matter, that
nobody can smile at it, & I am quite out of heart. I am sick
of myself, & my bad pens. - I have no other complaint
however, my languor is entirely removed. - Ought I to be
very much pleased with Marmion ? - as yet I am not. - James
reads it aloud in the Eveng* - the short Eveng* - beginning
at about 10, & broken by supper. - Happy Mrs. Harrison &
Miss Austen ! - You seem to be always calling on them . - I
am glad your various civilities have turned out so well ; &
most heartily wish you success & pleasure in your present
engagement. - I shall think of you tonight as at Netley, &
tomorrow too, that I may be quite sure of being right - &
therefore I guess you will not go to Netley at all. - This
is a sad story about Mrs. Powlett. I should not have
suspected her of such a thing. - She staid the Sacrament I
remember, the last time that you & I did. - A hint of it,
with Initials, was in yesterday's Courier ; and Mr. Moore
guessed it to be Ld* sackville, beleiving there was no other
Viscount S. in the peerage, & so it proved - Ld* viscount
Seymour not being there. - Yes, I enjoy my apartment very
much, & always spend two or three hours in it after
breakfast. - The change from Brompton Quarters to these is
material as to Space. - I catch myself going on to the Hall
Chamber now & then. - Little Caroline looks very plain among
her Cousins, and tho' she is not so headstrong or humoursome
as they are, I do not think her at all more engaging. - Her
brother is to go
I want some news from Paragon. - I am almost sorry that
Rose Hill Cottage shd* be so near suiting us, as it does not
quite.
Godmersham, Sunday June 26th**. My dear Cassandra
I am very much obliged to you for writing to me on
Thursday, & very glad that I owe the pleasure of hearing
from you again so soon, to such an agreable cause ; but you
will not be surprised, nor perhaps so angry as I shd* be, to
find that Frank's History had reached me before, in a letter
from Henry. - We are all very happy to hear of his health &
safety ; - he wants nothing but a good Prize to be a perfect
Character. - This scheme to the Island is an admirable thing
for his wife ; she will not feel the delay of his return, in
such variety. - How very kind of Mrs. Craven to ask her ! -
I think I quite understand the whole Island arrangements, &
shall be very ready to perform my part in them. I hope my
Mother will go - & I trust it is certain that there will be
Martha's bed for Edward when he brings me home. What can you
do with Anna ? - for her bed will probably be wanted for
young Edward. - His Father writes to Dr. Goddard today to
ask leave, & we have the Pupil's authority for thinking it
will be granted. - I have been so kindly pressed to stay
longer here, in consequence of an offer of Henry's to take
me back some time in September, that not being able to
detail all my objections to such a plan, I have felt myself
obliged to give Edwd* and Elizth** one private reason for my
wishing to be at home in July. - They feel the strength of
it, & say no more ;
- & one can rely on their secrecy. - After this, I hope
we shall not be disappointed of our Friends' visit ; - my
honour, as well as my affection will be concerned in it. -
Elizath** has a very sweet scheme of our accompanying Edward
into Kent next Christmas. A legacy might make it very
feasible ; - a Legacy is our sovereign good. - In the mean
while, let me remember that I have now some money to spare,
& that I wish to have my name put down as a subscriber to
Mr. Jefferson's
- she seems to have a prospect however of being in that
Country again in the Spring for a longer period, & will
spend a day with us if she is. - You & I need not tell
eachother how glad we shall be to receive attention from, or
pay it to anyone connected with Mrs. Knight. - I cannot help
regretting that now, when I feel enough her equal to relish
her society, I see so little of the latter. - The Milles' of
Nackington dine here on friday & perhaps the Hattons. - It
is a compliment as much due to me, as a call from the
Filmers. - When you write to the Island, Mary will be
- I cannot help hoping that each Letter may tell of her sufferings being over. - If she wants sugar, I shd* like to supply her with it. - The Moores went yesterday to Goodnestone, but return tomorrow. After Tuesday we shall see them no more - tho' Harriot is very earnest with Edwd* to make Wrotham in his Journey, but we shall be in too great a hurry to get nearer to it than Wrotham Gate. - He wishes to reach Guilford on friday night - that we may have a couple of hours to spare for Alton. - I shall be sorry to pass the door at Seale without calling, but it must be so - & I shall be nearer to Bookham than I cd* wish, in going from Dorking to Guilford - but till I have a travelling purse of my own, I must submit to such things. - The Moores leave Canterbury on friday - & go for a day or two to Sandling. - I really hope Harriot is altogether very happy - but she cannot feel quite so much at her ease with her Husband, as the wives she has been used to. -
Good-bye. I hope you have been long recovered from your
worry on Thursday morng*, - & that you do
Yrs** very sincerely Jane
Godmersham, Thursday June 30th**. My dear Cassandra
I give you all joy of Frank's return, which happens in
the true sailor way, just after our being told not to expect
him for some weeks. - The Wind has been very much against
him, but I suppose he must be in our Neighbourhood by this
time. Fanny is in hourly expectation of him here. - Mary's
visit in the Island is probably shortened by this Event.
Make our kind Love & Congratulations to her. - What cold,
disagreeable weather, ever since Sunday ! - I dare say you
have Fires every day. My kerseymere Spencer is quite the
comfort of our Eveng* walks. - Mary thanks Anna for her
Letter, & wishes her to buy enough of her new coloured frock
to make a shirt handkf. - I am glad to hear of her Aunt
Maitland's kind present. - We want you to send us Anna's
height, that we may know whether she is as tall as Fanny ; -
and pray can you tell me of any little thing that wd* be
probably acceptable to Mrs. F. A. - i wish to bring her
something ; - has she a silver knife - or wd* you recommend
a Broche?
- He is very happy here however, but I beleive the little
girl will be glad to go home ; - her Cousins are too much
for her. - We are to have Edward, I find, at Southampton
while his Mother is in Berkshire for the Races & are very
likely to have his Father too. If circumstances are
favourable, that will be a good time for our scheme to
Beaulieu. Lady E. Hatton called here a few mornings ago, her
Daughter Elizth* with her, who says as little as ever, but
holds up her head & smiles & is to be at the Races. -
Annamaria was there with Mrs. Hope, but we are to see her
here tomorrow. - So much was written before breakfast ; it
is now half past twelve, & having heard Lizzy read,
- I hope you are not the worse for the fatigue - but to
embark at 4 you must have got up at 3, & most likely had no
sleep at all. - Mary's not chusing to be at home, occasions
a general small surprise. - As to Martha, she has not the
least chance in the world of hearing from me again, & I
wonder at her impudence in proposing it. - I assure you I am
as tired of writing long letters as you can be. What a pity
that one should still be so fond of receiving them ! - Fanny
Austen's Match is quite news, & I am sorry she has behaved
so ill. There is some comfort to us in her misconduct, that
we have not a congratulatory Letter to write. James & Edward
are gone to Sandling today ; - a nice scheme for James, as
it will shew him a new & fine Country. Edward certainly
excels in doing the Honours to his visitors, & providing for
their amusement. - They come back this Eveng*. - Elizabeth
talks of going with her three girls to Wrotham while her
husband is in Hampshire ; - she is improved in looks since
we first came, & excepting a cold, does not seem at all
unwell. She is considered indeed as more than usually active
for her situation & size. - I have tried to give James
pleasure by telling him of his Daughter's Taste, but if he
felt, he did not express it. - I rejoice in it very
sincerely. - Henry talks, or rather writes of going to the
Downes, if the St. Albans continues there - but I hope it
will be settled otherwise. - I had everybody's
Yrs** affec: with Love from all, J. A.
Castle Square, Saturday Octr* 1. My dear Cassandra
Your letter this morning was quite unexpected, & it is
well that it brings such good news to counter-balance the
disappointment to me of losing my first sentence, which I
had arranged full of proper hopes about your Journey,
intending to commit them to paper today, & not looking for
certainty till tomorrow.
- We are extremely glad to hear of the birth of the
Child, & trust everything will proceed as well as it begins
; - his Mama has our best wishes, & he our
- My Mother was some time guessing the names. - Henry's
present to you gives me great pleasure, & I shall watch the
weather for him at this time with redoubled interest. - We
have had 4 brace of Birds lately, in equal Lots from Shalden
& Neatham. - Our party at Mrs. Duer's produced the novelties
of two old Mrs. Pollens & Mrs. Heywood, with whom My mother
made a Quadrille Table ; & of Mrs. Maitland & Caroline, &
Mr. Booth without his sisters at Commerce. - I have got a
Husband for each of the Miss Maitlands ; - Coln* Powlett &
his Brother have taken Argyle's inner House, & the
consequence is so natural that I have no ingenuity in
planning it. If the Brother shd* luckily be a little sillier
than the Colonel, what a treasure for Eliza. - Mr. Lyford
called on tuesday to say that he was disappointed of his son
& daughter's coming, & must go home himself the following
morng* ; - & as I was determined that he shd* not lose every
pleasure I consulted him on my complaint. He recommended
cotton moistened with oil of sweet almonds, & it has done me
good. - I hope therefore to have nothing more to do with
Eliza's receipt than to feel obliged to her for giving it as
I very sincerely do. - Mrs. Tilson's remembrance gratifies
me, & I will use her patterns if I can ; but poor Woman !
how can she be honestly breeding again ? - I have just
finished a Handkf. for Mrs. James Austen, which I expect her
Husband to give me an opportunity of sending to her ere
long. Some fine day in
- A second pool of Commerce, & all the longer by the
addition of the two girls, who during the first had one
corner of the Table & Spillikens to themselves, was the ruin
of us ; - it completed the prosperty of Mr. Debary however,
for he won them both. - Mr. Harrison came in late, & sat by
the fire - for which I envied him, as we had our usual luck
of having a very cold Eveng*. It rained when our company
came, but was dry again before they left us. - The Miss
Ballards are said to be remarkably well-informed ; their
manners are unaffected and pleasing, but they do not talk
quite freely enough to be agreable - nor can I discover any
right they had by Taste or Feeling to go their late Tour. -
Miss Austen & her nephew are returned - but Mr. Choles is
still absent ; - " still absent " say you, "I did not know
that he was gone anywhere " - Neither did I know that Lady
Bridges was at Godmersham at all, till I was told of her
being still there, which I take therefore to be the most
approved method of announcing arrivals & departures. - Mr.
Choles is gone to drive a Cow to Brentford, & his place is
supplied to us by a Man who lives in the same sort of way by
odd jobs, & among other capabilities has that of working in
a garden, which my Mother
- I shall consider silence as good news, & not expect
another Letter from you till friday or Saturday. - You must
have had a great deal more rain than has fallen here ; -
cold enough it has been but not wet, except for a few hours
on Wednesday Eveng*, & I could have found nothing more
plastic than dust to stick in ; - now indeed we are likely
to have a wet day - & tho' Sunday, my Mother begins it
without any ailment. - Your plants were taken in one very
cold blustering day & placed in the Dining room, & there was
a frost the very same night. - If we have warm weather again
they are to be put out of doors, if not my Mother will have
them conveyed to their Winter quarters. - I gather some
Currants every now & then, when I want either fruit or
employment. - Pray tell my little Goddaughter that I am
delighted to hear of her saying her lesson so well. - You
have used me ill, you have been writing to Martha without
telling me of it, & a letter which I sent her on wednesday
to give her information of you, must have been good for
nothing. I do not know how to think that something will not
still happen to prevent her returning by ye 10th** - And if
it does, I shall not much regard it on my own account, for I
am now got into such a way of being alone that I do not wish
even for her. - The Marquis has put off being cured for
another year ; - after waiting some weeks in vain for the
return of the Vessel he had agreed for, he is gone into
Cornwall to order a Vessel built for himself by a famous Man
in that Country, in which he means to go abroad a
twelvemonth hence. -
Everybody who comes to Southampton finds it either their duty or pleasure to call upon us ; Yesterday we were visited by the eldest Miss Cotterel, just arrived from Waltham. Adeiu - With Love to all,
Yrs** affec:ly** J A.
We had two Pheasants last night from Neatham. Tomorrow
Eveng* is to be given to the Maitlands ; - we are just
asked, to meet Mrs. Heywood & Mrs. Duer.
Castle Square, Friday Oct. 7. - My dear Cassandra
Your letter on Tuesday gave us great pleasure, & we
congratulate you all upon Elizabeth's hitherto happy
recovery ; - tomorrow or Sunday I hope to hear of it's
advancing in the same stile. - We are also very glad to know
that you are so well yourself, & pray you to continue so. -
I was rather surprised on Monday by the arrival of a letter
for you from your Winchester Correspondent, who seemed
perfectly unsuspicious of your being likely to be at
Godmersham ; - I took conplete possession of the Letter by
reading, paying for, & answering it ; - and he will have the
Biscuits today,
- a very proper day for the purpose, tho' I did not think
of it at the time. - I wish my Brother joy of completing his
30th** year - & hope the day will be remembered better than
it was six years ago. - The
- You know of course that Martha comes today ; yesterday
brought us notice of it, & the Spruce Beer is brewed in
consequence. - On wednesday I had a letter from Yarmouth to
desire me to send Mary's flannels & furs, &c - & as there
was a packing case at hand, I could do it without any
trouble. - On Tuesday Eveng* Southampton was in a good deal
of alarm for
Saturday. - Thank you for your Letter, which found me at the Breakfast-Table, with my two companions.
- I am greatly pleased with your account of Fanny ; I
found her in the summer just what you describe,
- they had some rain at last, but a very good Journey on
the whole ; & if Looks & Words may be trusted Martha is very
happy to be returned. We receive her with Castle Square-
weather, it has blown a gale from the N.W. ever since she
came - & we feel ourselves in luck that the Chimney was
mended yesterday. - She brings several good things for the
Larder, which is now very rich ; we had a pheasant & hare
the other day from the Mr. Grays of Alton. Is this to entice
us to Alton, or to keep us away ? - Henry had probably some
share in the two last baskets from that Neighbourhood, but
we have not seen so much of his handwriting even as a
direction to either. Martha was an hour & half in
Winchester, walking about with the three boys & at the
Pastrycook's. - She thought Edward grown, & speaks with the
same admiration as before of his Manners ; - she saw in
George a little likeness to his uncle Henry. - I am glad you
are to see Harriot, give my Love to her. - I wish you may be
able to accept Lady Bridges's invitation, tho' I could not
her son Edward's ; - she is a nice Woman, & honours me by
her remembrance. - Do you recollect whether the Manydown
family send
Sunday. - It is cold enough now for us to prefer dining
upstairs to dining below without a fire, & being only three
we manage it very well, & today with two more we shall do
just as well, I dare say ; Miss Foote & Miss Wethered are
coming. My mother is much pleased with Elizabeth's
admiration of the rug - & pray tell Elizabeth that the new
mourning gown is to be made double only in the body &
sleeves. - Martha thanks you for your message, & desires you
may be told with her best Love that your wishes are answered
& that she is full of peace & comfort here. - I do not think
however that here she will remain a great while, she does
not herself expect that Mrs. Dundas will be able to do with
her long. She wishes to stay with us till Christmas if
possible. - Lyddy goes home to-morrow ; she seems well, but
does not mean to go to service at present. - The Wallops are
returned. Mr. John Harrison has paid his visit of duty & is
gone. - We have got a new Physician, a Dr. Percival, the son
Yrs** very affec:ly** J A.
Have you written to Mrs. E. leigh ? - Martha will be glad
to find Anne in work at present, & I am as glad to have her
so found. - We must turn our black pelisses into new, for
velvet is to be very much worn this winter. -
Castle Square, Octr* 13. My dearest Cassandra
I have received your Letter, & with most melancholy
anxiety was it expected, for the sad news reached us last
night, but without any particulars ; it came in a short
letter to Martha from her sister, begun at Steventon, &
finished in Winchester. - We have felt, we do feel, for you
all - as you will not need to be told - for you, for Fanny,
for Henry, for Lady Bridges, & for dearest Edward, whose
loss and whose sufferings seem to make those of every other
person nothing. - God be praised ! that you can say what you
do of him - that he has a religious Mind to bear
- of her solid principles, her true devotion, her
excellence in every relation of Life. It is also consolatory
to reflect on the shortness of the sufferings which led her
from this World to a better. - Farewell for the
Yrs** affectely**** J Austen
I will write to Catherine.
Perhaps you can give me some directions about Mourning.
Castle Square : Saturday night October 15. My dear
Cassandra,
Your accounts make us as comfortable as we can expect to
be at such a time. Edward's loss is terrible, and must be
felt as such, and these are too early days indeed to think
of moderation in grief, either in him or his afflicted
daughter, but soon we may hope that our dear Fanny's sense
of duty to that beloved father will rouse her to exertion.
For his sake, and as the most acceptable proof of love to
the spirit of her departed mother, she will try to be
tranquil and resigned. Does she feel you to be a comfort to
her, or is she too much overpowered for anything but
solitude ?
Your account of Lizzy is very interesting. Poor child !
One must hope the impression will be strong, and yet one's
heart aches for a dejected mind of eight years old.
I suppose you see the corpse ? How does it appear ? We
are anxious to be assured that Edward will not
Your parcel shall set off on Monday, and I hope the shoes will fit ; Martha and I both tried them on. I shall send you such of your mourning as I think most likely to be useful, reserving for myself your stockings and half the velvet, in which selfish arrangement I know I am doing what you wish.
I am to be in bombazeen and crape, according to what we are told is universal here, and which agrees with Martha's previous observation. My mourning, however, will not impoverish me, for by having my velvet pelisse fresh lined and made up, I am sure I shall have no occasion this winter for anything new of that sort. I take my cloak for the lining, and shall send yours on the chance of its doing something of the same for you, though I believe your pelisse is in better repair than mine. One Miss Baker makes my gown and the other my bonnet, which is to be silk covered with crape.
I have written to Edward Cooper, and hope he will not send one of his letters of cruel comfort to my poor brother ; and yesterday I wrote to Alethea Bigg, in reply to a letter from her. She tells us in confidence that Catherine is to be married on Tuesday se'nnight. Mr. Hill is expected at Manydown in the course of the ensuing week.
We are desired by Mrs. Harrison and Miss Austen to say
everything proper for them to yourself and Edward on this
sad occasion, especially that nothing but a wish of not
giving additional trouble where so much is inevitable
prevents their writing themselves to express their concern.
They seem truly to feel concern.
I am glad you can say what you do of Mrs. Knight and of Goodnestone in general ; it is a great relief to me to know that the shock did not make any of them ill. But what a task was yours to announce it ! Now I hope you are not overpowered with letter-writing, as Henry and John can ease you of many of your correspondents.
Was Mr. Scudamore in the house at the time, was any application attempted, and is the seizure at all accounted for ?
Sunday. - As Edward's letter to his son is not come here, we know that you must have been informed as early as Friday of the boys being at Steventon, which i am glad of.
Upon your letter to Dr. Goddard's being forwarded to them, Mary wrote to ask whether my mother wished to have her grandsons sent to her. We decided on their remaining where they were, which I hope my brother will approve of. I am sure he will do us the justice of believing that in such a decision we sacrificed inclination to what we thought best.
I shall write by the coach to-morrow to Mrs. J. A., and to Edward, about their mourning, though this day's post will probably bring directions to them on that subject from yourselves. I shall certainly make use of the opportunity of addressing our nephew on the most serious of all concerns, as I naturally did in my letter to him before. The poor boys are, perhaps, more comfortable at Steventon than they could be here, but you will understand my feelings with respect to it.
To-morrow will be a dreadful day for you all. Mr.
Whitfield's will be a severe duty. Glad shall I be to hear
that it is over.
That you are for ever in our thoughts you will not doubt. I see your mournful party in my mind's eye under every varying circumstance of the day ; and in the evening especially figure to myself its sad gloom : the efforts to talk, the frequent summons to melancholy orders and cares, and poor Edward, restless in misery, going from one room to the other, and perhaps not seldom upstairs, to see all that remains of his Elizabeth. Dearest Fanny must now look upon herself as his prime source of comfort, his dearest friend ; as the being who is gradually to supply to him, to the extent that is possible, what he has lost. This consideration will elevate and cheer her.
Adieu. You cannot write too often, as I said before. We are heartily rejoiced that the poor baby gives you no particular anxiety. Kiss dear Lizzy for us. Tell Fanny that I shall write in a day or two to Miss Sharpe.
My mother is not ill.
Yours most truly, J. Austen
Tell Henry that a hamper of apples is gone to him from
Kintbury, and that Mr. Fowle intended writing on Friday
(supposing him in London) to beg that the charts, &c., may
be consigned to the care of the Palmers. Mrs. Fowle has also
written to Miss Palmer to beg she will send for them.
Castle Square : Monday October 24 My dear Cassandra,
Edward and George came to us soon after seven on Saturday, very well, but very cold, having by choice travelled on the outside, and with no great coat but what Mr. Wise, the coachman, good-naturedly spared them of his, as they sat by his side. They were so much chilled when they arrived, that I was afraid they must have taken cold ; but it does not seem at all the case ; I never saw them looking better.
They behave extremely well in every respect, showing quite as much feeling as one wishes to see, and on every occasion speaking of their father with the liveliest affection. His letter was read over by each of them yesterday, and with many tears ; George sobbed aloud, Edward's tears do not flow so easily ; but as far as I can judge they are both very properly impressed by what has happened. Miss Lloyd, who is a more impartial judge than I can be, is exceedingly pleased with them.
George is almost a new acquaintance to me, and I find him in a different way as engaging as Edward.
We do not want amusement : bilbocatch, at which George is
indefatigable, spillikins, paper ships, riddles, conundrums,
and cards, with watching the flow and ebb of the river, and
now and then a stroll out, keep us well employed ; and we
mean to avail ourselves
Mrs. J. A. had not time to get them more than one suit of clothes ; their others are making here, and though I do not believe Southampton is famous for tailoring, I hope it will prove itself better than Basingstoke. Edward has an old black coat, which will save his having a second new one ; but I find that black pantaloons are considered by them as necessary, and of course one would not have them made uncomfortable by the want of what is usual on such occasions.
Fanny's letter was received with great pleasure yesterday, and her brother sends his thanks and will answer it soon. We all saw what she wrote, and were very much pleased with it. To-morrow I hope to hear from you, and to- morrow we must think of poor Catherine. To-day Lady Bridges is the heroine of our thoughts, and glad shall we be when we can fancy the meeting over. There will then be nothing so very bad for Edward to undergo.
The " St. Albans," I find, sailed on the very day of my letters reaching Yarmouth, so that we must not expect an answer at present ; we scarcely feel, however, to be in suspense, or only enough to keep our plans to ourselves. We have been obliged to explain them to our young visitors, in consequence of Fanny's letter, but we have not yet mentioned them to Steventon. We are all quite familiarised to the idea ourselves ; my mother only wants Mrs. Seward to go out at Midsummer.
What sort of a kitchen garden is there ? Mrs. J. A.
expresses her fear of our settling in Kent, and, till this
Anne has just given her mistress warning ; she is going to be married ; I wish she would stay her year.
On the subject of matrimony, I must notice a wedding in the Salisbury paper, which has amused me very much, Dr. Phillot to Lady Frances St. Lawrence.
She wanted to have a husband I suppose, once in her life, and he a Lady Frances.
I hope your sorrowing party were at church yesterday, and have no longer that to dread. Martha was kept at home by a cold, but I went with my two nephews, and I saw Edward was much affected by the sermon, which, indeed, I could have supposed purposely addressed to the afflicted, if the text had not naturally come in the course of Dr. Mant's observations on the Litany : " All that are in danger, necessity, or tribulation," was the subject of it. The weather did not allow us afterwards to get farther than the quay, where George was very happy as long as we could stay, flying about from one side to the other, and skipping on board a collier immediately.
In the evening we had the Psalms and Lessons, and a sermon at home, to which they were very attentive ; but you will not expect to hear that they did not return to conundrums the moment it was over. Their aunt has written pleasantly of them, which was more than I hoped.
While I write now, George is most industriously making
and naming paper ships, at which he afterwards shoots with
horse-chestnuts, brought from Steventon on purpose ; and
Edward equally intent
Tuesday. - Your close-written letter makes me quite ashamed of my wide lines ; you have sent me a great deal of matter, most of it very welcome. As to your lengthened stay, it is no more than I expected, and what must be, but you cannot suppose I like it.
All that you say of Edward is truly comfortable ; I began to fear that when the bustle of the first week was over, his spirits might for a time be more depressed ; and perhaps one must still expect something of the kind. If you escape a bilious attack, I shall wonder almost as much as rejoice. I am glad you mentioned where Catherine goes to-day ; it is a good plan, but sensible people may generally be trusted to form such.
The day began cheerfully, but it is not likely to continue what it should, for them or for us. We had a little water party yesterday ; I and my two nephews went from the Itchen Ferry up to Northam, where we landed, looked into the 74, and walked home, and it was so much enjoyed that I had intended to take them to Netley to-day ; the tide is just right for our going immediately after noonshine, but I am afraid there will be rain ; if we cannot get so far, however, we may perhaps go round from the ferry to the quay.
I had not proposed doing more than cross the Itchen
yesterday, but it proved so pleasant, and so much to the
satisfaction of all, that when we reached the middle of the
stream we agreed to be rowed up the river ; both the boys
rowed great part of the way, and their questions and
remarks, as well as their enjoyment, were very amusing ;
George's enquiries
Our evening was equally agreeable in its way : I introduced speculation, and it was so much approved that we hardly knew how to leave off.
Your idea of an early dinner to-morrow is exactly what we propose, for, after writing the first part of this letter, it came into my head that at this time of year we have not summer evenings. We shall watch the light to-day, that we may not give them a dark drive to-morrow.
They send their best love to papa and everybody, with George's thanks for the letter brought by this post. Martha begs my brother may be assured of her interest in everything relating to him and his family, and of her sincerely partaking our pleasure in the receipt of every good account from Godmersham.
Of Chawton I think I can have nothing more to say, but that everything you say about it in the letter now before me will, I am sure, as soon as I am able to read it to her, make my mother consider the plan with more and more pleasure. We had formed the same views on H. Digweed's farm.
A very kind and feeling letter is arrived to-day from
Kintbury. Mrs. Fowle's sympathy and solicitude on such an
occasion you will be able to do justice to, and to express
it as she wishes to my brother. Concerning you, she says : "
Cassandra will, I know, excuse my writing to her ; it is not
to save myself but her that I omit so doing. Give my best,
my kindest love to her, and tell her I feel for her as I
know she would for me on the same occasion, and that I most
sincerely hope her health will not suffer."
We have just had two hampers of apples from Kintbury, and the floor of our little garret is almost covered. Love to all.
Yours very affectionately, J. A
Castle Square, Sunday Nov* 21 ((sic)) -
Your letter my dear Cassandra, obliges me to write
immediately, that you may have the earliest notice of
Frank's intending if possible to go to Godmersham exactly at
the time now fixed for your visit to Goodnestone. He
resolved almost directly on the receipt of your former
Letter, to try for an extension of his Leave of absence that
he might be able to go down to you for two days, but charged
me not to give you any notice of it, on account of the
uncertainty of success ; - Now however, I must give it, &
now perhaps he may be giving it himself - for I am just in
the hateful predicament of being obliged to write what I
know will somehow or other be of no use. - He meant to ask
for five days more, & if they were granted, to go down by
Thursday-night's Mail & spend friday & saturday with you ; -
& he considered his chance of succeeding by no means bad. -
I hope it will take place as he planned, & that your
arrangements with Goodnestone may admit of suitable
alteration. - Your news of Edw: Bridges was quite news, for
- Mary Jane missed her papa & mama a good deal at first, but now does very well without them. - I am glad to hear of little John's being better ; - & hope your accounts of Mrs. Knight will also improve. Adeiu. Remember me affectely**** to everybody, & beleive me
Ever yours, J A.
Castle Square, Friday Decr* 9.
Many thanks my dear Cassandra, to you & Mr. Deedes for
your joint & agreable composition, which took me by surprise
this morning. He has certainly great merit as a Writer, he
does ample justice to his subject, & without being diffuse,
is clear & correct ; & tho' I do not mean to compare his
Epistolary powers with yours, or to give him the same
portion of my Gratitude, he certainly has a very pleasing
way
A larger circle of acquaintance & an increase of
amusement is quite in character with our approaching
removal. - Yes - I mean to go to as many Balls as
- I thought it all over - & in spite of the shame of
being so much older, felt with thankfulness that I was quite
as happy now as then. - We paid an additional shilling for
our Tea, which we took as we chose in an adjoining, & very
comfortable room. - There were only 4 dances, & it went to
my heart that the Miss lances (one of them too named Emma !)
should have partners only for two. - You will not expect to
hear that I was asked to dance - but I was - by the
Gentleman whom we met that Sunday with Capn* D'Auvergne. We
have always kept up a bowing acquaintance since, & being
pleased with his black eyes, I spoke to him at the Ball,
which brought on me this civility; but I do not know his
name - & he
We want to be settled at Chawton in time for Henry to
come to us for some shooting, in October at least ; - but a
little earlier, & Edward may visit us after taking his boys
back to Winchester ; - suppose we name the 4th** of Septr* -
will not that do ? - I have but one thing more to tell you.
Mrs. Hill called on my Mother yesterday while we were gone
to Chiswell - & in the course of the visit asked her whether
she knew anything of a Clergyman's family of the name of
Alford who had resided in our part of Hampshire. - Mrs. Hill
had been applied to, as likely to give some information of
them on account of their probable vicinity to Dr. Hill's
Living - by a Lady, or for a Lady, who had
Yours Ever Sincerely J A.
Castle Square : Tuesday December 27 My dear Cassandra,
I can now write at leisure and make the most of my
subjects, which is lucky, as they are not numerous this
week.
Our house was cleared by half-past eleven on Saturday,
and we had the satisfaction of hearing yesterday that the
party reached home in safety soon after five.
I was very glad of your letter this morning, for, my mother taking medicine, Eliza keeping her bed with a cold, and Choles not coming, made us rather dull and dependent on the post. You tell me much that gives me pleasure, but I think not much to answer. I wish I could help you in your needlework. I have two hands and a new thimble that lead a very easy life.
Lady Sondes' match surprises, but does not offend me ; had her first marriage been of affection, or had there been a grown-up single daughter, I should not have forgiven her ; but I consider everybody as having a right to marry once in their lives for love, if they can, and provided she will now leave off having bad headaches and being pathetic, I can allow her, I can wish her, to be happy.
Do not imagine that your picture of your tete-a-tete with Sir B. makes any change in our expectations here ; he could not be really reading, though he held the newspaper in his hand ; he was making up his mind to the deed, and the manner of it. I think you will have a letter from him soon.
I heard from Portsmouth yesterday, and as I am to send them more clothes, they cannot be expecting a very early return to us. Mary's face is pretty well, but she must have suffered a great deal with it ; an abscess was formed and opened.
Our evening party on Thursday produced nothing more
remarkable than Miss Murden's coming too, though she had
declined it absolutely in the morning, and sitting very
ungracious and very silent with us from seven o'clock till
half after eleven, for so late was it, owing to the
chairmen, before we got rid of them.
The last hour, spent in yawning and shivering in a wide circle round the fire, was dull enough, but the tray had admirable success. The widgeon and the preserved ginger were as delicious as one could wish. But as to our black butter, do not decoy anybody to Southampton by such a lure, for it is all gone. The first pot was opened when Frank and Mary were here, and proved not at all what it ought to be; it was neither solid nor entirely sweet, and on seeing it Eliza remembered that Miss Austen had said she did not think it had been boiled enough. It was made, you know, when we were absent. Such being the event of the first pot, I would not save the second, and we therefore ate it in unpretending privacy ; and though not what it ought to be, part of it was very good.
James means to keep three horses on this increase of income ; at present he has but one. Mary wishes the other two to be fit to carry women, and in the purchase of one Edward will probably be called upon to fulfil his promise to his godson. We have now pretty well ascertained James's income to be eleven hundred pounds, curate paid, which makes us very happy - the ascertainment as well as the income.
Mary does not talk of the garden ; it may well be a disagreeable subject to her, but her husband is persuaded that nothing is wanting to make the first new one good but trenching, which is to be done by his own servants and John Bond, by degrees, not at the expense which trenching the other amounted to.
I was happy to hear, chiefly for Anna's sake, that a ball
at Manydown was once more in agitation ; it is called a
child's ball, and given by Mrs. Heathcote to Wm. Such was
its beginning at least, but it will
I forgot in my last to tell you that we hear, by way of Kintbury and the Palmers, that they were all well at Bermuda in the beginning of Nov.
Wednesday. - Yesterday must have been a day of sad remembrance at Gm. I am glad it is over. We spent Friday evening with our friends at the boarding-house, and our curiosity was gratified by the sight of their fellow- inmates, Mrs. Drew and Miss Hook, Mr. Wynne and Mr. Fitzhugh ; the latter is brother to Mrs. Lance, and very much the gentleman. He has lived in that house more than twenty years, and, poor man ! is so totally deaf that they say he could not hear a cannon, were it fired close to him ; having no cannon at hand to make the experiment, I took it for granted, and talked to him a little with my fingers, which was funny enough. I recommended him to read Corinna.
Miss Hook is a well-behaved, genteelish woman ; Mrs. Drew
well behaved, without being at all genteel. Mr. Wynne seems
a chatty and rather familiar young man. Miss Murden was
quite a different creature this last evening from what she
had been before, owing to her having with Martha's help
found a situation in the morning, which bids very fair for
comfort. When she leaves Steventon, she comes to board and
lodge with Mrs. Hookey, the chemist - for there is no Mr.
Hookey. I cannot say that I am in any hurry for the
conclusion of her present visit, but I was truly glad to
My mother has been lately adding to her possessions in plate - a whole tablespoon and a whole dessertspoon, and six whole teaspoons - which makes our sideboard border on the magnificent. They were mostly the produce of old or useless silver. I have turned the 11s. in the list into 12s., and the card looks all the better ; a silver tea-ladle is also added, which will at least answer the purpose of making us sometimes think of John Warren.
I have laid Lady Sondes' case before Martha, who does not make the least objection to it, and is particularly pleased with the name of Montresor. I do not agree with her there, but I like his rank very much, and always affix the ideas of strong sense and highly elegant manners to a general.
I must write to Charles next week. You may guess in what extravagant terms of praise Earle Harwood speaks of him. He is looked up to by everybody in all America.
I shall not tell you anything more of Wm. Digweed's china, as your silence on the subject makes you unworthy of it. Mrs. H. Digweed looks forward with great satisfaction to our being her neighbours. I would have her enjoy the idea to the utmost, as I suspect there will not be much in the reality. With equal pleasure we anticipate an intimacy with her husband's bailiff and his wife, who live close by us, and are said to be remarkably good sort of people.
Yes, yes, we will have a pianoforte, as good a one as can
be got for thirty guineas, and I will practise
Martha sends her love to Henry, and tells him that he will soon have a bill of Miss Chaplin's, about 14l., to pay on her account ; but the bill shall not be sent in till his return to town. I hope he comes to you in good health, and in spirits as good as a first return to Godmersham can allow. With his nephews he will force himself to be cheerful, till he really is so. Send me some intelligence of Eliza ; it is a long while since I have heard of her.
We have had snow on the ground here almost a week ; it is now going, but Southampton must boast no longer. We all send our love to Edward junior and his brothers, and I hope Speculation is generally liked. Fare you well.
Yours affectionately, J. Austen
My mother has not been out of doors this week, but she
keeps pretty well. We have received through Bookham an
indifferent account of your godmother.
Castle Square : Tuesday January 10
I am not surprised, my dear Cassandra, that you did not
find my last letter very full of matter, and I wish this may
not have the same deficiency ; but we are doing nothing
ourselves to write about, and I am
This post brought me two interesting letters, yours and one from Bookham, in answer to an enquiry of mine about your good godmother, of whom we had lately received a very alarming account from Paragon. Miss Arnold was the informant there, and she spoke of Mrs. E. L. having been very dangerously ill, and attended by a physician from Oxford.
Your letter to Adlestrop may perhaps bring you information from the spot, but in case it should not, I must tell you that she is better ; though Dr. Bourne cannot yet call her out of danger ; such was the case last Wednesday, and Mrs. Cooke's having had no later account is a favourable sign. I am to hear again from the latter next week, but not this, if everythng goes on well.
Her disorder is an inflammation on the lungs, arising from a severe chill, taken in church last Sunday three weeks ; her mind all pious composure, as may be supposed. George Cooke was there when her illness began ; his brother has now taken his place. Her age and feebleness considered, one's fears cannot but preponderate, though her amendment has already surpassed the expectation of the physician at the beginning. I am sorry to add that Becky is laid up with a complaint of the same kind.
I am very glad to have the time of your return at all
fixed ; we all rejoice in it, and it will not be later than
I had expected. I dare not hope that Mary and Miss Curling
may be detained at Portsmouth so long or half so long ; but
it would be worth twopence to have it so.
The " St. Albans " perhaps may soon be off to help bring home what may remain by this time of our poor army, whose state seems dreadfully critical. The ' Regency ' seems to have been heard of only here ; my most political correspondents make no mention of it. Unlucky that I should have wasted so much reflection on the subject.
I can now answer your question to my mother more at large, and likewise more at small - with equal perspicuity and minuteness ; for the very day of our leaving Southampton is fixed ; and if the knowledge is of no use to Edward, I am sure it will give him pleasure. Easter Monday, April 3, is the day ; we are to sleep that night at Alton, and be with our friends at Bookham the next, if they are then at home ; there we remain till the following Monday, and on Tuesday, April 11, hope to be at Godmersham. If the Cookes are absent, we shall finish our journey on the 5th. These plans depend of course upon the weather, but I hope there will be no settled cold to delay us materially.
To make you amends for being at Bookham, it is in contemplation to spend a few days at Barton Lodge in our way out of Kent. The hint of such a visit is most affectionately welcomed by Mrs. Birch, in one of her odd pleasant letters lately, in which she speaks of us with the usual distinguished kindness, declaring that she shall not be at all satisfied unless a very handsome present is made us immediately from one quarter.
Fanny's not coming with you is no more than we expected,
and as we have not the hope of a bed for her, and shall see
her so soon afterwards at Godmersham, we cannot wish it
otherwise.
William will be quite recovered, I trust, by the time you receive this. What a comfort his cross-stitch must have been ! Pray tell him that I should like to see his work very much. I hope our answers this morning have given satisfaction ; we had great pleasure in Uncle Deedes' packet ; and pray let
Marianne know, in private, that I think she is quite right to work a rug for Uncle John's coffee urn, and that I am sure it must give great pleasure to herself now, and to him when he receives it.
The preference of Brag over Speculation does not greatly surprise me, I believe, because I feel the same myself ; but it mortifies me deeply, because Speculation was under my patronage ; and, after all, what is there so delightful in a pair royal of Braggers ? It is but three nines or three knaves, or a mixture of them. When one comes to reason upon it, it cannot stand its ground against Speculation - of which I hope Edward is now convinced. Give my love to him if he is.
The letter from Paragon before mentioned was much like those which had preceded it, as to the felicity of its writer. They found their house so dirty and so damp that they were obliged to be a week at an inn. John Binns had behaved most unhandsomely and engaged himself elsewhere. They have a man, however, on the same footing, which my aunt does not like, and she finds both him and the new maidservant very, very inferior to Robert and Martha. Whether they mean to have any other domestics does not appear, nor whether they are to have a carriage while they are in Bath.
The Holders are as usual, though I believe it is not
We are now in Margiana, and like it very well indeed. We are just going to set off for Northumberland to be shut up in Widdrington Tower, where there must be two or three sets of victims already immured under a very fine villain.
Wednesday. - Your report of Eliza's health gives me great pleasure, and the progress of the bank is a constant source of satisfaction. With such increasing profits, tell Henry that I hope he will not work poor High-diddle so hard as he used to do.
Has your newspaper given a sad story of a Mrs. Middleton, wife of a farmer in Yorkshire, her sister, and servant, being almost frozen to death in the late weather, her little child quite so? I hope this sister is not our friend Miss Woodd, and I rather think her brother-in-law had moved into Lincolnshire, but their name and station accord too well. Mrs. M. and the maid are said to be tolerably recovered, but the sister is likely to lose the use of her limbs.
Charles's rug will be finished to-day, and sent to-morrow to Frank, to be consigned by him to Mr. Turner's care ; and I am going to send Marmion out with it - very generous in me, I think.
As we have no letter from Adlestrop, we may suppose the
good woman was alive on Monday, but I cannot help expecting
bad news from thence or Bookham in a few days. Do you
continue quite well ?
Have you nothing to say of your little namesake ? We join in love and many happy returns.
Yours affectionately, J. Austen
The Manydown ball was a smaller thing than I expected,
but it seems to have made Anna very happy. At her age it
would not have done for me.
Castle Square, Tuesday Jany* 17. My dear Cassandra
I am happy to say that we had no second Letter from
Bookham last week. Yours has brought its usual measure of
satisfaction and amusement, and I beg your acceptance of all
the Thanks due on the occasion. - Your offer of Cravats is
very kind, and happens to be particularly adapted to my
wants - but it was an odd thing to occur to you. Yes - we
have got another fall of snow, and are very dreadful ;
everything seems to turn to snow this winter. - I hope you
have had no more illness among you, and that William will be
soon as well as ever. His working a footstool for Chawton is
a most agreable surprise to me, and I am sure his Grandmama
will value it very much as a proof of his affection and
Industry - but we shall never have the heart to put our feet
upon it. - I beleive I must work a muslin cover in sattin
stitch, to keep it from the dirt. - I long to know what his
When William returns to Winchester Mary Jane is to go to Mrs. Nunes for a month, and then to Steventon for a fortnight, and it seems likely that she and her Aunt Martha may travel into Berkshire together. - We shall not have a Month of Martha after your return - and that Month will be a very interrupted and broken one ; - but we shall enjoy ourselves the more, when we can get a quiet half hour together.
- To set against your new Novel of which nobody ever heard before and perhaps never may again, We have got Ida of Athens by Miss Owenson ; which must be very clever, because it was written as the Authoress says, in three months. - We have only read the Preface yet ; but her Irish Girl does not make me expect much. - If the warmth of her Language could affect the Body it might be worth reading in this weather. -
Adeiu - I must leave off to stir the fire and call on Miss Murden.
Eveng*. I have done them both, the first very often.
- We found our friend as comfortable, as she can ever allow herself to be in cold weather ; - there is a very neat parlour behind the shop for her to sit in, not very light indeed, being a la Southampton, the middle of Three deep - but very lively, from the frequent sound of the pestle and mortar. - We afterwards called on the Miss Williamses, who lodge at Dusautoys ; Miss Mary only was at home, and she is in very indifferent health. - Dr. Hacket came in while we were there, and said that he never remembered such a severe winter as this, in Southampton before. It is bad, but we do not suffer as we did last year, because the wind has been more N.E. - than N.W. - For a day or two last week, my Mother was very poorly, with a return of one of her old complaints - but it did not last long, and seems to have left nothing bad behind it. - She began to talk of a serious Illness, her two last having been preceded by the same symptoms ; but - thank Heaven ! she is now quite as well as one can expect her to be in Weather, which deprives her of Exercise. -
Miss M. conveys to us a third volume of sermons from
Hamstall, just published ; and which we are to like better
than the two others ; - they are professedly practical, and
for the use of country Congregations. - I have just recieved
some verses in an unknown hand, and am desired to forward
them to my nephew Edwd* at Godmersham. " Alas ! poor Brag,
thou boastful Game ! - What now avails thine empty name ? -
Where now thy more distinguish'd fame ? - My day is o'er,
and Thine the same. - For thou like me art thrown aside, At
Godmersham, this Christmas Tide ;
Wednesday. - I expected to have a Letter from somebody to-day, but I have not. Twice every day, I think of a Letter from Portsmouth. - Miss Murden has been sitting with us this morng* - as yet she seems very well pleased with her situation. The worst part of her being in Southampton will be the necessity of our walking with her now and then, for she talks so loud that one is quite ashamed, but our Dining hours are luckily very different, which we shall take all reasonable advantage of. - Mrs** Hy* D. has been brought to bed some time. I suppose we must stand to the next.
The Queen's Birthday moves the Assembly to this night,
instead of last - and as it is always fully attended, Martha
and I expect an amusing shew. - We were in hopes of being
independant of other companions by having the attendance of
Mr. Austen and Capt. Harwood, but, as they fail us, we are
obliged to look out for other help, and have fixed on the
Wallops as least likely to be troublesome. - I have called
on them this morng* and found them very willing ; - and I am
sorry that you must wait a whole week for the particulars of
the Eveng*. - I propose being asked to dance by our
acquaintance Mr. Smith, now Captn* Smith, who has lately
re-appeared in Southampton - but I shall decline it. - He
saw Charles last August. - What an alarming Bride Mrs. Coln*
Tilson must have been. Such a parade is one of the most
immodest peices of Modesty that one can imagine. To attract
notice could have been her only
- I hope Fanny's visit is now taking place. - You have said scarcely anything of her lately, but I trust you are as good friends as ever. - Martha sends her Love, and hopes to have the pleasure of seeing you when you return to Southampton. You are to understand this message, as being merely for the sake of a Message, to oblige me. -
Yrs** affectely**** - J. Austen
Henry never sent his Love to me in your last - but I send
him Mine. -
Castle Square, Tuesday Jany* 24. My dear Cassandra
I will give you the indulgence of a letter on Thursday
this week, instead of Friday, but I do not require you to
write again before Sunday, provided I may beleive you and
your finger going on quite well. - Take care of your
precious self, do not work too hard, remember that Aunt
Cassandras are quite as scarce as Miss Beverleys. - I had
the happiness yesterday of a letter from Charles, but I
shall say as little about it as possible, because I know
that excruciating Henry will have had a Letter likewise ; to
make all my intelligence valueless. - It was written at
Bermuda on ye 7, & 10
- not but that you may have worse, for we have now
nothing but ceaseless snow or rain and insufferable dirt to
complain of - no tempestuous winds, nor severity of cold.
Since I wrote last, we have had something of each, but it is
not genteel to rip up old greivances. - You used me
scandalously by not mentioning Ed. Cooper's sermons ; - I
tell you everything, and it is unknown the Mysteries you
conceal from me. - And to add to the rest you persevere in
giving a final e to Invalid thereby putting it out of one's
power to suppose Mrs. E. Leigh even for a moment, a veteran
Soldier. - She, good Woman, is I hope destined for some
further placid enjoyment of her own Excellence in this
World, for her recovery advances exceedingly well. - I had
this pleasant news in a letter from Bookham last Thursday,
but as the letter was from Mary instead of her Mother, you
will guess her account was not equally good from home. -
Mrs. Cooke had been confined to her bed some days by
Illness, but was then better, and Mary wrote in confidence
of her continuing to mend. I have desired to hear again
soon. You rejoice me by what you say of Fanny - I hope she
will not turn good-for-nothing this ever so long ; - we
thought of and talked of her yesterday with sincere
affection, and wished her a long enjoyment of all the
happiness to which she seems born. - While she gives
happiness to those
Martha pleases herself with beleiving that if I had kept her counsel, you wd* never have heard of Dr* M.'s late behaviour, as if the very slight manner in which I mentioned it could have been all on which you found your Judgement. - I do not endeavour to undeceive her, because I wish her happy at all events, and know how highly she prizes happiness of any kind. She is moreover so full of kindness for us both, and sends you in particular so many good wishes about your finger, that I am willing to overlook a venial fault; and as Dr. M. is a Clergyman their attachment, however immoral, has a decorous air. - Adeiu, sweet You. - this is greivous news from Spain. - It is well that Dr. Moore was spared the knowledge of such a son's death. -
Yrs** affec:ly** J. Austen
Anna's hand gets better and better, it begins to be too good for any consequence.
We send best Love to dear little Lizzy and Marianne in particular.
The Portsmouth paper gave a melancholy history of a poor
Mad Woman, escaped from Confinement, who said her Husband
and Daughter of the name of Payne lived at Ashford in Kent.
Do you own them ?
Castle Square : Monday Janr* 30. My dear Cassandra
I was not much surprised yesterday by the agreable surprise of your letter, & extremely glad to receive the assurance of your finger being well again. Here is such a wet Day as never was seen ! - I wish the poor little girls had better weather for their Journey ; they must amuse themselves with watching the raindrops down the Windows. Sackree I suppose feels quite brokenhearted. - I cannot have done with the weather without observing how delightfully mild it is ; I am sure Fanny must enjoy it with us. - Yesterday was a very blowing day ; we got to Church however, which we had not been able to do for two Sundays before. - I am not at all ashamed about the name of the Novel, having been guilty of no insult towards your handwriting ; the Dipthong I always saw, but knowing how fond you were of adding a vowel wherever you could, I attributed it to that alone - & the knowledge of the truth does the book no service ; the only merit it could have, was in the name of Caleb, which has an honest, unpretending sound ; but in Coelebs, there is pedantry & affectation. - Is it written only to Classical Scholars ?
- I shall now try to say only what is necessary, I am
weary of meandering - so expect a vast deal of small matter
concisely told, in the next two pages. - Mrs.
- but yesterday brought me a much better account from Mary ; the origin of the complaint being now ascertained to be Billious, & the strong medicines requisite, promising to be effectual. - Mrs. E. L. is so much recovered as to get into the Dressing-room every day.
- A letter from Hamstall gives us the history of Sir Tho.
Williams' return ; - the Admiral, whoever he might be, took
a fancy to the Neptune, & having only a worn out 74 to offer
in lieu of it, Sir Tho. declined such a command, & is come
home Passenger. Lucky Man ! to have so fair an opportunity
of escape. - I hope His wife allows herself to be happy on
the occasion, & does not give all her thoughts to being
nervous. - A great event happens this week at Hamstall, in
young Edward's removal to school ; he is going to Rugby & is
very happy in the idea of it ; - I wish his happiness may
last, but it will be a great change, to become a raw school
boy from being a pompous Sermon-Writer, & a domineering
Brother. - It will do him good I dare say. - Caroline has
had a great escape from being burnt to death lately ; - as
her husband gives the account, we must beleive it true. -
Miss Murden is gone - called away by the critical state of
Mrs. Pottinger, who has had another severe stroke, & is
without Sense or Speech. Miss Murden wishes to return to
Southampton if circumstances suit, but it must be very
doubtful. - We have been obliged to turn away Cholles, he
grew so very drunken & negligent, & we have a man in his
place called Thomas. -
The store closet I hope will never do so again - for much of the Evil is proved to have proceeded from the Gutter being choked up, & we have had it cleared.
- We had reason to rejoice in the Child's absence at the time of the Thaw, for the Nursery was not habitable. - We hear of similar disasters from almost everybody. - No news from Portsmouth. We are very patient. - Mrs. Charles Fowle desires to be kindly remembered to you. She is warmly interested in my Brother and his Family. -
Yrs** very affec:ly** J. Austen
In the spring of the year 1803 a MS. Novel in 2 vol. entitled Susan was sold to you by a Gentleman of the name of Seymour, & the purchase money \10. recd* at the same time. Six years have since passed, & this work of which I am myself the Authoress, has never to the best of my knowledge, appeared in print, tho' an early publication was stipulated for at the time of sale. I can only account for such an extraordinary circumstance by supposing the Ms. by some carelessness to have been lost ; & if that was the case, am willing to supply you with another copy if you are disposed to avail yourselves of it, & will engage for no farther delay when it comes into your hands. It will not be in my power from particular circumstances to command this copy before the Month of August, but then, if you accept my proposal, you may depend on receiving it. Be so good as to send me a Line in answer as soon as possible, as my stay in this place will not exceed a few days. Should no notice be taken of this address, I shall feel myself at liberty to secure the publication of my work, by applying elsewhere. I am Gentlemen &c. &c.
April 5 1809 M. A. D. Direct to Mrs** Ashton Dennis
Post Office, Southampton
Chawton, July 26. - 1809. - My dearest Frank, I wish you
joy Of Mary's safety with a Boy, Whose birth has given
little pain Compared with that of Mary Jane. -
J. A. - -
Sloane St. Thursday April 18. My dear Cassandra
I have so many little matters to tell you of, that I
cannot wait any longer before I begin to put them down. - I
spent tuesday in Bentinck St* ; the Cookes called here &
took me back ; & it was quite a Cooke day, for the Miss
Rolles paid a visit while I was there, & Sam Arnold dropt in
to tea. The badness of the weather disconcerted an excellent
plan of mine, that of calling on Miss Beckford again, but
from the middle of the day it rained incessantly. Mary & I,
after disposing of her Father & Mother, went to the
Liverpool Museum, & the British Gallery, & I had some
amusement at each, tho' my preference for Men & Women,
always inclines me to attend more to the company than the
sight. - Mrs. Cooke regrets very much that she did not see
you when you called, it was owing [to some] blunder among
the servants, for she did not know of our visit till we were
gone. - She seems tolerably well ; but the nervous part of
her Complaint I fear increases, & makes her more and more
unwilling to part with Mary. - I have proposed to the latter
that she should go to Chawton with me, on the supposition of
my travelling the Guildford road - & she, I do beleive,
would be glad to do it, but perhaps it may be impossible;
unless a Brother can be at
Saturday. - Frank is superseded in the Caledonia. Henry
brought us this news yesterday from Mr. Daysh & - he heard
at the same time that Charles may be in England in the
course of a month. - Sir Edwd* Pellew succeeds Lord Gambier
in his command, & some captain of his, succeeds Frank ; & I
beleive the order is already gone out. Henry means to
enquire farther to day ; - he wrote to Mary on the occasion.
- This is something to think of. - Henry is convinced that
he will have the offer of something else, but does not think
it will be at all incumbent on him to accept it ; & then
follows, what will he do ? & where will he live ? - I hope
to hear from you today. How are you, as to Health, strength,
Looks, stomach &c. ? - I had a very comfortable account from
Chawton yesterday. - If the weather permits, Eliza & I walk
into London this morng*. She is in want of chimney lights
for Tuesday ; - & I, of an ounce of darning cotton. - She
has resolved not to venture to
We are come back, after a good dose of Walking & Coaching, & I have the pleasure of your letter. - I wish I had James's verses, but they were left at Chawton. when I return thither, if Mrs. K. will give me leave, I will send them to her. - Our first object to day was Henrietta St. to consult with Henry, in consequence of a very unlucky change of The play for this very night - Hamlet instead of King John - & we are to go on Monday to Macbeth, instead, but it is a disappointment to us both.
Love to all.
Yours affec:ly** Jane
Sloane St* Thursday April 25 My dearest Cassandra
I can return the compliment by thanking you for the
unexpected pleasure of your Letter yesterday, & as I like
unexpected pleasure, it made me very happy ; And indeed, you
need not apologise for your Letter in any respect, for it is
all very fine, but not too fine I hope to be written again,
or something like it. I think Edward will not suffer much
longer from heat ; by the look of Things this morng* I
suspect the weather is rising into the balsamic Northeast.
It has been hot here, as you may suppose, since it was so
hot with you, but I have not suffered from it at all, nor
felt it in such a degree as to make me imagine it would be
anything in the country. Everybody has talked of the heat,
but I set it all down to London. - I give you joy of our new
nephew, & hope if he ever comes to be hanged, it will not be
till we are too old to care about it. - It is a great
comfort to have it so safely & speedily over. The Miss
Curlings must be hard worked in writing so many Letters, but
the novelty of it may recommend it to them; - mine was from
Miss Eliza, & she says that my Brother may arrive today. -
No indeed, I am never too busy to think of S & S. i can no
more forget it, than a mother can forget her sucking child ;
& I am much obliged to you
- Including everybody we were 66 - which was considerably
more than Eliza had expected, & quite enough to fill the
Back Drawg* room, & leave a few to be scattered about in the
other, & in the passage. The Music was extremely good. It
opened (tell Fanny, with "poike pe Parp pin praise pof
prapela" - & of the other Glees I remember, " In Peace Love
tunes," " Rosabelle," " The red cross Knight," & " Poor
Insect." Between the Songs were Lessons on the Harp, or Harp
& Piano Forte together - & the Harp Player was Wiepart,
whose name seems famous, tho' new to me. - There was one
female singer, a short Miss Davis all in blue, bringing up
for the Public Line, whose voice was said to be very fine
indeed ; & all the Performers gave great satisfaction by
doing what they were paid for, & giving themselves no airs.
- No amateur could be persuaded to do anything. - The House
was not clear till after 12. - If you wish to hear
- I would rather he shd* not reach England till I am at
home, & the Steventon party gone. My Mother & Martha both
write with great satisfaction of Anna's behaviour. She is
quite an Anna with variations - but she cannot have reached
her last, for that is always the most flourishng & shewey -
she is at about her 3d* or 4th** which are generally simple
& pretty. - Your Lilacs are in leaf, ours are in bloom. -
The Horse chesnuts are quite out, & the Elms almost. - I had
a pleasant walk in Kensington Gs* on Sunday with Henry, Mr*
smith & Mr* tilson - everything was fresh & beautiful. - We
did go to the play after all on saturday, we went to the
Lyceum, & saw the Hypocrite, an old play taken from
Moliere's Tartuffe, & were well entertained. Dowton &
Mathews were the good actors. Mrs Edwin was the Heroine - &
her performance is just what it used to be. - I have no
chance of seeing Mrs** siddons. - She did act on Monday, but
as Henry was told by the Boxkeeper that he did not think she
would, the places, & all thought of it, were given up. I
should particularly have liked seeing her in Constance, &
could swear at her with little effort for disappointing me.
- Henry has been to the Watercolour Exhibition, which open'd
on Monday,
- The cold is in her chest - but she takes care of
herself, & I hope it may not last long. - This engagement
prevented Mr* walter's staying late - he had his coffee &
went away. - Eliza enjoyed her eveng* very much & means to
cultivate the acquaintance - & I see nothing to dislike in
them, but their taking quantities of snuff. - Monsieur the
old Count, is a very fine looking man, with quiet manners,
good enough for an Englishman - & I believe is a Man of
great Information & Taste. He has some fine Paintings, which
delighted Henry as much as the Son's music gratified Eliza -
& among them, a Miniature of Philip 5. of Spain, Louis 14.s
Grandson, which exactly suited my capacity. - Count Julien's
performance is very wonderful. We met only Mrs** Latouche &
Miss East - & we are just now engaged to spend next Sunday
Eveng* at Mrs** L.S - & to meet the D'Entraigues ; - but M.
le Comte must do without Henry. If he wd* but speak
Yrs** affecly**
J. A.
Give my Love particularly to my God-daughter.
Sloane St* Tuesday. My dear Cassandra
I had sent off my Letter yesterday before yours came,
which I was sorry for ; but as Eliza has been so good as to
get me a frank, your questions shall be answered without
much further expense to you. - The best direction to Henry
at Oxford will be The Blue Boar, Cornmarket. - I do not mean
to provide another trimming for my Pelisse, for I am
determined to spend no more money, so I shall wear it as it
is, longer than I ought, & then - I do not know. - My head
dress was a Bugle band like the border to my
But really, I was never much more put to it, than in contriving an answer to Fanny's former message.
What is there to be said on the subject ? - Pery pell -
or pare pey ? or po. - or at the most, Pi pope pey pike
There is poetry for Edward and his Daughter. I am afraid I shall not have any for you. - I forgot to tell you in my last, that our cousin Miss Payne called in on Saturday & was persuaded to stay dinner. - She told us a great deal about her friend Lady Cath. Brecknell, who is most happily married - & Mr. Brecknell is very religious, & has got black Whiskers.
- I am glad to think that Edwd* has a tolerable day for his drive to Goodnestone, & very glad to hear of his kind promise of bringing you to Town. I hope everything will arrange itself favourably. The 16th** is now to be Mrs. Dundas's day. - I mean, if I can, to wait for your return, before I have my new gown made up - from a notion of their making up to more advantage together - & as I find the Muslin is not so wide as it used to be, some contrivance may be necessary. - I expect the Skirt to require one half breadth cut in gores, besides two Whole breadths. -
Eliza has not yet quite resolved on inviting Anna - but I think she will. -
Yours very affecly** Jane
Chawton : Wednesday May 29
It was a mistake of mine, my dear Cassandra, to talk of a tenth child at Hamstall. I had forgot there were but eight already.
Your enquiry after my uncle and aunt were most happily timed, for the very same post brought an account of them. They are again at Gloucester House enjoying fresh air, which they seem to have felt the want of in Bath, and are tolerably well, but not more than tolerable. My aunt does not enter into particulars, but she does not write in spirits, and we imagine that she has never entirely got the better of her disorder in the winter. Mrs. Welby takes her out airing in her barouche, which gives her a headache - a comfortable proof, I suppose, of the uselessness of the new carriage when they have got it.
You certainly must have heard before I can tell you that Col. Orde has married our cousin, Margt. Beckford, the Marchess. of Douglas's sister. The papers say that her father disinherits her, but I think too well of an Orde to suppose that she has not a handsome independence of her own.
The chicken are all alive and fit for the table, but we
save them for something grand. Some of the flower seeds are
coming up very well, but your mignonette makes a wretched
appearance. Miss Benn has been equally unlucky as to hers.
She had seed
I have had a medley and satisfactory letter this morning from the husband and wife at Cowes ; and, in consequence of what is related of their plans, we have been taking over the possibility of inviting them here in their way from Steventon, which is what one should wish to do, and is, I daresay, what they expect ; but, supposing Martha to be at home, it does not seem a very easy thing to accommodate so large a party. My mother offers to give up her room to Frank and Mary, but there will then be only the best for two maids and three children.
They go to Steventon about the 22nd, and I guess - for it is quite a guess - will stay there from a fortnight to three weeks.
I must not venture to press Miss Sharpe's coming at present ; we may hardly be at liberty before August.
Poor John Bridges ! we are very sorry for his situation and for the distress of the family. Lady B. is in one way severely tried. And our own dear brother suffers a great deal, I dare say, on the occasion.
I have not much to say of ourselves. Anna is nursing a
cold caught in the arbour at Faringdon, that
She did not return from Faringdon till Sunday, when H. B. walked home with her, and drank tea here. She was with the Prowtings almost all Monday.
She went to learn to make feather trimmings of Miss Anna, and they kept her to dinner, which was rather lucky, as we were called upon to meet Mrs. and Miss Terry the same evening at the Digweeds ; and, though Anna was of course invited too, I think it always safest to keep her away from the family lest she should be doing too little or too much.
Mrs. Terry, Mary, and Robert, with my aunt Harding and her daughter, came from Dummer for a day and a night - all very agreeable and very much delighted with the new house and with Chawton in general.
We sat upstairs and had thunder and lightning as usual. I
never knew such a spring for thunder-storms as it has been.
Thank God ! we have had no bad ones here. I thought myself
in luck to have my uncomfortable feelings shared by the
mistress of the house, as that procured blinds and candles.
It had been excessively hot the whole day. Mrs. Harding is a
good-looking woman, but not much like Mrs. Toke, inasmuch as
she is very brown and has scarcely any teeth; she seems to
have some of Mrs. Toke's civility but does not profess being
so silly. Miss H. is an elegant, pleasing, pretty-looking
girl, about nineteen, I suppose, or nineteen and a half, or
nineteen and a quarter, with flowers in her head and music
at her finger ends. She plays very well indeed. I have
My name is Diana. How does Fanny like it? What a change in the weather! We have a fire again now.
Harriet Benn sleeps at the Great House to-night and spends to-morrow with us ; and the plan is that we should all walk with her to drink tea at Faringdon, for her mother is now recovered, but the state of the weather is not very promising at present.
Miss Benn has been returned to her cottage since the beginning of last week, and has now just got another girl ; she comes from Alton. For many days Miss B. had nobody with her but her niece Elizabeth, who was delighted to be her visitor and her maid. They both dined here on Saturday while Anna was at Faringdon ; and last night an accidental meeting and a sudden impulse produced Miss Benn and Maria Middleton at our tea-table.
If you have not heard it is very fit you should, that Mr. Harrison has had the living of Fareham given him by the Bishop, and is going to reside there ; and now it is said that Mr. Peach (beautiful wiseacre) wants to have the curacy of Overton, and, if he does leave Wootton, James Digweed wishes to go there. Fare you well.
Yours affectionately, Jane Austen
The chimneys at the Great House are done. Mr. Prowting
has opened a gravel pit, very conveniently for my mother,
just at the mouth of the approach to his house ; but it
looks a little as if he meant to catch all his company.
Tolerable gravel.
Chawton Friday May 31st**. - My dear Cassandra
I have a magnificent project. - The Cookes have put off
their visit to us ; they are not well enough to leave home
at present, & we have no chance of seeing them till I do not
know when - probably never, in this house. This circumstance
has made me think the present time would be favourable for
Miss Sharp's coming to us ; it seems a more disengaged
period with us, than we are likely to have later in the
summer ; if Frank & Mary do come, it can hardly be before
the middle of July, which will be allowing a reasonable
length of visit for Miss Sharpe supposing she begins it when
you return ; & if you & Martha do not dislike the plan, &
she can avail herself of it, the opportunity of her being
conveyed hither will be excellent. - I shall write to Martha
by this post, & if neither You nor she make any objection to
my proposal, I shall make the invitation directly - & as
there is no time to lose, you must write by return of post
if you have any reason for not wishing it done. - It was her
intention I beleive to go first to Mrs. Lloyd - but such a
means of getting here may influence her otherwise. - We have
had a Thunder storm again this morng*. Your letter came to
comfort me for it. - I have taken your hint, slight as it
was, & have written to Mrs. Knight, & most
You cannot imagine - it is not in Human Nature to imagine what a nice walk we have round the Orchard. The row of Beech look very well indeed, & so does the young Quickset hedge in the Garden. - I hear today that an Apricot has been detected on one of the Trees. - My Mother is perfectly convinced now that she shall not be overpower'd by her Cleft Wood - & I beleive would rather have more than less. -
Strange to tell, Mr. Prowting was not at Miss Lee's wedding - but his Daughters had some cake, & Anna had her share of it. - I continue to like our old Cook quite as well as ever - & but that I am afraid to write in her praise, I could say that she seems just the servant for us. - Her Cookery is at least tolerable ; - her pastry is the only deficiency. - God bless you. - & I hope June will find you well & bring us together. -
Yrs** ever Jane
I hope you understand that I do not expect you to write
on Sunday, if you like my plan. - I shall consider silence
as consent.
Chawton Thursday June 6.
By this time my dearest Cassandra, you know Martha's
plans. I was rather disappointed I confess to find that she
could not leave Town till after ye 24th**, as I had hoped to
see you here the week before. The delay however is not
great, & everything seems generally arranging itself for
your return very comfortably. I found Henry perfectly pre-
disposed to bring you to London if agreable to yourself ; he
has not fixed his day for going into Kent, but he must be
back again before ye 20th**. - You may therefore think with
something like certainty of the close of your Godmersham
visit, & will have I suppose about a week for Sloane St. He
travels in his Gig - & should the weather be tolerable, I
think you must have a delightful Journey. - I have given up
all idea of Miss Sharpe's travelling with you & Martha, for
tho' you are both all compliance with my scheme, yet as you
knock off a week from the end of her visit, & Martha rather
more from the beginning, the thing is out of the middle of
July we shall be happy to receive her - & I have added a
welcome if she could make her way hither directly ; but I do
not expect that she will. - I have also sent our invitation
to Cowes. - We are very sorry for the disappointment you
have all had in
I like your new Bonnets exceedingly, yours is a shape
which always looks well, & I think Fanny's particularly
becoming to her. - On Monday I had the
- There was no Bill with the Goods - but that shall not
screen them from being paid. I mean to ask Martha to settle
the account. It will be quite in her way, for she is just
now sending my Mother a Breakfast set, from the same place.
I hope it will come by the Waggon tomorrow ; it is certainly
what we want, & I long to know what it is like; & as I am
sure Martha has great pleasure in making the present, I will
not have any regret. We have considerable dealings with the
Waggons at present ; a Hamper of Port & Brandy from
Southampton, is now in the Kitchen. - Your answer about the
Miss Plumtrees, proves you as fine a Daniel as ever Portia
was ; - for I maintained Emma to be the eldest. - We began
Pease on Sunday, but our gatherings are very small - not at
all like the Gathering in the Lady of the Lake. - Yesterday
I had the agreable surprise of finding several scarlet
strawberries quite ripe ; - had you been at home, this would
have been a pleasure lost. There are more gooseberries &
fewer currants than I thought at first. - We must buy
currants for our Wine. - The Digweeds are gone down to see
the Stephen Terrys at Southampton, & catch the Kings
birthday at Portsmouth. Miss Papillon called on us
yesterday, looking handsomer than ever. - Maria Middleton &
Miss Benn dine here tomorrow. - We are not to enclose any
more Letters to Abingdon St. as perhaps Martha has told you.
-
I had just left off writing & put on my Things for walking to Alton, when Anna & her friend Harriot called in their way thither, so we went together. Their business was to provide mourning, against the King's death ; & my Mother has had a Bombasin bought for her. - I am not sorry to be back again, for the young Ladies had a great deal to do - & without much method in doing it. - Anna does not come home till tomorrow morng*. - She has written I find to Fanny - but there does not seem to be a great deal to relate of Tuesday. I had hoped there might be Dancing. - Mrs. Budd died on Sunday Eveng*. I saw her two days before her death, & thought it must happen soon. She suffered much from weakness & restlessness almost to the last. Poor little Harriot seems truely greived. You have never mentioned Harry ; - how is he ? -
With Love to You all, Yrs** affecly** J. A.
Chawton Sunday eveng* Jan 24 My dear Cassandra
This is exactly the weather we could wish for, if you are
but well enough to enjoy it. I shall be glad to
"A very sloppy lane" last Friday. What an odd sort of
country you must be in! I cannot at all understand it! It
was just greasy here on Friday in consequence of the little
snow that had fallen in the night. Perhaps it was cold on
Wednesday, yes I believe it certainly was, but nothing
terrible. Upon the whole the weather for winter weather is
delightful, the walking excellent. I cannot imagine what
sort of a place
Chawton Friday Jany* 29
I hope you received my little parcel by J. bond on
Wednesday evening my dear Cassandra, & that you will be
ready to hear from me again on Sunday, for I feel that I
must write to you to-day. Your parcel is safely arrived &
everything shall be delivered as it ought. Thank you for
your note. As you had not heard from me at that time it was
very good in you to write, but I shall not be so much your
debtor soon.
I do not write for such dull elves
As have not a great deal of ingenuity themselves. The
second volume is shorter than I could wish, but the
difference is not so much in reality as in look, there being
a larger proportion of narrative in that part. I have lop't
and crop't so successfully, however, that I imagine it must
be rather shorter than S. & S. altogether. Now I will try to
write of something else, & it shall be a complete change of
subject - ordination - I am glad to find your enquiries have
ended so well. If you could discover whether
Northamptonshire is a country of Hedgerows I should be glad
again. We admire your Charades excessively - but as yet have
guessed only the 1st**. The others seem very difficult.
There is so much beauty in the versification however, that
the finding them out is but a secondary pleasure. I grant
you that this is a cold day, & am sorry to think how cold
you will be through the process of your visit at Manydown. I
hope you will wear your China crape. Poor wretch ! I can see
you shivering away with your miserable feeling feet. What a
vile character Mr* Digweed turns out, quite beyond anything
& everything - instead of going to Steventon, they are to
have a dinner-party next Tuesday ! I am sorry to say that I
cd* not eat a mince-pie at Mr* Papillon's; I was rather
headachey that day & could not venture on anything sweet
except jelly, but that was excellent. There were no stewed
pears - but Miss Benn had some almonds & raisins. By the bye
she desired to be kindly remembered to you when I wrote
Chawton, Thursday Feby* 4 My dear Cassandra
Your letter was truly welcome, and I am much obliged to
you all for your praise; it came at a right time, for I had
had some fits of disgust. Our second evening's reading to
Miss Benn had not pleased me so well, but I believe
something must be attributed to my mother's too rapid way of
getting on : and though she perfectly understands the
characters herself, she cannot speak as they ought. Upon the
whole, however, I am quite vain enough and well satisfied
enough. The work is rather too light, and bright, and
sparkling; it wants shade ; it wants to be stretched out
here and there with a long chapter of sense, if it could be
had; if not, of solemn specious nonsense, about something
Chawton Tuesday Feb. 9
This will be a quick return for yours, my dear Cassandra
; I doubt its having much else to recommend it, but there is
no saying ; it may turn out to be a very long & delightful
letter. What a day was yesterday ! How many impatient
grumbling spirits must have been confined ! We felt for you,
I could think of nothing to amuse you but packing up your
cloathes. My Mother was quite in distress about Edward &
Anna, & will not be quite comfortable till she knows how
their journeys were settled. In a few hours you will be
transported to Manydown & then for Candour & Comfort &
Coffee & Cribbage. Perhaps it will be your last visit there.
While I think of it, give my love to Alethea (Alethea first
mind, she is Mistress) & Mrs Heathcote & kind remembraces to
Miss Charlotte Williams. Only think of your having at last
the honour of seeing that wonder of wonders, her elder
sister ! We are very sorry for what you tell us of Deane. If
Mrs Heathcote does not marry & comfort him now I shall think
she is a Maria & has no heart. Really, either she or Alethea
must marry him, or where he is to look for happiness ? I am
exceedingly pleased that you can say what you do, after
Yours very affecty**
J. Austen
Sloane St* Thursday May 20 My dear Cassandra
Before I say anything else, I claim a paper full of
halfpence on the drawing-room mantlepiece ; I put them there
myself, and forgot to bring them with me. I cannot say that
I have yet been in any distress for money, but I chuse to
have my due, as well as the Devil. How lucky we were in our
weather yesterday !
- & means to talk to the man who put them up - I wish you
may find the currants any better for it. He does not expect
Sugars to fall. I was very lucky in my gloves - got them at
the first shop I went to, though I went into it rather
because it was near than because it looked at all like a
glove shop, and gave only four shillings for them ; upon
hearing which everybody at Chawton will be hoping and
predicting that they cannot be good for anything, and their
worth certainly remains to be proved ; but I think they look
very well. We left Guildford at twenty minutes before twelve
(I hope somebody cares for these minutiae), and were at
Esher in about two hours more. I was very much pleased with
the country in general. Between Guildford and Ripley I
thought it particularly
Yours very affectly*** J. A.
Sloane St* Monday May 24. My dearest Cassandra
I am very much obliged to you for writing to me. You must
have hated it after a worrying morning. - Your Letter came
just in time to save my going to Remnants, & fit me for
Christian's, where I bought Fanny's dimity. I went the day
before (Friday) to Laytons as I proposed, & got my Mother's
gown 7 yds**- at 6#6. I then walked into No. 10, which is
all dirt & confusion, but in a very promising way, & after
being present at the opening of a new account to my great
amusement, Henry & I went to the Exhibition in Spring
Gardens. It is not thought a good collection, but I was very
well pleased - particularly (pray tell Fanny) with a small
portrait of Mrs. Bingley, excessively like her. I went in
hopes of seeing one of her Sister, but there was no Mrs.
Darcy ; - perhaps however,
- Friday was our worst day as to weather, we were out in
a very long & very heavy storm of hail, & there had been
others before, but I heard no Thunder. - Saturday was a good
deal better, dry & cold. - I gave 2#6 for the Dimity ; I do
not boast of any Bargains, but think both the Sarsenet &
Dimity good of their sort. - I have bought your Locket, but
was obliged to give 18s* for it - which must be rather more
than you intended ; it is neat & plain, set in gold. ((Four
or five words cut out)) - We were to have gone to the
Somerset House Exhibition on Saturday, but when I reached
Henrietta Street Mr. Hampson was wanted there, & Mr. Tilson
& I were obliged to drive about Town after him, & by the
time we had done, it was too late for anything but Home. -
We never found him after all. - I have been interrupted by
Mrs. Tilson. - Poor Woman ! She is in danger of not being
able to attend Lady Drummond Smith's Party tonight. Miss
Burdett was to have taken her, & now Miss Burdett has a
cough & will not go. My cousin Caroline is her sole
dependance. - The events of Yesterday were, our going to
Belgrave Chapel in the morng*, our being prevented by the
rain from going to eveng* service at
I have not quite determined how I shall manage about my
Cloathes, perhaps there may be only my Trunk to send by the
Coach, or there may be a Bandbox with it. - I have taken
your gentle hint & written to Mrs. Hill. - The Hoblyns want
us to dine with them, but we have refused. When Henry
returns he will be dining out a great deal I dare say ; as
he will then be alone, it will be more desirable ; - he will
be more welcome at every Table, & every Invitation more
welcome to him. He will not want either of us again till he
is settled in Henrietta St. This is my present persuasion. -
And he will not be settled there, really settled, till late
in the Autumn ; " he will not be come to bide," till after
September. - There is a Gentleman in treaty for this house.
Gentleman himself is in the Country, but Gentleman's friend
came to see it the other day & seemed pleased on the whole.
-
I fear Miss Clewes is not better, or you wd* have mentioned it. - I shall not write again unless I have any unexpected communication or opportunity to tempt me. - I enclose Mr. Herington's Bill & receipt.
I am very much obliged to Fanny for her Letter ; - it made me laugh heartily ; but I cannot pretend to answer it. Even had I more time, I should not feel at all sure of the sort of Letter that Miss D. would write. I hope Miss Benn is got quite well again & will have a comfortable Dinner with you today. - Monday eveng*.
- We have been both to the Exhibition & Sir J. Reynolds',
- and I am disappointed, for there was nothing like Mrs. D.
at either. I can only imagine that Mr. D. prizes any Picture
of her too much to like it should be exposed to the public
eye. - I can imagine he wd* have that sort of feeling - that
mixture of Love, Pride & Delicacy. - Setting aside this
disappointment, I had great amusement among the Pictures ; &
the Driving about, the Carriage being open, was very
pleasant. - I liked my solitary elegance very much, & was
ready to laugh all the time, at my being where I was. - I
could not but feel that I had naturally small
J. Austen
Chawton July 3, 1813 My dearest Frank
Behold me going to write you as handsome a Letter as I
can. Wish me good luck. - We have had the pleasure of
hearing of you lately through Mary, who sent us some of the
particulars of Yours of June 18th** (I think) written off
Rugen, & we enter into the delight of your having so good a
Pilot. - Why are you like Queen Elizth** ? - Because you
know how to chuse wise Ministers. - Does not this prove you
as great a Captain as she was a Queen ? - This may serve as
a riddle for you to put forth among your Officers, by way of
increasing your proper consequence. - It must be real
enjoyment to you, since you are obliged to leave
- do their Ghosts rise up before you ? - I have a great
respect for former Sweden. So zealous as it was for
Protestan[t]ism ! - And I have always fancied it more like
England than many Countries ; - & according to the Map, many
of the names have a strong resemblance to the English. July
begins unpleasantly with us, cold & showery, but it is often
a baddish month. We had some fine dry weather preceding it,
which was very acceptable to the Holders of Hay & the
Masters of Meadows. - In general it must have been a good
haymaking Season. Edward has got in all his, in excellent
order ; I speak only of Chawton ; but here he has had better
luck than Mr. Middleton ever had in the 5 years that he was
Tenant. Good encouragement for him to come again ; & I
really hope he will do so another Year. - The pleasure to us
of having them here is so great, that if we were not the
best creatures in the World we should not deserve it. - We
go on in the most comfortable way, very frequently dining
together, & always meeting in some part of every day. -
Edward is very well & enjoys himself as thoroughly as any
Hampshire born Austen can desire. Chawton is not thrown away
upon him. - He talks of making a new Garden ; the present is
a bad one & ill situated, near Mr. Papillon's ; - he
- I would wish Miss Lewis to be of a silent turn & rather ignorant, but naturally intelligent & wishing to learn ; - fond of cold veal pies, green tea in the afternoon, & a green window blind at night. You will be glad to hear that every Copy of S. & S. is sold & that it has brought me \140 besides the Copyright, if that shd* ever be of any value. - I have now therefore written myself into \250 - which only makes me long for more. - I have something in hand - which I hope on the credit of P. & P. will sell well, tho' not half so entertaining. And by the bye - shall you object to my mentioning the Elephant in it, & two or three other of your old Ships ? I have done it, but it shall not stay, to make you angry. - They are only just mentioned.
July 6. -
Now my dearest Frank I will finish my Letter. I have kept
it open on the chance of what a Tuesday's post might furnish
in addition, & it furnishes the likelihood of our keeping
our neighbours at the Gt* House some weeks longer than we
had expected. - Mr. Scudamore, to whom my Brother referred,
is very decided as to Gm* not being fit to be inhabited at
Yrs** very affecly**
Jane Austen
Henrietta St. : Wednesday Sept. 15, 1#2 past 8
Here I am, my dearest Cassandra, seated in the breakfast,
dining, sitting-room, beginning with all my might. Fanny
will join me as soon as she is dressed and begin her letter.
We had a very good journey, weather and roads excellent ;
the three first stages for 1s. 6d., and our only
misadventure the being delayed about a quarter of an hour at
Kingston for horses, and being obliged to put up with a pair
belonging to a hackney coach and their coachman, which left
no room on the
We arrived at a quarter-past four, and were kindly welcomed by the coachman, and then by his master, and then by William, and then by Mrs. Perigord, who all met us before we reached the foot of the stairs. Mde. Bigeon was below dressing us a most comfortable dinner of soup, fish, bouillee, partridges, and an apple tart, which we sat down to soon after five, after cleaning and dressing ourselves and feeling that we were most commodiously disposed of. The little adjoining dressing-room to our apartment makes Fanny and myself very well off indeed, and as we have poor Eliza's bed our space is ample every way.
Sace arrived safely about half-past six. At seven we set off in a coach for the Lyceum ; were at home again in about four hours and a half ; had soup and wine and water, and then went to our holes.
Edward finds his quarters very snug and quiet. I must get a softer pen. This is harder. I am in agonies. I have not yet seen Mr. Crabbe. Martha's letter is gone to the post.
I am going to write nothing but short sentences. There shall be two full stops in every line. Layton and Shear's is Bedford House. We mean to get there before breakfast if it's possible ; for we feel more and more how much we have to do and how little time. This house looks very nice. It seems like Sloane Street moved here. I believe Henry is just rid of Sloane Street. Fanny does not come, but I have Edward seated by me beginning a letter, which looks natural.
Henry has been suffering from the pain in the face
Let me be rational, and return to my two full stops.
I talked to Henry at the play last night. We were in a private box - Mr. Spencer's - which made it much more pleasant. The box is directly on the stage. One is infinitely less fatigued than in the common way. But Henry's plans are not what one could wish. He does not mean to be at Chawton till the 29th. He must be in town again by Oct. 5. His plan is to get a couple of days of pheasant shooting and then return directly. His wish was to bring you back with him. I have told him your scruples. He wishes you to suit yourself as to time, and if you cannot come till later, will send for you at any time as far as Bagshot. He presumed you would not find difficulty in getting so far. I could not say you would. He proposed your going with him into Oxfordshire. It was his own thought at first. I could not but catch at it for you.
We have talked of it again this morning (for now we have
breakfasted), and I am convinced that if you can make it
suit in other respects you need not scruple on
I said nothing to him of Mrs. H. and Miss B., that he might not suppose difficulties. Shall not you put them into our own room ? This seems to me the best plan, and the maid will be most conveniently near.
Oh, dear me ! when I shall ever have done. We did go to Layton and Shear's before breakfast. Very pretty English poplins at 4s. 3d. ; Irish, ditto at 6s. ; more pretty, certainly - beautiful.
Fanny and the two little girls are gone to take places for to-night at Covent Garden ; " Clandestine Marriage " and " Midas." The latter will be a fine show for L. and M. they revelled last night in " Don Juan," whom we left in hell at half-past eleven. We had scaramouch and a ghost, and were delighted. I speak of them; my delight was very tranquil, and the rest of us were sober-minded. " Don Juan " was the last of three musical things. " Five hours at Brighton," in three acts - of which one was over before we arrived, none the worse - and the " Beehive," rather less flat and trumpery.
I have this moment received 5l. from kind, beautiful Edward. Fanny has a similar gift. I shall save what I can of it for your better leisure in this place. My letter was from Miss Sharpe - nothing particular. A letter from Fanny Cage this morning.
Four o'clock. - We are just come back from doing
Miss Hare had some pretty caps, and is to make me one like one of them, only white satin instead of blue. It will be white satin and lace, and a little white flower perking out of the left ear, like Harriot Byron's feather. I have allowed her to go as far as 1l. 16s. My gown is to be trimmed everywhere with white ribbon plaited on somehow or other. She says it will look well. I am not sanguine. They trim with white very much.
I learnt from Mrs. Tickars's young lady, to my high amusement, that the stays now are not made to force the bosom up at all ; that was a very unbecoming, unnatural fashion. I was really glad to hear that they are not to be so much off the shoulders as they were.
Going to Mr. Spence's was a sad business and cost us many tears ; unluckily we were obliged to go a second time before he could do more than just look. We went first at half-past twelve and afterwards at three ; papa with us each time ; and, alas ! we are to go again to-morrow. Lizzy is not finished yet. There have been no teeth taken out, however, nor will be, I believe, but he finds hers in a very bad state, and seems to think particularly ill of their durableness. They have been all cleaned, hers filed, and are to be filed again. There is a very sad hole between two of her front teeth.
[This not seeing much of Henry, I have just seen him
however for 3 minutes, & have read him the Extract from Mrs.
F A.'s Letter - & he says he will write to Mrs. Fra A. about
it, & he has no doubt of being attended to as he knows they
feel themselves obliged to him. - Perhaps you may see him on
Saturday next. He has just started such an idea +. But it
will be only for a couple of days.] Thursday Morning, half-
past Seven. - Up and dressed and downstairs in order to
finish my letter in time for the parcel. At eight I have an
appointment with
Mr. Hall was very punctual yesterday, and curled me out at a great rate. I thought it looked hideous, and longed for a snug cap instead, but my companions silenced me by their admiration. I had only a bit of velvet round my head. I did not catch cold however. The weather is all in my favour. I have had no pain in my face since I left you.
We had very good places in the box next the stagebox, front and second row ; the three old ones behind of course. I was particularly disappointed at seeing nothing of Mr. Crabbe. I felt sure of him when I saw that the boxes were fitted up with crimson velvet. The new Mr. Terry was Lord Ogleby, and Henry thinks he may do; but there was no acting more than moderate, and I was as much amused by the remembrances connected with " Midas " as with any part of it. The girls were very much delighted, but still prefer " Don Juan ; " and I must say that I have seen nobody on the stage who has been a more interesting character than that compound of cruelty and lust.
It was not possible for me to get the worsteds yesterday.
I heard Edward last night pressing Henry to come to Gm*, and
I think Henry engaged to go there after his November
collection. Nothing has been done as to S. and S. the books
came to hand too late for him to have time for it before he
went.
There is a new clerk sent down to Alton, a Mr. Edmund Williams, a young man whom Henry thinks most highly of, and he turns out to be a son of the luckless Williamses of Grosvenor Place.
I long to have you hear Mr. H.'s opinion of P. and P. His admiring my Elizabeth so much is particularly welcome to me. Instead of saving my superfluous wealth for you to spend, I am going to treat myself with spending it myself. I hope, at least, that I shall find some poplin at Layton and Shear's that will tempt me to buy it. If I do, it shall be sent to Chawton, as half will be for you; for I depend upon your being so kind as to accept it, being the main point. It will be a great pleasure to me. Don't say a word. I only wish you could choose too. I shall send twenty yards. Now for Bath. Poor F. cage has suffered a good deal from her accident. The noise of the White Hart was terrible to her. They will keep her quiet, I dare say. She is not so much delighted with the place as the rest of the party ; probably, as she says herself, from having been less well, but she thinks she should like it better in the season. The streets are very empty now, and the shops not so gay as she expected. They are at No. 1 Henrietta Street, the corner of Laura Place, and have no acquaintance at present but the Bramstons.
Lady Bridges drinks at the Cross Bath, her son at the
Hot, and Louisa is going to bathe. Dr. Parry
Charming weather for you and us, and the travellers, and
everybody. You will take your walk this afternoon, and ...
Henrietta Street - Thursday - after dinner
Thank you my dearest Cassandra for the nice long Letter I
sent off this morning. - I hope you have had it by this time
& that it has found you all well, & my Mother no more in
need of Leeches. - Whether this will be delivered to you by
Henry on Saturday eveng* or by the Postman on Sunday morng*
I know not, as he has lately recollected something of an
engagement for Saturday which perhaps may delay his visit. -
He seems determined to come to you soon however. - I hope
you will receive the Gown tomorrow & may be able with
tolerable honesty to say that you like the colour ; - it was
bought at Grafton House, where, by going very early, we got
immediate attendance & went on very comfortably. - I only
forgot the one particular thing which I had always resolved
to buy there -
- Fanny prophecies the Child's coming within 3 or 4 days.
After our return, Mr. Tilson walked up from the Compting House & called upon us ; & these have been all our Visitings. - I have rejoiced more than once that I bought my Writing paper in the Country ; we have not had a qr* of an hour to spare. - I enclose the Eighteen pence due to my Mother. - The Rose colour was 6#s, & the other 4\s per yd*. There was but 2 yd* and a qr* of the dark slate in the Shop, but the Man promised to match it and send it off correctly.
Fanny bought her Irish at Newton's in Leicester Sqre** &
I took the opportunity of thinking about your Irish & seeing
one piece of the Yard wide at 4#s. - and it seemed to me
very good - good enough for your purpose. - It might at
least be worth your while to go there, if you have no other
engagements. - Fanny is very much pleased with the stockings
she has bought of Remmington - Silk at 12#s. - Cotton at
4..3. - She thinks them great bargains, but I have not seen
them yet - as my hair was dressing when the Man & the
Stockgs came. - The poor Girls & their Teeth ! - I have not
mentioned them yet, but we were a whole hour at Spence's, &
Lizzy's were filed & lamented over again & poor Marianne had
two taken out after all, the two just beyond the Eye teeth,
to make room for those in front. - When her doom was fixed,
Fanny Lizzy & I walked into the next room, where we heard
each of the two sharp hasty Screams. - Fanny's teeth were
We must have been 3 qrs** of an hour at Grafton House, Edward sitting by all the time with wonderful patience. There Fanny bought the Net for Anna's gown, & a beautiful Square veil for herself. - The Edging there is very cheap, I was tempted by some, & I bought some very nice plaiting Lace at 3-4. -
Fanny desires me to tell Martha with her kind Love that Birchall assured her there was no 2d* set of Hook's Lessons for Beginners - & that by my advice, she has therefore chosen her a set by another Composer. I thought she wd* rather have something than not. - It costs six shillings. - With Love to You all, including Triggs, I remain
Yours very affecly** J. Austen
Godmersham Park - Thursday Sept: 23d*. - My dearest Cassandra
Thank you five hundred & forty times for the exquisite
piece of Workmanship which was brought into the room this
morng* while we were at breakfast - with some very inferior
works of art in the same way, & which I read with high glee
- much delighted with everything it told whether good or
bad. - It is so rich in striking intelligence that I hardly
know what to reply to first. I beleive Finery must have it.
I am extremely glad that you like the Poplin, I thought it
would have my Mother's approbation, but was not so confident
of yours. Remember that it is a present. Do not refuse me. I
am very rich. - Mrs. Clement is very welcome to her little
Boy & to my Congratulations into the bargain, if ever you
think of giving them. I hope she will do well. - Her sister
in Lucina, Mrs. H. Gipps does too well we think ; - Mary P.
wrote on Sunday that she had been three days on the Sofa.
Sackree does not approve it. How can Mrs** J. Austen be so
provokingly ill-judging ? - I should have expected better
from her professed if not her real regard for my Mother. Now
my Mother will be unwell again. Every fault in Ben's blood
does harm to hers, & every dinner-invitation he refuses will
give her an indigestion. - Well, there is some comfort in
the Mrs. Hulbert's not coming to you - & I am happy to hear
- Your finding so much comfort from his Cows gave him
evident pleasure. - I wonder Henry did not go down on
Saturday ; - he does not in general fall within a doubtful
Intention. - My face is very much as it was before I came
away - for the first two or three days it was rather worse -
I caught a small cold in my way down & had some pain every
eveng* - not to last long, but rather severer than it had
been lately. This has worn off however & I have scarcely
felt anything for the last two days. - Sackree is pretty
well again, only weak ; - much obliged to you for your
message &c ; - it was very true that she bless'd herself the
whole time that the pain was not in her stomach. I read all
the scraps I could of Your letter to her. She seemed to like
it - & says she shall always like to hear anything of
Chawton now - & I am to make you Miss Clewes's assurance to
the same effect, with Thanks and best respects &c. - The
girls are much disturbed at Mary Stacey's not admitting Dame
L. - Miss C. & i are sorry but not angry ; - we acknowledge
Mary Stacey's right & can suppose her to have reason. - Oh !
the Church must have looked very forlorn. We all thought of
the empty Pew. - How Bentigh is grown ! - and the
Friday. I am sorry to find that one of the nightcaps here
belongs to you - sorry, because it must be in constant wear.
- Great Doings again today - Fanny, Lizzy & Mar: are going
to Goodnestone for the Fair, which is tomorrow, & stay till
Monday, & the Gentlemen are all to dine at Evington. Edwd*
has been repenting ever since he promised to go & was hoping
last night for a wet day - but the morng* is fair. - I shall
dine with Miss Clewes & I dare say find her very agreable. -
The invitation to the Fair was general ; Edwd* positively
declined his share of that, & I was very glad to do the
same. - It is likely to be a baddish Fair - not much upon
the Stall, & neither Mary O. nor Mary P. - it is hoped that
the Portfolio may be in Canty* this morng*. Sackree's sister
found it at Croydon and took it to Town with her, but
unluckily did not send it down till she had directions.
Fanny C's. screens can be done nothing with, but there are
parts of workbags in the parcel, very important in their
way. - Three of the Deedes girls are to be at Goodnestone. -
We shall not be much settled till this visit is over -
settled as to employment I mean ; - Fanny and I are to go on
with Modern Europe together, but hitherto have advanced only
25 Pages, something or other has always happened to delay or
curtail the reading hour. - I ought to have told you before
of a purchase of Edward's in Town, he desired
Apples are scarce in this Country ; \1 - 5 - a sack. - Miss Hinton should take Hannah Knight. - Mrs. Driver has not yet appeared. - J. Littleworth & the Grey Poney reached Bath safely. -
A letter from Mrs. Cooke, they have been at Brighton a fortnight, stay at least another & Mary is already much better. - Poor Dr. Isham is obliged to admire P. & P - & to send me word that he is sure he shall not like Mde** Darblay's new Novel half so well. - Mrs. C. invented it all of course. He desires his compts** to you & my Mother. - Of the Adlestrop-Living business Mrs. C. says "It can be now no secret, as the Papers for the necessary Dispensations are going up to the Archbishop's Secretary. - However be it known that we all wish to have it understood that George takes this Trust entirely to oblige Mr. Leigh & never will be a shilling benefited by it. Had my consent been necessary, beleive me I shd* have withheld it, for I do think it on the part of the Patron a very shabby peice of business. - All these and other Scrapings from dear Mrs. E. L. are to accumulate no doubt to help Mr. Twisleton to a secure admission again into England." - I would wish you therefore to make it known to my Mother as if this were the first time of Mrs. Cooke's mentioning it to me. -
I told Mrs. C. of my mother's late oppression in her
head. - She says on that subject - " Dear Mrs. Austen's
The three Miss Knights & Mrs. Sayce are just off ; - the weather has got worse since the early morng* ; - & whether Mrs. Clewes & I are to be Tete a Tete, or to have 4 gentlemen to admire us is uncertain.
I am now alone in the Library, Mistress of all I survey - at least I may say so & repeat the whole poem if I like it, without offence to anybody. -
Martha will have wet Races & catch a bad cold ; - in other respects I hope she will have much pleasure at them - & that she is free from Ear ache now. I am glad she likes my cap so well. - I assure you my old one looked so smart yesterday that I was asked two or three times before I set off, whether it was not my new one. - I have this moment seen Mrs. Driver driven up to the Kitchen Door. I cannot close with a grander circumstance or greater wit. -
Yours affec:ly** J. A.
I am going to write to Steventon so you need not send any news of me there.
Louisa's best Love & a Hundred Thousand Million Kisses.
Godmersham Park - Sept: 25. 1813 My dearest Frank
The 11th** of this month brought me your letter & I assure you I thought it very well worth its S#2 d#3. - i am very much obliged to you for filling me so long a sheet of paper, you are a good one to traffic with in that way, you pay most liberally ; - my Letter was a scratch of a note compared with yours - & then you write so even, so clear both in style & Penmanship, so much to the point & give so much real intelligence that it is enough to kill one. - I am sorry Sweden is so poor & my riddle so bad. - The idea of a fashionable Bathing place in Mecklenburg ! - How can people pretend to be fashionable or to bathe out of England !
- Rostock Market makes one's mouth water, our cheapest
Butcher's meat is double the price of theirs ; - nothing
under 9d* all this summer, & I beleive upon recollection
nothing under 10d*. - Bread has sunk & is likely to sink
more, which we hope may make Meat sink too. But I have no
occasion to think of the price of Bread or of Meat where I
am now ; - let me shake off vulgar cares & conform to the
happy Indifference of East Kent wealth. - I wonder whether
You & the King of Sweden knew that I was to come to Gm* with
my Br*. Yes, I suppose you have recd* due notice of it by
some means or other. I have not been here these 4 years, so
I am sure the event deserves to be talked
- Our nephew's gratification was less keen than our
Brother's. - Edward is no Enthusiast in the beauties of
Nature. His Enthusiasm is for the sports of the field only.
- He is a very promising & pleasing young Man however upon
the whole, behaves with great propriety to his Father &
great kindness to his Brothers & Sisters - & we must forgive
his thinking more of Growse & Partridges than Lakes &
Mountains. He & George are out every morng* either shooting
or with the Harriers. They are both good
- People shall pay for their knowledge if I can make them. - Henry heard P. & p. warmly praised in Scotland, by Lady Robt* Kerr & another Lady ; - & what does he do in the warmth of his Brotherly vanity & Love, but immediately tell them who wrote it ! A Thing once set going in that way - one knows how it spreads ! - and he, dear Creature, has set it going so much more than once. I know it is all done from affection & partiality - but at the same time, let me here again express to you & Mary my sense of the superior kindness which you have shewn on the occasion, in doing what I wished. - I am trying to harden myself. After all, what a trifle it is in all its Bearings, to the really important points of one's existence even in this World !
I take it for granted that Mary has told you of Anna's
engagement to Ben Lefroy. It came upon us without much
preparation ; - at the same time, there was that about her
which kept us in a constant preparation for something. - We
are anxious to have it go on well, there being quite as much
in his favour as the Chances are likely to give her in any
Matrimonial connection. I beleive he is sensible, certainly
very religious, well connected & with some Independance. -
There is an unfortunate dissimularity of Taste between them
in one
Poor Mr. Trimmer is lately dead, a sad loss to his Family, & occasioning some anxiety to our Brother ; - for the present he continues his Affairs in the Son's hands ; a matter of great consequence to them - I hope he will have no reason to remove his Business. - I remain
Your very affecte** Sister,
J. Austen
There is to be a 2d* Edition of S. & S. egerton advises
it.
Godmersham Park Monday Octr* 11th** ((My dearest At:
Cass:
I have just asked At. Jane to let me write a little in
her letter, but she does not like it so I wont. - Good
bye.))
You will have Edward's Letter tomorrow. He tells me that
he did not send you any news to interfere with
- They amuse themselves very comfortably in the eveng* - by netting ; they are each about a rabbit net, & sit as deedily to it, side by side, as any two Uncle Franks could do. - I am looking over Self Control again, & my opinion is confirmed of its being an excellently-meant, elegantly- written Work, without anything of Nature or Probability in it. I declare I do not know whether Laura's passage down the American River, is not the most natural, possible, everyday thing she ever does. -
Tuesday - Dear me ! what is to become of me ! Such a long Letter ! Two & forty lines in the 2d* Page.
- Like Harriot Byron I ask, what am I to do with my
Gratitude ? - I can do nothing but thank you & go on. - A
few of your enquiries I think, are replied to
- tho' I hope they may not be long necessary. - No Letter
from Charles yet. - Southey's Life of Nelson ; - I am tired
of Lives of Nelson, being that I never read any. I will read
this however, if Frank is mentioned
My brother desires his best Love & Thanks for all your
Information. He hopes the roots of the old Beach have been
dug away enough to allow a proper covering of Mould & Turf.
- He is sorry for the necessity of buildg* the new Coin -
but hopes they will contrive that the Doorway should be of
the usual width ; - if it must be contracted on one side, by
Everything of Love & Kindness - proper and improper, must now suffice. -
Yrs** very affecly** J. Austen
Godmersham Park. Thursday Oct. 14 My dearest Cassandra
Now I will prepare for Mr. Lushington, & as it will be
wisest also to prepare for his not coming or my not getting
a frank I shall write very close from the first & even leave
room for the seal in the proper place. - When I have
followed up my last with this, I shall feel somewhat less
unworthy of you than the state of our Correspondence now
requires. I left off in a great hurry to prepare for our
morng* visits - of course was ready a good deal the first, &
need not have hurried so much - Fanny wore her new gown &
cap. - I was surprised to find Mystole so pretty. The Ladies
were at home ; I was in luck, & saw Lady Fagg & all her five
- Edward Bridges & his friend did not forget to arrive.
The friend is a Mr. Wigram, one of the three & twenty
Children of a great rich mercantile Sir Robert Wigram, an
old acquaintance of the Footes, but very recently known to
Edwd* B. - the history of his coming here, is that intending
to go from Ramsgate to Brighton, Edw: B. persuaded him to
take Lenham in his way, which gave him the convenience of
Mr. W.'s gig & the comfort of not being alone there; but
probably thinking a few days of Gm* would be the cheapest &
pleasantest way of entertaining his friend & himself,
offered a visit here, & here they stay till tomorrow. Mr. W.
is about 5 or 6 & 20, not ill-looking & not agreable. - He
is certainly no addition. - A sort of cool, gentlemanlike
manner, but very silent. - They say his name is Henry. A
proof how unequally the gifts of Fortune are bestowed. - I
have seen many a John & Thomas much more agreable. We have
got
- Louisa thinks her Mother's being so well may be quite as much oweing to her being so much out of doors, as to the Water. - Lady B. is going to try the hot pump ; the Cross Bath being about to be painted.
- Louisa is particularly well herself, & thinks the
- I hope Charles & Fanny may not fix the same time - but
if they come at all in October they must. What is the use of
hoping ? - The two parties of Children is the chief Evil. To
be sure, here we are, the very thing has happened, or rather
worse, a Letter from Charles this very morng* which gives us
reason to suppose they may come here to day. It depends upon
the weather, & the weather now is very fine. - No
difficulties are made however & indeed there will be no want
of room, but I wish there were no Wigrams & Lushingtons in
the way to fill up the Table & make us such a motley set. -
I cannot spare Mr. Lushington either because of his frank,
but Mr. Wigram does no good to anybody. - I cannot imagine
how a Man can have the impudence to come into a Family party
for three Days, where he is quite a stranger, unless he
knows himself to be agreable on undoubted authority. - He &
Mr. Edw. B. are going to ride to Eastwell - & as the Boys
are hunting & my Br* is gone to Canty* Fanny & I have a
quiet morng* before us. - Edward has driven off poor Mrs.
- Now I think I have written you a good sized Letter & may deserve whatever I can get in reply. - Infinities of Love. I must distinguish that of Fanny Senr*: - who particularly desires to be remembered to you all.
- Yours very affecly**
J. Austen
Godmersham Park Oct. 18 ((my dear Aunt Cassandra i am
very mueh obliged to you for your long letter and for the
nice account of Chawton. We are all very glad to hear that
the Adams are gone, and hope Dame libscombe will be more
happy now with her deaffy child, as she calls it, but I am
afraid there is not much chance of her remaining long sole
mistress of her house. i am sorry you had not any better
news to send us of our hare, poor little thing ! I thought
it would not live long in that Pondy House; I don't wonder
that mary Doe is very sorry it is dead, because we promised
Thursday. - I think Lizzy's letter will entertain you. Thank you for yours just received. To-morrow shall be fine if possible. You will be at Guildford before our party set off. They only go to Key Street, as Mr. Street the Purser lives there, and they have promised to dine and sleep with him. Cassy's looks are much mended. She agrees pretty well with her cousins, but is not quite happy among them ; they are too many and too boisterous for her. I have given her your message, but she said nothing, and did not look as if the idea of going to Chawton again was a pleasant one. They have Edward's carriage to Ospringe.
I think I have just done a good deed - extracted Charles from his wife and children upstairs, and made him get ready to go out shooting, and not keep Mr. Moore waiting any longer.
Mr. and Mrs. Sherer and Joseph dined here yesterday very
prettily. Edw. and Geo. were absent - gone for a night to
Eastling. The two Fannies went to Canty. in the morning, and
took Lou. and Cass. to try on new stays. Harriot and I had a
comfortable walk together. She desires her best love to you
and kind remembrance to Henry. Fanny's best love also. I
- Mr. and Mrs. Moore and me.
Edward thanks Henry for his letter. We are most happy to hear he is so much better. I depend upon you for letting me know what he wishes as to my staying with him or not ; you will be able to find out, I dare say. I had intended to beg you would bring one of my nightcaps with you, in case of my staying, but forgot it when I wrote on Tuesday. Edward is much concerned about his pond : he cannot now doubt the fact of its running out, which he was resolved to do as long as possible.
I suppose my mother will like to have me write to her. I shall try at least.
No ; I have never seen the death of Mrs. Crabbe. I have only just been making out from one of his prefaces that he probably was married. It is almost ridiculous. Poor woman ! I will comfort him as well as I can, but I do not undertake to be good to her children. She had better not leave any.
Edw. and Geo. set off this day week for Oxford. Our party will then be very small, as the Moores will be going about the same time. To enliven us, Fanny proposes spending a few days soon afterwards at Fredville. It will really be a good opportunity, as her father will have a companion. We shall all three go to Wrotham, but Edwd. and I stay only a night perhaps. Love to Mr. Tilson.
Yours very affectionately, J. A.
Godmersham Park Tuesday. Oct: 26. My dearest Cassandra
You will have had such late accounts from this place as (I hope) to prevent your expecting a Letter from me immediately, as I really do not think I have wherewithal to fabricate one today. I suspect this will be brought to you by our nephews, tell me if it is.
- It is a great pleasure to me to think of you with
Henry, I am sure your time must pass most comfortably & I
trust you are seeing improvement in him every day. - I shall
be most happy to hear from you again. Your Saturday's Letter
however was quite as long & as particular as I could expect.
- I am not at all in a humour for writing ; I must write on
till I am. - I congratulate Mr. Tilson & hope everything is
going on well. Fanny & I depend upon knowing what the
Child's name is to be, as soon as you can tell us. I guess
Caroline. - Our Gentlemen are all gone to their
Sittingbourne Meeting, East & West Kent in one Barouche
together - rather - West Kent driving East Kent. - I believe
that is not the usual way of the County. We breakfasted
before 9 & do not dine till 1#2 past 6 on the occasion, so I
hope we three shall have a long Morning enough. - Mr* Deedes
& Sir Brook - I do not care for Sir Brook's being a Baronet
I will put Mr* Deedes first
Our Canterbury scheme took place as proposed, and very pleasant it was - Harriot and I and little George within, my brother on the box with the master coachman. I was most happy to find my brother included in the party. It was a great improvement, and he and Harriot and I walked about together very happily, while Mr. Moore took his little boy with him to tailor's and hair-cutter's.
Our chief business was to call on Mrs. Milles, and we had, indeed, so little else to do that we were obliged to saunter about anywhere and go backwards and forwards as much as possible to make out the time and keep ourselves from having two hours to sit with the good lady - a most extraordinary circumstance in a Canterbury morning.
Old Toke came in while we were paying our visit. I
thought of Louisa. Miss Milles was queer as usual, and
provided us with plenty to laugh at. She undertook in three
words to give us the history of Mrs. Scudamore's
reconciliation, and then talked on about it for
Owing to a difference of clocks the coachman did not bring the carriage so soon as he ought by half-an-hour ; anything like a breach of punctuality was a great offence, and Mr. Moore was very angry, which I was rather glad of. I wanted to see him angry ; and, though he spoke to his servant in a very loud voice and with a good deal of heat, I was happy to perceive that he did not scold Harriot at all. Indeed, there is nothing to object to in his manners to her, and i do believe that he makes her - or she makes herself - very happy. They do not spoil their boy.
It seems now quite settled that we go to Wrotham on Saturday, the 13th, spend Sunday there, and proceed to London on Monday, as before intended. I like the plan. I shall be glad to see Wrotham. Harriot is quite as pleasant as ever. We are very comfortable together, and talk over our nephews and nieces occasionally, as may be supposed, and with much unanimity ; and I really like Mr. M. better than I expected
- see less in him to dislike.
I begin to perceive that you will have this letter to-
morrow. It is throwing a letter away to send it by a visitor
; there is never convenient time for reading it, and visitor
can tell most things as well. I had thought with delight of
saving you the postage, but money is dirt. If you do not
regret the loss of Oxfordshire
George Hatton called yesterday, and I saw him, saw him for ten minutes ; sat in the same room with him, heard him talk, saw him bow, and was not in raptures. I discerned nothing extraordinary. I should speak of him as a gentlemanlike young man - eh ! bien tout est dit. We are expecting the ladies of the family this morning.
How do you like your flounce ? We have seen only plain flounces. I hope you have not cut off the train of your bombazin. I cannot reconcile myself to giving them up as morning gowns ; they are so very sweet by candlelight. I would rather sacrifice my blue one for that purpose ; in short, I do not know and I do not care.
Thursday or Friday are now mentioned from Bath as the day of setting off. The Oxford scheme is given up. They will go directly to Harefield. Fanny does not go to Fredville, not yet at least.
She has had a letter of excuse from Mary Plumptre to-day. The death of Mr. Ripley, their uncle by marriage, and Mr. P.'s very old friend, prevents their receiving her. Poor blind Mrs. Ripley must be felt for, if there is any feeling to be had for love or money.
We have had another of Edward Bridges' Sunday visits. I think the pleasantest part of his married life must be the dinners, and breakfasts, and luncheons, and billiards that he gets in this way at Gm. Poor wretch ! he is quite the dregs of the family as to luck.
I long to know whether you are buying stockings
I have had a late account from Steventon, and a baddish one, as far as Ben is concerned. He has declined a curacy (apparently highly eligible), which he might have secured against his taking orders ; and, upon its being made rather a serious question, says he has not made up his mind as to taking orders so early, and that, if her father makes a point of it, he must give Anna up rather than do what he does not approve. He must be maddish. They are going on again at present as before - but it cannot last. - Mary says that Anna is very unwilling to go to Chawton & will get home again as soon as she can. - Good-bye. Accept this indifferent Letter & think it Long & Good. - Miss Clewes is better for some prescription of Mr. Scudamores & indeed seems tolerably stout now. - I find time in the midst of Port & Madeira to think of the 14 Bottles of Mead very often. - Yours very affecly** J. A
Lady Elizabeth her second Daughter & the two Mrs** Finches have just left us. - The two Latter friendly & talking & pleasant as usual.
Harriot and Fanny's best love.
Godmersham Park Wednesday Novr* 3d*. My dearest Cassandra
I will keep this celebrated Birthday by writing to you, &
as my pen seems inclined to write large I will put my lines
very close together. - I had but just time to enjoy your
Letter yesterday before Edward & I set off in the Chair for
Canty* - & I allowed him to hear the cheif of it as we went
along. We rejoice sincerely in Henry's gaining ground as he
does, & hope there will be weather for him to get out every
day this week, as the likeliest way of making him equal to
what he plans for the next. - If he is tolerably well, the
going into Oxfordshire will make him better, by making him
happier. - Can it be, that I have not given you the minutiae
of Edward's plans ? - See here they are - To go to Wrotham
on Saturday ye 13th**, spend Sunday there, & be in Town on
Monday to dinner, & if agreable to Henry, spend one whole
day with him - which day is likely to be Tuesday, & so go
down to Chawton on Wednesday. - But now, I cannot be quite
easy without staying a little while with Henry, unless he
wishes it otherwise ; - his illness & the dull time of year
together make me feel that it would be horrible of me not to
offer to remain with him - & therefore, unless you know of
any objection, I wish you would tell him with my best Love
that I shall be most happy to spend
- I have the less regret & scruple on your account,
because I shall see you for a day and a half, & because you
will have Edward for at least a week. - My scheme is to take
Bookham in my way home for a few days & my hope that Henry
will be so good as to send me some part of the way thither.
I have a most kind repetition of Mrs. Cooke's two or three
dozen Invitations, with the offer of meeting me anywhere in
one of her airings. - Fanny's cold is much better. By dosing
& keeping her room on Sunday, she got rid of the worst of
it, but I am rather afraid of what this day may do for her ;
she is gone to Canty* with Miss Clewes, Liz. & Ma. and it is
but roughish weather for any one in a tender state. - Miss
Clewes has been going to Canty* ever since her return, & it
is now just accomplishing. Edward & I had a delightful
morng* for our Drive there, I enjoyed it thoroughly, but the
Day turned off before we were ready, & we came home in some
rain & the apprehension of a great deal. It has not done us
any harm however. - He went to inspect the Gaol, as a
visiting Magistrate, & took me with him. - I was gratified -
& went through all the feelings which People must go through
- I think in visiting such a Building. - We paid no other
visits - only walked about snugly together & shopp'd. - I
bought a Concert Ticket & a sprig of flowers for my old age.
- To vary the subject from Gay to Grave with inimitable
address I shall now tell you something of the Bath party - &
still a Bath party they are, for a fit of the
Fanny has set her heart upon it's being a Mr. Brett who is going to marry a Miss Dora Best of this Country. I dare say Henry has no objection. Pray, where did the Boys sleep ? -
The Deedes' come here on Monday to stay till friday - so that we shall end with a flourish the last Canto. - They bring Isabella & one of the Grown ups - & will come in for a Canty* Ball on Thursday. - I shall be glad to see them. - Mrs. Deedes & I must talk rationally together I suppose.
Edward does not write to Henry, because of my writing so often. God bless you. I shall be so glad to see you again, & I wish you many happy returns of this Day. - Poor Lord Howard ! How he does cry about it ! -
Yrs** very truly
J. A
Saturday Novr* 6 - Godmersham Park My dearest Cassandra
Having half an hour before breakfast - (very snug, in my
own room, lovely morng*, excellent fire, fancy me) I will
give you some account of the last two days. And yet, what is
there to be told ? I shall get foolishly minute unless I cut
the matter short. - We met only
When the Concert was over, Mrs. Harrison & I found each
other out & had a very comfortable little complimentary
friendly chat. She is a sweet Woman, still quite a sweet
Woman in herself, & so like her Sister ! - I could almost
have thought I was speaking to Mrs. Lefroy. - She introduced
me to her Daughter, whom I think pretty, but most dutifully
inferior to la Mere Beaute. The Faggs & the Hammonds were
there, Wm* Hammond the only young Man of renown. Miss looked
very handsome, but I prefer her little, smiling, flirting
Sister Julia. - I was just introduced at last to Mary
Plumptre, but should hardly know her again. She was
delighted with me however, good enthusiastic Soul ! - And
Lady B. found me handsomer than she expected, so you see I
am not so very bad as you might think for. - It was 12
before we reached home. We were all dog-tired, but pretty
well to-day, Miss Clewes says she has not caught cold, &
Fanny's does not seem worse. I was so tired that I began to
wonder how I should get through the Ball next Thursday, but
there will be so much more variety then in walking about, &
probably so much less heat that perhaps I may not feel it
more. My China Crape is still kept for the Ball. Enough of
the Concert. - I had a Letter from Mary Yesterday. They
travelled down to Cheltenham last Monday very safely & are
certainly to be there a month. - Bath is still Bath. The H.
Bridges' must quit them early next week, &
I have extended my Lights and increased my acquaintance a good deal within these two days. Lady Honeywood, you know ; - I did not sit near enough to be a perfect Judge, but I thought her extremely pretty & her manners have all the recommendations of ease & goodhumour & unaffectedness ;
- & going about with 4 Horses, & nicely dressed herself -
she is altogether a perfect sort of Woman. - Oh ! & I saw
Mr. Gipps last night - the useful Mr. Gipps, whose
attentions came in as acceptably to us in handing us to the
Carriage, for want of a better Man, as they did to Emma
Plumptre. - I thought him rather a good-looking little Man.
- I long for your Letter tomorrow, particularly that I may
know my fate as to London.
- Dr. Parry wished it, - not from thinking the Water necessary to Lady B. - but that he might be better able to judge how far his Treatment of her, which is totally different from anything she had been used to - is right ; & I suppose he will not mind having a few more of her Ladyship's guineas. - His system is a Lowering one. He took twelve ounces of Blood from her when the Gout appeared, & forbids wine &c. - Hitherto, the plan agrees with her. - She is very well satisfied to stay, but it is a sore disappointment to Louisa & Fanny. -
The H. Bridges leave them on Tuesday, & they mean to move into a smaller House. You may guess how Edward feels. - There can be no doubt of his going to Bath now ; - I should not wonder if he brought Fanny Cage back with him. - You shall hear from me once more, some day or other.
Yours very affec:ly** J. A.
We do not like Mr. Hampson's scheme.
Henrietta St* Wednesday March 2d* My dear Cassandra
You were wrong in thinking of us at Guildford last night:
we were at Cobham. On reaching G. we found
Fanny, and, I think, foresees how it will all be. I
finished the " Heroine " last night, and was very much
amused by it. I wonder James did not like it better. It
diverted me exceedingly. We went to bed at ten. I was very
tired, but slept to a miracle, and am lovely to-day, and at
present Henry seems to have no complaint. We left Cobham at
half-past eight, stopped to bait and breakfast at Kingston,
and were in this house considerably before two quite in the
style of Mr. Knight. Nice smiling Mr. Barlowe met us at the
door and, in reply to enquiries after news, said that peace
was generally expected. I have taken possession of my
bedroom, unpacked my bandbox, sent Miss P.'s two letters to
the twopenny post, been visited by Md* B., and am now
writing by myself at the new table
Yours affectely****
J. Austen Thursday. My Trunk did not come last night - I
suppose it will this morning - if not I must borrow
stockings & buy shoes & gloves for my visit. I was foolish
not to provide better against such a possibility. I have
great hope however that writing about it in this way will
bring the trunk presently.
Henrietta St* Saturday March 5. My dear Cassandra
Do not be angry with me for beginning another Letter to you. I have read the Corsair, mended my petticoat, & have nothing else to do. - Getting out is impossible. It is a nasty day for everybody. Edward's spirits will be wanting Sunshine, & here is nothing but Thickness & Sleet ; and tho' these two rooms are delightfully warm I fancy it is very cold abroad. - Young Wyndham accepts the Invitation. He is such a nice, gentlemanlike, unaffected sort of young Man, that I think he may do for Fanny ; - has a sensible, quiet look which one likes. - Our fate with Mrs. L. and Miss E. is fixed for this day senight. - A civil note is come from Miss H. Moore, to apologise for not returning my visit today & ask us to join a small party this Eveng*. - Thank ye, but we shall be better engaged. - I was speaking to Mde** B. this morng* about a boil'd Loaf, when it appeared that her Master has no raspberry Jam ; She has some, which of course she is determined he shall have ; but cannot you bring him a pot when you come ? -
Sunday. - I find a little time before breakfast for
writing. - It was considerably past 4 when they arrived
yesterday ; the roads were so very bad ! - as it was, they
had 4 Horses from Cranford Bridge. Fanny was miserably cold
at first, but they both seem well. - No
We were quite satisfied with Kean. I cannot imagine
better acting ; but the part was too short, & excepting him
and Miss Smith, & she did not quite answer my expectation,
the parts were ill filled & the Play heavy. We were too much
tired to stay for the whole of Illusion (Nour-jahad) which
has 3 acts ; - there is a great deal of finery & dancing in
it, but I think little merit. Elliston was Nour-jahad, but
it is a solemn sort of part, not at all calculated for his
powers. There was nothing of the best Elliston about him. I
might not have known him, but for his voice. - A grand
thought has struck me as to our Gowns. This 6 weeks mourning
makes so great a difference that I shall not go to Miss
Hare, till you can come & help chuse yourself ; unless you
particularly wish the contrary. - It may be hardly worth
while perhaps to have the Gowns so expensively made up ; we
may buy a cap or a veil instead ; - but we can talk more of
this together. - Henry is just come down, he seems well, his
cold does not increase. I expected to have found Edward
seated at a table writing to Louisa, but I was first. -
Fanny I left fast asleep. - She was doing about last night,
when I went to sleep, a little after one. - I am most happy
to find there were but five shirts. - She thanks you for
your note, & reproaches herself for not having written to
you, but I assure her there was no occasion. - The accounts
are not capital of Lady B. - upon the whole I beleive Fanny
liked
- All the Bridgeses are likely to come away together, &
Louisa will probably turn off at Dartford to go to Harriot.
- Edward is quite ((about five words cut out.)) - now we are
come from Church, & all going to write. - Almost everybody
was in mourning last night, but my brown gown did very well.
Genl*: Chowne was introduced to me ; he has not much remains
of Frederick. - This young Wyndham does not come after all ;
a very long & very civil note of excuse is arrived. It makes
one moralize upon the ups & downs of this Life. I have
determined to trim my lilac sarsenet with black sattin
ribbon just as my China Crape is, 6d* width at the bottom,
3d* or 4d* at top. - Ribbon trimmings are all the fashion at
Bath, & I dare say the fashions of the two places are alike
enough in that point, to content me. - With this addition it
will be a very useful gown, happy to go anywhere. - Henry
has this moment said that he likes my M. P. better & better
; he is in the 3d* volume. I beleive now he has changed his
mind as to foreseeing the end ; he said yesterday at least,
that he defied anybody to say whether H. C. would be
reformed, or would forget Fanny in a fortnight. - I shall
like to see Kean again excessively, & to see him with you
too ; - it appeared to me as if there were no fault in him
anywhere ; & in his scene with Tubal there was exquisite
acting. Edward has had a correspondence with Mr. Wickham on
the Baigent business, & has been shewing me some Letters
enclosed by Mr. W. from a friend of his, a Lawyer, whom he
had consulted about it, & whose opinion is for the
prosecution
A cold day, but bright and clean. - I am afraid your
planting can hardly have begun. - I am sorry to hear that
there has been a rise in tea. I do not mean to pay Twining
till later in the day, when we may order a fresh supply. - I
long to know something of the Mead - & how you are off for a
Cook. Monday. Here's a day ! - The Ground covered with snow
! What is to become of us ? - We were to have walked out
early to near shops, & had the Carriage for the more
distant. - Mr. Richard Snow is dreadfully fond of us. I dare
say he has stretched himself out at Chawton too. - Fanny & I
went into the Park yesterday
Edwd* is amazed at the 64 Trees. He desires his Love & gives you notice of the arrival of a Study Table for himself. It ought to be at Chawton this week. He begs you to be so good as to have it enquired for, & fetched by the Cart ; but wishes it not to be unpacked till he is on the spot himself. It may be put in the Hall. - Well, Mr. Hampson dined here & all that. I was very tired of Artaxerxes, highly amused with the Farce, & in an inferior way with the Pantomime that followed. Mr. J. plumptre joined in the latter part of the Eveng* - walked home with us, ate some soup, & is very earnest for our going to Cov: Gar: again to night to see Miss Stephens in the Farmers Wife. He is to try for a Box. I do not particularly wish him to succeed. I have had enough for the present. - Henry dines to day with Mr. Spencer. -
Yours very affecly** J. Austen
Henrietta St* Wednesday March 9
Well, we went to the Play again last night, & as we were out great part of the morning too, shopping & seeing the Indian Jugglers, I am very glad to be quiet now till dressing time. We are to dine at the Tilsons & tomorrow at Mr. Spencers. - We had not done breakfast yesterday when Mr. J. Plumptre appeared to say that he had secured a Box. Henry asked him to dine here, which I fancy he was very happy to do ; & so, at 5 o'clock we four sat down to table together, while the Master of the House was preparing for going out himself. - The Farmer's Wife is a Musical thing in 3 Acts, & as Edward was steady in not staying for anything more, we were at home before 10 - Fanny and Mr. J. p. are delighted with Miss S, & her merit in singing is I dare say very great ; that she gave me no pleasure is no reflection upon her, nor I hope upon myself, being what Nature made me on that article. All that I am sensible of in Miss S. is, a pleasing person & no skill in acting. We had Mathews, Liston & Emery ; of course some amusement. - Our friends were off before 1#2 past 8 this morng*, & had the prospect of a heavy cold Journey before them. I think they both liked their visit very much, I am sure Fanny did.
- Henry sees decided attachment between her & his new
acquaintance. - I have a cold too as well as my Mother &
Martha. Let it be a generous emulation
- Henry has finished Mansfield Park, & his approbation has not lessened. He found the last half of the last volume extremely interesting. I suppose my Mother recollects that she gave me no Money for paying Brecknell & Twining ; and my funds will not supply enough. -
We are home in such good time that I can finish my Letter
tonight, which will be better than getting up to do it
tomorrow, especially as on account of my Cold, which has
been very heavy in my head this Eveng* - I rather think of
lying in bed later than usual. I would not but be well
enough to go to Hertford St* on any account. - We met only
Genl* Chowne today, who has not much to say for himself. - I
was ready to laugh at the remembrance of Frederick, & such a
different Frederick as we chose to fancy him to the real
Christopher ! - Mrs. Tilson had long sleeves too, & she
assured me that they are worn in the evening by many. I was
glad to hear this. - She dines here I beleive next Tuesday.
On friday we are to be snug, with only Mr. Barlowe & an evening of Business. - I am so pleased that the Mead is brewed. - Love to all. If Cassandra has filled my Bed with fleas, I am sure they must bite herself. - I have written to Mrs. Hill & care for nobody.
Yours affecly** J. Asten
My dear Anna - I am very much obliged to you for sending
your MS. it has entertained me extremely, all of us indeed ;
I read it aloud to your G. M. - & At* C. - and we were all
very much pleased. - The spirit does not droop at all. Sir
Tho: - Lady Helena, & St. Julian are very well done - &
Cecilia continues to be interesting in spite of her being so
amiable. - It was very fit that you should advance her age.
I like the beginning oF D. forester very much - a great deal
better than if he had been very Good or very Bad. - A few
verbal corrections were all that I felt tempted to make -
the principal of them is a speech of St. Julians to Lady
Helena - which you see I have presumed to alter. - As Lady
H. is Cecilia's superior, it wd* not be correct to talk of
her being introduced ; Cecilia must be the person introduced
- and I do not like a Lover's speaking in the 3d* person; -
- it is too
Yours affecly** J. A.
Chawton : Tuesday June 13 My dearest Cassandra
Fanny takes my mother to Alton this morning, which gives
me an opportunity of sending you a few lines without any
other trouble than that of writing them.
This is a delightful day in the country, and I hope not
much too hot for town. Well, you had a good journey, I
trust, and all that, and not rain enough to spoil your
bonnet. It appeared so likely to be a wet evening that I
went up to the Gt. House between three and four, and dawdled
away an hour very comfortably, though Edwd. was not very
brisk. The air was clearer in the evening and he was better.
We all five walked together into the kitchen garden and
along the Gosport road, and they drank tea with us.
You will be glad to hear that G. Turner has another
situation, something in the cow line, near Rumsey, and he
wishes to move immediately, which is not likely to be
inconvenient to anybody.
The new nurseryman at Alton comes this morning to value the crops in the garden.
The only letter to-day is from Mrs. Cooke to me. They do not leave home till July, and want me to come to them, according to my promise. And, after considering everything, I have resolved on going. My companions promote it. I will not go, however, till after Edward is gone, that he may feel he has a somebody to give memorandums to, to the last. I must give up all help from his carriage, of course. And, at any rate, it must be such an excess of expense that I have quite made up my mind to it and do not mean to care.
I have been thinking of Triggs and the chair, you may be sure, but I know it will end in posting. They will meet me at Guildford.
In addition to their standing claims on me they admire " Mansfield Park " exceedingly. Mr. Cooke says " it is the most sensible novel he ever read," and the manner in which I treat the clergy delights them very much. Altogether, I must go, and I want you to join me there when your visit in Henrietta St. is over. Put this into your capacious head.
Take care of yourself, and do not be trampled to death in running after the Emperor. The report in Alton yesterday was that they would certainly travel this road either to or from Portsmouth. I long to know what this bow of the Prince's will produce. I saw Mrs. Andrews yesterday. Mrs. Browing had seen her before. She is very glad to send an Elizabeth. Miss Benn continues the same. Mr. Curtis, however, saw her yesterday and said her hand was going on as well as possible. Accept our best love.
Yours very affectionately, J. Austen
Thursday June 23 Dearest Cassandra
I received your pretty letter while the children were drinking tea with us, as Mr. Louch was so obliging as to walk over with it. Your good account of everybody made us very happy.
I heard yesterday from Frank. When he began his letter he hoped to be here on Monday, but before it was ended he had been told that the naval review would not take place till Friday, which would probably occasion him some delay, as he cannot get some necessary business of his own attended to while Portsmouth is in such a bustle. I hope Fanny has seen the Emperor, and then I may fairly wish them all away. I go to-morrow, and hope for some delays and adventures.
My mother's wood is brought in, but, by some mistake, no bavins. She must therefore buy some.
Henry at White's ! Oh, what a Henry ! I do not know what to wish as to Miss B., so I will hold my tongue and my wishes.
Sackree and the children set off yesterday, and have not
been returned back upon us. They were all very well the
evening before. We had handsome presents from the Gt. House
yesterday - a ham and the four leeches. Sackree has left
some shirts of her master's at the school, which, finished
or unfinished,
We have called upon Miss Dusautoy and Miss Papillon, and been very pretty. Miss D. has a great idea of being Fanny Price - she and her youngest sister together, who is named Fanny. Miss Benn has drunk tea with the Prowtings, and,
I believe, comes to us this evening. She has still a swelling about the fore-finger and a little discharge, and does not seem to be on the point of a perfect cure, but her spirits are good, and she will be most happy, i believe, to accept any invitation. The Clements are gone to Petersfield to look.
Only think of the Marquis of Granby being dead. I hope, if it please Heaven there should be another son, they will have better sponsors and less parade.
I certainly do not wish that Henry should think again of getting me to town. I would rather return straight from Bookham ; but, if he really does propose it, I cannot say No to what will be so kindly intended. It could be but for a few days, however, as my mother would be quite disappointed by my exceeding the fortnight which I now talk of as the outside - at least, we could not both remain longer away comfortably.
The middle of July is Martha's time, as far as she has any time. She has left it to Mrs. Craven to fix the day. I wish she could get her money paid, for I fear her going at all depends upon that.
Instead of Bath the Deans Dundases have taken a house at
Clifton - Richmond Terrace - and she is as glad of the
change as even you and I should be, or almost. She will now
be able to go on from Berks and visit them without any fears
from heat.
This post has brought me a letter from Miss Sharpe. Poor thing ! she has been suffering indeed, but is now in a comparative state of comfort. She is at Sir W. P.'s, in Yorkshire, with the children, and there is no appearance of her quitting them. Of course we lose the pleasure of seeing her here. She writes highly of Sir Wm. I do so want him to marry her. There is a Dow. Lady P. presiding there to make it all right. The Man is the same ; but she does not mention what he is by profession or trade. She does not think Lady P. was privy to his scheme on her, but, on being in his power, yielded. Oh, Sir Wm. ! Sir Wm. ! how I will love you if you will love Miss Sharp !
Mrs. Driver, &c., are off by Collier, but so near being too late that she had not time to call and leave the keys herself. I have them, however. I suppose one is the key of the linen-press, but I do not [know] what to guess the other.
The coach was stopped at the blacksmith's, and they came running down with Triggs and Browning, and trunks, and birdcages. Quite amusing.
My mother desires her love, and hopes to hear from you.
Yours very affectionately, J. Austen
Frank and Mary are to have Mary Goodchild to help as Under till they can get a cook. She is delighted to go.
Best love at Streatham.
Chawton Wednesday Aug: 10 My dear Anna
I am quite ashamed to find that I have never answered some questions of yours in a former note. - I kept the note on purpose to refer to it at a proper time, & then forgot it. - I like the name " Which is the Heroine? " very well, & I dare say shall grow to like it very much in time - but " Enthusiasm " was something so very superior that every common Title must appear to disadvantage. - I am not sensible of any Blunders about Dawlish. The Library was particularly pitiful & wretched 12 years ago, & not likely to have anybody's publication. - There is no such Title as Desborough - either among the Dukes, Marquisses, Earls, Viscounts or Barons. - These were your enquiries. - I will now thank you for your Envelope, received this morning. - I hope Mr* W. D. will come. - I can readily imagine Mrs** H. D. may be very like a profligate young Lord - I dare say the likeness will be " beyond every thing." - Your Aunt Cass: - is as well pleased with St. Julian as ever. I am delighted with the idea of seeing Progillian again.
Wednesday 17. - We have just** finished the 1st of the 3
Books I had the pleasure of receiving yesterday ; I read it
aloud - & we are all very much amused, & like the work quite
as well as ever. - I depend upon getting through another
book before dinner, but
Yes - Russel Square is a very proper distance from Berkeley St*. - We are reading the last book. - They must be two days going from Dawlish to Bath ; They are nearly 100 miles apart.
Thursday. We finished it last night, after our return
from drinking tea at the Gt* House. - The last chapter does
not please us quite so well, we do not thoroughly like the
Play ; perhaps from having had too much of Plays in that way
lately. And we think you had better not leave England. Let
the Portmans go to Ireland, but as you know nothing of the
Manners there, you had better not go with them. You will be
in danger of giving false representations. Stick to Bath &
the Foresters. There you will be quite at home. - Your Aunt
C. does not like desultory novels, & is rather fearful yours
will be too much so, that there will be too frequent a
change from one set of people to another, & that
circumstances will be sometimes introduced of apparent
consequence, which will lead to nothing. - It will not be so
great an objection to me, if it does. I allow much more
Latitude than
I should like to have had more of Devereux. I do not feel enough acquainted with him. - You were afraid of meddling with him I dare say. - I like your sketch of Lord Clanmurray, and your picture of the two poor young girls enjoyments is very good. - I have not yet noticed St. Julian's serious conversation with Cecilia, but I liked it exceedingly ; - what he says about the madness of otherwise sensible Women, on the subject of their Daughters coming out, is worth it's weight in gold. - I do not see that the language sinks. Pray go on.
Yours very affec:ly** J. Austen
Twice you have put Dorsetshire for Devonshire. I have
altered it. - Mr* griffin must have lived in Devonshire ;
Dawlish is half way down the County. -
23 Hans Place, Tuesday Morng*. My dear Cassandra
I had a very good Journey, not crouded, two of the three
taken up at Bentley being Children, the others of a
reasonable size ; & they were all very quiet & civil. - We
were late in London, from being a great Load & from changing
Coaches at Farnham, it was nearly 4 I beleive when we
reached Sloane St* ; Henry
No James & Edward yet. - Our evening yesterday was perfectly quiet ; we only talked a little to Mr. Tilson across the intermediate Gardens ; she was gone out airing with Miss Burdett. - It is a delightful Place
- more than answers my expectation. Having got rid of my
unreasonable ideas, I find more space & comfort in the rooms
than I had supposed, & the Garden is quite a Love. I am in
the front Attic, which is the Bedchamber to be preferred.
Henry wants you to see it all, & asked whether you wd*
return with him from Hampshire ; I encouraged him to think
you
Wednesday Morng*. - My Brother and Edwd* arrived last
night. - They cd* not get Places the day before. Their
business is about Teeth & Wigs, & they are going after
breakfast* to Scarman's & Tavistock St - and they are to
return to go with me afterwards in the Barouche. I hope to
do some of my errands today. I got the Willow yesterday, as
Henry was not quite ready when I reached Hena* St*. - I saw
Mr. Hampson there for a moment. He dines here tomorrow &
proposed bringing his son; - so I must submit to seeing
George Hampson, though I had hoped to go through Life
without it. - It was one of my vanities, like your not
reading Patronage. - After leaving H. st* - we drove to Mrs.
Latouches, they are always at home - & they are to dine here
on friday. - We could do no more, as it began to rain. - We
dine at 1#2 past 4 today, that our Visitors may go to the
Play, and Henry & I are to spend the eveng* with the
Tilsons, to meet Miss Burdett, who leaves Town tomorrow. -
Mrs. T. called on me yesterday. - Is not this all that can
have happened, or been arranged ? - Not quite. - Henry wants
me to see more of his Hanwell favourite, & has written to
invite her to spend a day or two here with me. His
Now, I have breakfasted & have the room to myself again. - It is likely to be a fine day. - How do you all do ? - Henry talks of being at Chawton about the 1st** of Septr*. - He has once mentioned a scheme, which I should rather like - calling on the Birches & the Crutchleys in our way. It may never come to anything, but I must provide for the possibility, by troubling you to send up my Silk Pelisse by Collier on Saturday. I feel it would be necessary on such an occasion ; - and be so good as to put up a clean Dressing gown which will come from the Wash on friday. You need not direct it to be left anywhere. It may take it's chance. - We are to call for Henry between 3 & 4 - & I must finish this & carry it with me, as he is not always there in the morng* before the Parcel is made up. - And before I set off, I must return Mrs. Tilson's visit. - I hear nothing of the Hoblyns & abstain from all enquiry. -
I hope Mary Jane & Frank's Gardens go on well. - Give my love to them all - Nunna Hat's Love to George. - A great many People wanted to mo up in the Poach as well as me. - The wheat looked very well all the way, & James says the same of his road. - The same good account of Mrs. C.'s health continues, & her circumstances mend. She gets farther & farther from Poverty. What a comfort! Good bye to You. -
Yours very truly & affecly** Jane
All well at Steventon. I hear nothing particular of Ben,
except that Edward is to get him some pencils.
Chawton Sept: 9. My dear Anna
We have been very much amused by your 3 books, but I have
a good many criticisms to make - more than you will like. -
We are not satisfied with Mrs. F.'s settling herself as
Tenant & near Neighbour to such a Man as Sir T. H. without
having some other inducement to go there ; she ought to have
some friend living thereabouts to tempt her. A woman, going
with two girls just growing up, into a Neighbourhood where
she knows nobody but one Man, of not very good character, is
an awkwardness which so prudent a woman as Mrs. F. would not
be likely to fall into. Remember, she is very prudent ; -
you must not let her act inconsistently. - Give her a
friend, & let that friend be invited to meet her at the
Priory, & we shall have no objection to her dining there as
she does ; but otherwise, a woman in her situation would
hardly go there, before she had been visited by other
Families. - I like the scene itself, the Miss Lesleys, Lady
Anne, & the Music, very much. - Lesley is a noble name. -
Sir T. H. you always do very well ; I have only taken the
liberty of expunging one phrase of his, which would not be
allowable. " Bless my Heart " - It is too familiar &
inelegant. Your G. M. is more disturbed at Mrs. F.'s not
returning the Egertons visit sooner, than anything else.
They ought to have called at the
- her want of Imagination is very natural. - I wish you could make Mrs. F. talk more, but she must be difficult to manage & make entertaining, because there is so much good common sence & propriety about her that nothing can be very broad. Her Economy and her Ambition must not be staring. - The Papers left by Mrs. Fisher is very good. - Of course, one guesses something. - I hope when you have written a great deal more you will be equal to scratching out some of the past. The scene with Mrs. Mellish, I should condemn ; it is prosy & nothing to the purpose - & indeed, the more you can find in your heart to curtail between Dawlish & Newton Priors, the better I think it will be. One does not care for girls till they are grown up. - Your Aunt C. quite enters into the exquisiteness of that name. Newton Priors is really a Nonpareil. - Milton wd* have given his eyes to have thought of it. Is not the Cottage taken from Tollard Royal ? -
Sunday 18th** - I am very glad dear Anna, that I wrote as I did before this sad Event occurred. I have now only to add that your G.mama does not seem the worse now for the shock. - I shall be very happy to receive more of your work, if more is ready ; & you write so fast, that I have great hopes Mr. D. will come freighted back with such a Cargo as not all his Hops or his Sheep could equal the value of.
Your Grandmama desires me to say that she will have
finished your Shoes tomorrow & thinks they will
J. Austen
Chawton Wednesday Sept: 28. My dear Anna
I hope you do not depend on having your book back again
immediately. I keep it that your G:mama may hear it - for it
has not been possible yet to have any public reading. I have
read it to your Aunt Cassandra however - in our own room at
night, while we undressed - and with a great deal of
pleasure. We like the first chapter extremely - with only a
little doubt whether Ly Helena is not almost too foolish.
The matrimonial Dialogue is very good certainly. - I like
Susan as well as ever - & begin now not to care at all about
Cecilia - she may stay at Easton Court as long as she likes.
- Henry Mellish I am afraid will be too much in the common
Novel style - a handsome, amiable, unexceptionable Young Man
(such as do not much abound in real Life) desperately in
Love, & all in vain. But I have no business to judge him so
early. - Jane Egerton is a very natural, comprehendable Girl
- & the whole of her acquaintance with Susan, & Susan's
Letter to Cecilia, very pleasing & quite in character. - But
Miss Egerton does not entirely satisfy us. She
What can you do with Egerton to increase the interest for him ? I wish you cd* contrive something, some family occurrence to draw out his good qualities more - some distress among Brothers or Sisters to releive by the sale of his Curacy - something to [tak]e him mysteriously away, & then heard of at York or Edinburgh - in an old great coat. - I would not seriously recommend anything Improbable, but if you cd* invent something spirited for him, it wd* have a good effect. - he might lend all his Money to Captn* Morris - but then He wd* be a great fool if he did. Cannot the Morrises quarrel, & he reconcile them ? - Excuse the liberty I take in these suggestions. -
Your Aunt Frank's Housemaid has just given her warning,
but whether she is worth your having, or wd* take your place
I know not. - She was Mrs. Webb's maid before she went to
the Gt* House. She leaves your Aunt, because she cannot
agree with her fellow servants. She is in love with the Man
and her head seems rather turned ; he returns her affection,
but she fancies every body else is wanting to get him too, &
envying her. Her previous service must have fitted her for
such a place as yours, & she is very active and cleanly. -
She is own Sister to the favourite Beatrice. - The Webbs are
really gone. When I saw the Waggons at the door, & thought
of all the trouble they must have in moving, I began to
reproach myself for not
Your affecte** Aunt
J. Austen
If you wish me to speak to the Maid, let me know. -
Miss Jane Austen begs her best Thanks may be conveyed to
Mrs** Hunter of Norwich for the thread paper which she has
been so kind as to send her by Mr* Austen, and which will
always be very valuable on account of the spirited sketches
(made it is supposed by Nicholson or Glover) of those most
interesting spots Tarefield Hall, the Mill & above all else
Tomb of Howards wife of the faithful representation of which
Miss Jane Austen is undoubtedly a good judge having spent so
many summers at Tarefield Abbey the delighted guest of the
worthy Mrs** Wilson. - It is impossible for any likeness to
be more complete. Miss J. A.'s tears have flowed over each
sweet sketch in such a way as would do Mrs Hs heart good to
see, & if Mrs** H. could understand all Miss Austen's
interest in the subject she would certainly have the
kindness to publish at least four volumes more about the
Flint
Miss J. a. cannot close this small Epitome of the
miniature of an abridgement of her Thanks & admiration
without expressing her sincere hopes that Mrs** H is
provided with a more safe conveyance to London than Alton
can now boast - as the Car of Falkenstein which was the
pride of that Town was overturned within the last ten days.
Chawton Nov : 18. - Friday
I feel quite as doubtful as you could be my dearest Fanny
as to when my Letter may be finished, for I can command very
little quiet time at present, but yet I must begin, for I
know you will be glad to hear as soon as possible, & I
really am impatient myself to be writing something on so
very interesting a subject, though I have no hope of writing
anything to the purpose. I shall do very little more I dare
say than say over again, what you have said before. - I was
certainly a good deal surprised at first - as I had no
suspicion of any change in your feelings, and I have no
You will be glad to hear that the first Edit: of M. P. is all sold. - Your Uncle Henry is rather wanting me to come to Town, to settle about a 2d* Edit: - but as i could not very conveniently leave home now, I have written him my Will and pleasure, & unless he still urges it, shall not go. - I am very greedy & want to make the most of it ; - but as you are much above caring about money, I shall not plague you with any particulars. - The pleasures of Vanity are more within your comprehension, & you will enter into mine, at receiving the praise which every now & then comes to me, through some channel or other. -
Saturday. - Mr. Palmer spent yesterday with us, & is gone
off with Cassy this morng*. We have been
Yours very affecly**
J. Austen
Your trying to excite your own feelings by a visit to his
room amused me excessively. - The dirty Shaving Rag was
exquisite ! - Such a circumstance ought to be in print. Much
too good to be lost. - Remember me particularly to Fanny C.
- i thought you wd* like to hear from me, while you were
with her.
I met Harriet Benn yesterday, she gave her
congratulations & desired they might be forwarded to you,
and there they are. - Your Father returned to dinner,
Make everybody at Hendon admire Mansfield Park.
Your affec: Aunt
Tuesday Nov. 22 J. A.
I am very much obliged to you, my dear Anna, & should be very happy to come & see you again if I could, but I have not a day disengaged. We are expecting your Uncle Charles tomorrow ; and I am to go the next day to Hanwell to fetch some Miss Moores who are to stay here till Saturday ; then comes Sunday & Eliz* Gibson, and on Monday Your Uncle Henry takes us both to Chawton. It is therefore really impossible, but I am very much obliged to You & to Mr* B. Lefroy for wishing it.
We should find plenty to say, no doubt, & I should like
to hear Charlotte Dewar's Letter ; however, though I do not
hear it, I am glad she has written to
We all came away very much pleased with our visit I assure You. We talked of you for about a mile & a half with great satisfaction, & I have been just sending a very good account of you to Miss Beckford, with a description of your dress for Susan & Maria. - Your Uncle & Edwd* left us this morning. The hopes of the Former in his Cause, do not lessen. - We were all at the Play last night, to see Miss O'neal in Isabella. I do not think she was quite equal to my expectation. I fancy I want something more than can be. Acting seldom satisfies me. I took two Pocket handkerchiefs, but had very little occasion for either. She is an elegant creature however & hugs Mr* younge delightfully. -
I am going this morning to see the little girls in Keppel Street. Cassy was excessively interested about your marrying, when she heard of it, which was not till she was to drink your health on the wedding day. She asked a thousand questions, in her usual way - What he said to you ? & what you said to him ? - And we were very much amused one day by Mary Jane's asking " what Month her Cousin Benjamin was born in ? " -
If your Uncle were at home he would send his best Love, but I will not impose any base, fictitious remembrance on You. - Mine I can honestly give, & remain
Yr* affec: Aunt
J. Austen
23 Hans Place
23 Hans Place, Wednesday Nov: 30.
I am very much obliged to you my dear Fanny for your
letter, & I hope you will write again soon that I may know
you to be all safe & happy at home. - Our visit to Hendon
will interest you I am sure, but I need not enter into the
particulars of it, as your Papa will be able to answer
almost every question. I certainly could describe her bed-
room, & her Drawers & her Closet better than he can, but I
do not feel that I can stop to do it. - I was rather sorry
to hear that she is to have an Instrument ; it seems
throwing money away. They will wish the 24 Gs. in the shape
of Sheets & Towels six months hence ; - and as to her
playing, it never can be anything. - Her purple Pelisse
rather surprised me. - I thought we had known all
Paraphernalia of that sort. I do not mean to blame her, it
looked very well & I dare say she wanted it. I suspect
nothing worse than it's being got in secret, & not owned to
anybody. - She is capable of that you know. - I received a
very kind note from her yesterday, to ask me to come again &
stay a night with them ; I cannot do it, but I was pleased
to find that she had the power of doing so right a thing. My
going was to give them both Pleasure very properly. - I just
saw
- It seemed rather odd to me to be in the Theatre, with nobody to watch for. I was quite composed myself, at leisure for all the agitation Isabella could raise.
Now my dearest Fanny, I will begin a subject which comes in very naturally. - You frighten me out of my wits by your reference. Your affection gives me the highest pleasure, but indeed you must not let anything depend on my opinion. Your own feelings & none but your own, should determine such an important point.
- So far however as answering your question, I have no
scruple. - I am perfectly convinced that your present
feelings supposing you were to marry now. would be
sufficient for his happiness ; - but when I think how very,
very far it is from a Now, & take everything that may be,
into consideration, I dare not say, " Determine to accept
him." The risk is too great for you, unless your own
Sentiments prompt it. - You will think me perverse perhaps ;
in my last letter I was urging everything in his favour, &
now I am inclining the other way ; but I cannot help it ; I
am at present more impressed with the possible Evil that may
arise to you from engaging yourself to him - in word or mind
- than with anything else. - When I consider how few young
Men you have yet seen much of - how capable you are (yes, I
do still think you very capable) of being really in love -
and how full of temptation the next 6 or 7 years of your
Life will probably be - (it is the very period of Life for
the strongest attachments to be formed) - I cannot wish you
with your present very cool feelings to devote yourself in
honour to him. It is very true that you never may attach
another Man, his equal altogether,
Thank you - but it is not settled yet whether I do hazard
a 2d* Edition. We are to see Egerton today, when it will
probably be determined. - People are more ready to borrow &
praise, than to buy - which I cannot wonder at ; - but tho'
I like praise as well as anybody,
I cannot suppose we differ in our ideas of the Christian Religion. You have given an excellent description of it. We only affix a different meaning to the Word Evangelical.
Yours most affecly**
J. Austen Miss Gibson is very glad to go with us.
Hans Place. Wednesday My dear Anna
I have been very far from finding your Book an Evil I
assure you; I read it immediately - & with great pleasure. I
think you are going on very well. The description of Dr.
Griffin & Lady Helena's unhappiness is very good, just what
was likely to be. - I am curious to know what the end of
them will be : The name of Newton-Priors is really
invaluable ! - I never met with anything superior to it. -
It is delightful. - One could live upon the name of Newton-
Priors for a twelvemonth. - Indeed, I do think you get on
very fast. I wish other people of my acquaintance could
compose as rapidly. - I am pleased with the Dog scene, &
with the whole of George & Susan's Love ;
We have got " Rosanne " in our Society, and find it much
as you describe it ; very good and clever, but tedious. Mrs.
Hawkins' great excellence is on serious subjects. There are
some very delightful conversations and reflections on
religion : but on lighter topics I think she falls into many
absurdities ; and, as to love, her heroine has very comical
feelings. There are a thousand improbabilities in the story.
Do you remember the two Miss Ormesdens, introduced just at
last ? Very flat and unnatural. - Mlle*** Cossart is rather
my passion. - Miss Gibson returned to the Gt* House last
friday, & is pretty well, but not entirely so. Captn*
Clement has very kindly offered to drive her out, & she
would like it very much, but no day has yet been quite good
enough, or else she has not been otherwise equal to it. -
She sends you her Love ((nearly a line missing))d wishes
Mrs** Creed's opinion is gone down on my list ; but
fortunately I may excuse myself from entering Mr*
Chawton, Friday Septr* 29. My dear Anna
We told Mr. B. Lefroy that if the weather did not prevent
us, we should certainly come & see you tomorrow, & bring
Cassy, trusting to your being so good as to give her a
dinner about one o'clock, that we might be able to be with
you the earlier & stay the longer - but on giving Cassy her
choice of the Fair or Wyards, it must be confessed that she
has preferred the former, which we trust will not greatly
affront you ; - -if it does, you may hope that some little
Anna
Your G. Mama sends her Love & Thanks for your note. She was very happy to hear the contents of your Packing Case. - She will send the Strawberry roots by Sally Benham, as early next week as the weather may allow her to take them up. -
Yours very affec:ly**
My dear Anna
J. Austen
Hans Place Tuesday Oct. 17 (1815) My dear Cassandra
Thank you for your two letters ; I am very glad the new
cook begins so well. Good apple pies are a considerable
Wednesday. Henry's illness is more serious than I
expected. He has been in bed since three o'clock on Monday.
It is a fever - something bilious but chiefly inflammatory.
I am not alarmed but I have determined to send this letter
to-day by the post, that you may know how things are going
on.
Mrs. Hore wishes to observe to Frank & Mary that she doubts their finding it answer to have chests of drawers bought in London when the expense of carriage is considered. The two Miss Gibsons called here on Sunday & brought a letter for Mary, which shall also be put into the parcel. Miss G. looked particularly well. I have not been able to return their call. I want to get to Keppel St* again if I can, but it must be doubtful. The Creeds are agreeable people themselves but I fear must have had a very dull visit. I long to know how Martha's plans go on. If you have not written before, write by Sunday's post to Hans Place. I shall be more than ready for news of you by that time. A change of weather at last - wind & rain. Mrs** Tilson has just called. Poor woman - she is quite a wretch - always ill. God bless you.
Yrs** affectely**** J. A.
Uncle Henry was very much amused with Cassy's message,
but if she were here now with the red shawl she would make
him laugh more than would do him good.
Hans Place, Monday nig[ht] Oct: 30. My dear Caroline
I have not yet felt quite equal to taking up your Manuscript, but think I shall soon, & I hope my detaining it so long will be no inconvenience. - It gives us great pleasure that you should be at Chawton. I am sure Cassy must be delighted to have you. - You will practise your Music of course, & I trust to you for taking care of my Instrument & not letting it be ill used in any respect. - Do not allow anything to be put on it, but what is very light. - I hope you will try to make out some other tune besides the Hermit. - Tell your Grandmama that I have written to Mrs** Cooke to congratulate her, & that I have heard from Scarlets today ; they were much shocked by the preparatory Letter which I felt obliged to send last wednesday, but had been made comfortable in comparison, by the receipt of my friday's Letter. Your Papa wrote again by this Post, so that I hope they are now easy. - I am sorry you got wet in your ride ; Now that you are become an Aunt, you are a person of some consequence & must excite great Interest whatever you do. I have always maintained the importance of Aunts as much as possible, & I am sure of your doing the same now. - Beleive me my dear Sister-Aunt,
Yours affecly**
J. Austen
I must take the liberty of asking you a question. - among the many flattering attentions which I recd* from you at Carlton House on Monday last, was the information of my being at liberty to dedicate any future work to HRH. the P. R. without the necessity of any solicitation on my part. Such at least, I beleived to be your words ; but as I am very anxious to be quite certain of what was intended, I intreat you to have the goodness to inform me how such a Permission is to be understood, & whether it is incumbent on me to shew my sense of the Honour, by inscribing the Work now in the Press, to H.R.H. - i shd* be equally concerned to appear either Presumptuous or Ungrateful. -
I am & c---
23 Hans Place, Friday Nov: 3d* Sir
My Brother's severe Illness has prevented his replying to Yours of Oct. 15, on the subject of the MS of
Emma, now in your hands - and as he is though recovering, still in a state which we are fearful of harrassing by Business & I am at the same time desirous of coming to some decision on the affair in question, I must request the favour of you to call on me here, any day that may suit you best, at any hour in the Evening, or any in the Morning except from Eleven to One. - A short conversation may perhaps do more than much writing.
My Brother begs his Compts** & best thanks for your polite attention in supplying him with a copy of Waterloo.
I am Sir
Your Ob. Hum: Servt*
Jane Austen
23 Hans Place, Thursday, November 23 (1815). Sir
My brother's note last Monday has been so fruitless, that
I am afraid there can be but little chance of my
I remain, Sir, your obt* humble Set*
J. Austen
Hans Place, Friday Nov: 24. My dearest Cassandra
I have the pleasure of sending you a much better account
of my affairs which I know will be a great delight to you. I
wrote to Mr. Murray yesterday
- The Printers have been waiting for Paper - the blame is thrown upon the Stationer - but he gives his word that I shall have no farther cause for dissatisfaction. - He has lent us Miss Williams & *scott, & says that any book of his will always be at my service. - In short, I am soothed & complimented into tolerable comfort. -
We had a visit yesterday from Edwd* Knight, & Mr. Mascall joined him here ; - and this morning has brought Mr. Mascall's Compts* & two Pheasants. - We have some hope of Edward's coming to dinner today ; he will, if he can I beleive. - He is looking extremely well. - Tomorrow Mr. Haden is to dine with us. - There's Happiness ! - We really grow so fond of Mr. Haden that I do not know what to expect. - He, & Mr. Tilson & Mr. Philips made up our circle of Wits last night ; Fanny played, & he sat & listened & suggested improvements, till Richard came in to tell him that " the Doctor was waiting for him at Captn* Blake's " - and then he was off with a speed that you can imagine. He never does appear in the least above his Profession, or out of humour with it, or I should think poor Captn* Blake, whoever he is, in a very bad way. -
I must have misunderstood Henry, when I told you that you
were to hear from him today. He read me what he wrote to
Edward; - part of it must have amused him I am sure ; - one
part alas ! cannot be very amusing to anybody. - I wonder
that with such
Evening. - We have had no Edward. - Our circle is formed
; only Mr. Tilson & Mr. Haden. - We are not so happy as we
were. A message came this afternoon from Mrs. Latouche &
Miss East, offering themselves to drink tea with us tomorrow
- & as it was accepted, here is an end of our extreme
felicity in our Dinner-Guest. - I am heartily sorry they are
coming ! It will be an Eveng* spoilt to Fanny & me. Another
little Disappointment. - Mr. H. advises Henry's not
venturing with us in the Carriage tomorrow ; - if it were
Spring, he says, it wd* be a different thing. One would
rather this had not been. He seems to think his going out
today rather imprudent, though acknowledging at the same
time that he is better than he was in the Morng*. - Fanny
has had a Letter full of commissions from Goodnestone ; we
shall be busy about them & her own matters I dare say from
12 to 4. - Nothing I trust will keep us from Keppel Street.
- This day has
I hope Mary continues to get well fast - & I send my Love to little Herbert. - You will tell me more of Martha's plans of course when you write again. - Remember me most kindly to everybody, & Miss Benn besides. - Yours very affecly** J. Austen
I have been listening to dreadful Insanity. - It is Mr.
Haden's firm beleif that a person not musical is fit for
every sort of Wickedness. I ventured to assert a little on
the other side, but wished the cause in abler hands. -
Supposing the weather shd* be very bad on Sunday Eveng* I
shall not like to send Richard out you know - & in that
case, my Dirty Linen must wait a day.
Hans Place. Sunday Nov: 26. My Dearest
The Parcel arrived safely, & I am much obliged to you for
your trouble. It cost 2s* 10 - but as there is
- We saw the whole party. - Aunt Harr* hopes Cassy will
not forget to make a pincushion for Mrs. Kelly -
So much for the morng* ; then came the dinner & Mr. Haden
who brought good Manners & clever conversation ; - from 7 to
8 the Harp ; at 8 Mrs. L. & Miss E. arrived - & for the rest
of the eveng* the Drawg*-room was thus arranged, on the
Sopha-side the two Ladies Henry & myself making the best of
it, on the opposite side Fanny & Mr. Haden in two chairs (I
believe at least they had two chairs) talking together
uninterruptedly. - Fancy the scene ! And what is to be
fancied next ? - Why that Mr. H. dines here again tomorrow.
- To-day we are to have Mr. Barlow. - Mr. H. is reading
Mansfield Park for the first time and prefers it to P. and
P. - a hare & 4 Rabbits from Gm. yesterday, so that we are
stocked for nearly a week. - Poor Farmer Andrews ! I am very
sorry for him, & sincerely wish his recovery. - A better
account of the Sugar than I could have expected. I should
like to help you break some more. - I am glad you cannot
wake early, I am sure you must have been under great arrears
of rest. - Fanny & I have been to B. Chapel, & walked back
with Maria Cuthbert. - We have been very little plagued with
visitors this last week, I remember only Miss Herries the
Aunt, but I am in terror for to-day, a fine bright Sunday,
plenty of Mortar & nothing to do. - Henry gets out in his
Garden every day, but at present his inclination for doing
more seems over, nor has he now any plan for leaving London
before Dec: 18, when he thinks of going to Oxford for a few
days ; - to-day indeed, his feelings are for continuing
where he is, through the next two
Fanny has heard all that I have said to you about herself
& Mr. H. - thank you very much for the sight of dearest
Charles's Letter to yourself. How pleasantly & how naturally
he writes ! and how perfect a picture of his Disposition &
feelings, his style conveys ! - Poor dear Fellow ! - not a
Present ! - I have a great mind to send him all the twelve
Copies which were to have
Give my Love to Cassy &
Mary Jane. - Caroline will
Be gone when this reaches you. J. Austen
Hans Place, Saturday Dec: 2. My dear Cassandra
Henry came back yesterday, & might have returned the day
before if he had known as much in time. I had the pleasure
of hearing from Mr. T. on wednesday night that Mr. Seymour
thought there was not the least occasion for his absenting
himself any longer. - I had also the comfort of a few lines
on wednesday morning from Henry himself - (just after your
Letter was gone) giving so good an account of his feelings
as made me perfectly easy. He met with the utmost care &
attention at Hanwell, spent his two days there very quietly
& pleasantly, & being certainly in no respect the worse for
going, we may beleive that he must be better, as he is quite
sure of being himself. - To make his return a complete Gala,
Mr. Haden was secured for dinner - I need not say that our
Eveng* was agreable. - But you seem to be under a mistake as
to Mr. H. - you call him an Apothecary ; he is no
God bless you. - Excuse the shortness of this - but I must finish it now, that I may save you 2d* - Best love. -
Yrs** affecly** J. A.
It strikes me that I have no business to give the P.R. a Binding, but we will take Counsel upon the question. -
I am glad you have put the flounce on your Chintz, I am
sure it must look particularly well, & it is what I had
thought of.
I wish I could finish Stories as fast as you can. - I am much obliged to you for the sight of Olivia, & think you have done for her very well ; but the good for nothing Father, who was the real author of all her Faults and Sufferings, should not escape unpunished.
I hope he hung himself, or took the sur-name of Bone or underwent some direful penance or other. -
Yours affecly**
Dec: 6. J. Austen
Dec. 11. Dear Sir
My " Emma " is now so near publication that I feel it
right to assure you of my not having forgotten your kind
recommendation of an early copy for Carlton House, and that
I have Mr. Murray's promise of its being sent to His Royal
Highness, under cover to you, three days previous to the
work being really out. I must make use of this opportunity
to thank you, dear Sir, for the very high praise you bestow
on my other novels. I am too vain to wish to convince you
that you have praised theM beyond their merits.
Believe me, dear Sir,
Your obliged and faithful humble** Sert*.
Jane Austen
Hans Place, Dec: 11th**. Dear Sir
As I find that Emma is advertized for publication as early as Saturday next, I think it best to lose no time in settling all that remains to be settled on the subject, & adopt this method of doing so, as involving the smallest tax on your time. -
In the first place, I beg you to understand that I leave the terms on which the Trade should be supplied with the work, entirely to your Judgement, entreating you to be guided in every such arrangement by your own experience of what is most likely to clear off the Edition rapidly. I shall be satisfied with whatever you feel to be best. -
The Title page must be Emma, Dedicated by Permission to H.R.H. the Prince Regent. - And it is my particular wish that one Set should be completed & sent to H.R.H. two or three days before the Work is generally public. - It should be sent under Cover to the Rev: J. S. Clarke, Librarian, Carlton House. - I shall subjoin a list of those persons, to whom I must trouble you to forward also a Set each, when the Work is out ; - all unbound, with From the Authoress, in the first page.
I return you, with very many Thanks, the Books you have
so obligingly supplied me with. - I am very sensible I
assure you of the attention you have paid to my Convenience
& amusement. I return also
I am in Hans Place till the 16th**. From that day, inclusive, my direction will be, Chawton, Alton, Hants.
I remain dear Sir,
Yr* faithful Hum. Servt*
J. Austen
I wish you would have the goodness to send a line by the
Bearer, stating the day on which the set will be ready for
the Prince Regent. -
Hans Place, December 11 (1815). Dear Sir
I am much obliged by yours, and very happy to feel
everything arranged to our mutual satisfaction. As to my
direction about the title-page, it was arising from my
ignorance only, and from my having never noticed the proper
place for a dedication. I thank you for putting me right.
Any deviation from what is usually done in such cases is the
last thing I should wish for. I feel happy in having a
friend to save me from the ill effect of my own blunder.
Yours, dear Sir, &c.
J. Austen
Chawton Dec : 31 Madam
Accept my Thanks for the honour of your note, & for your
kind disposition in favour of Emma. In my present state of
doubt as to her reception in the
- It encourages me to depend on the same share of general good opinion which Emma's Predecessors have experienced, & to believe that I have not yet - as almost every Writer of Fancy does sooner or later - overwritten myself. - I am Madam,
Your obliged & faithl* Servt*
J. Austen
As I wish very much to see your Jemima, I am sure you
will like to see my Emma, & have therefore great pleasure in
sending it for your perusal. Keep it as long as you chuse,
it has been read by all here. -
Chawton Wednesday March 13. My dear Caroline
I am very glad to have an opportunity of answering your
agreable little Letter. You seem to be quite my
I remain my dear Caroline,
Your affec: Aunt,
J. Austen
I am honoured by the Prince's thanks and very much
obliged to yourself for the kind manner in which you mention
the work. I have also to acknowledge a former letter
forwarded to me from Hans Place. I assure you I felt very
grateful for the friendly tenor of it, and hope my silence
will have been considered, as it was truly meant, to proceed
only from an unwillingness to tax your time with idle
thanks. Under every interesting circumstance which your own
talents and literary labours have placed you in, or the
favour of the Regent bestowed, you have my best wishes. Your
recent appointments I hope are a step to something still
better. In my opinion, the service of a court can hardly be
too well paid, for immense must be the sacrifice of time and
feeling required by it. You are very very kind in your hints
as to the sort of composition which might recommend me at
present, and I am fully sensible that an historical romance,
founded on the House of Saxe Cobourg, might be much more to
the purpose of profit or popularity than such pictures of
domestic life in country villages as I deal in. But I could
no more write a romance than an epic poem. I could not sit
seriously down to write a serious romance under any other
motive than to save my life ; and if it were indispensable
for me to keep it up and never relax into laughing at myself
or
I remain, my dear Sir,
Your very much obliged, and very sincere friend,
J. Austen
Chawton, near Alton, April 1, 1816.
I return you the Quarterly Review with many Thanks. The
Authoress of Emma has no reason I think to complain of her
treatment in it - except in the total omission of Mansfield
Park. - I cannot but be sorry that so clever a Man as the
Reveiwer of Emma should consider it as unworthy of being
noticed. - You will be pleased to hear that I have received
the Prince's Thanks for the handsome Copy I sent him of
Emma. Whatever he may think of my share of the Work, Yours
seems to have been quite right.
In consequence of the late sad Event in Henrietta St* I
must request that if you should at any time have anything to
communicate by Letter, you will be so good as to write by
the post, directing to me (Miss J. Austen) Chawton near
Alton - and that for
I remain, dear Sir,
Yours very faithfully
J. Austen Chawton April 1.
1816.
Chawton Sunday April 21st** My dear Caroline
I am glad to have an opportunity of writing to you again,
for my last Note was written so long before it was sent,
that it seemed almost good for nothing. The note to your
Papa is to announce the death of that excellent woman Miss
Elizth** Leigh ; it came here this morning enclosed in a
letter to Aunt Cassandra. We all feel that we have lost a
most valued old friend ; but the death of a person at her
advanced age, so fit to die and by her own feelings so ready
to die, is not to be regretted. She has been so kind as to
leave a little remembrance of #20 to your Grandmama.
I have had a letter from Scarlets this morning, with a
very tolerable account of health there. We have also heard
from Godmersham, and the day of your Uncle and Fanny's
coming is fixed ; they leave home tomorrow se'night ; spend
two days in Town and are to be with us on Thursday May
2nd**. We are to see your cousin Edward likewise, but
probably not quite
Cassy has had great pleasure in working this - whatever it may be - for you, I believe she rather fancied it might do for a quilt for your little wax doll, but you will find a use for it if you can I am sure. She often talks of you and we should all be very glad to see you again - and if your Papa comes on Wednesday, as we rather hope, and it suited everybody that you should come with him, it would give us great pleasure. Our Fair at Alton is next Saturday which is also Mary Jane's Birthday, and you would be thought an addition on such a great day.
Yours affecly**
J. Austen
I shall say no more, because I know th[ere may be ?] many
circumstances to make it inconvenient at
Cassy desires her best thanks for the book. She was quite delighted to see it : I do not know when I have seen her so much struck by anybody's kindness as on this occasion. Her sensibility seems to be opening to the perception of great actions. These gloves having appeared on the Piano Forte ever since you were here on Friday, we imagine they must be yours. Mrs. Digweed returned yesterday through all the afternoon's rain and was of course wet through, but in speaking of it she never once said " It was beyond everything," which I am sure it must have been. Your Mama means to ride to Speen Hill tomorrow to see the Mrs. Hulberts who are both very indifferent. By all accounts they really are breaking now. Not so stout as the old Jackass.
Yours affecately***** J A
Chawton, Sunday, June 23rd**. Uncle Charles's
birthday.
Chawton Tuesday July 9. 1816 My dear Edward
Many Thanks. A thank for every Line, & as many to Mr. W.
Digweed for coming. We have been wanting very much to hear
of your Mother, & are happy to find she continues to mend,
but her illness must have been a very serious one indeed. -
When she is really recovered, she ought to try change of air
& come over to us. - Tell your Father I am very much obliged
to him for his share of your Letter & most sincerely join in
the hope of her being eventually much the better for her
present Discipline. She has the comfort moreover of being
confined in such weather as gives one little temptation to
be out. It is really too bad, & has been too bad for a long
time, much worse than anybody can bear, & I begin to think
it will never be fine again. This is a finesse of mine, for
I have often observed that if one writes about the weather,
it is generally completely changed before the Letter is
read. I wish it may prove so now, & that when Mr. W. Digweed
reaches Steventon tomorrow, he may find you have had a long
series of hot, dry weather. We are a small party at present,
only G. Mama, Mary Jane & myself. - Yalden's coach cleared
off the rest yesterday. I suppose it is known at Steventon
that Uncle Frank & Aunt Cassandra were to go to Town
I am glad you recollected to mention your being come
home. My heart began to sink within me when I had got so far
through your Letter without its being mentioned. I was
dreadfully afraid that you might be detained at Winchester
by severe illness, confined to your Bed perhaps & quite
unable to hold a pen, & only dating from Steventon in order,
with a mistaken sort of Tenderness, to deceive me. - But
now, I have no doubt of your being at home, I am sure you
would not say it so seriously unless it actually were so. -
We saw a countless number of Postchaises full of Boys pass
by yesterday morng* - full of future Heroes, Legislators,
Fools, and Villains. - You have never thanked me for my last
Letter, which went by the Cheese. I cannot bear not to be
thanked. You will not pay us a visit yet of course, we must
not think of it. Your Mother must get well first, & you must
go to Oxford and not be elected ; after that, a little
change of scene may be good for you, & your Physicians I
hope will order you to the Sea, or to a house by the side of
a very considerable pond. Oh ! it rains again ; it beats
against the window. - Mary
J. Austen My dear James
We suppose the Trial is to take place this week, but we only feel sure that it cannot have taken place yet because we have heard nothing of it. A letter from Gm* today tells us that Henry as well as William K - - goes to France with his Uncle. -
Yrs** ever - J. A.
I have followed your directions & find your Handwriting
admirable. If you continue to improve as
- I suppose you had worn her in your stays without knowing it, & if she tickled you, thought it only a flea. Edward's visit has been a great pleasure to us. He has not lost one good quality or good Look, & is only altered in being improved by being some months older than when we saw him last. He is getting very near our own age, for we do not grow older of course.
Chawton
Monday July 15.
Letter today. His not writing on friday gave me some
[room for 12 letters] coming makes me more than amends. - I
know you heard from Edward yesterday, Henry wrote to me by
the same post, & so did Fanny - I had therefore 3 Letters at
once which I thought well worth paying for ! Yours was a
treasure, so full of everything. - But how very much
Cheltenham is to be preferred in May ! - Henry does not
write diffusely, but chearfully ; - at present he wishes to
come to us as soon as we can receive him - is decided for
Orders &c. - I have written to him to say that after this
week, he cannot come too soon. - I do not really expect him
however immediately ; they will hardly part with him at Gm*
yet. - Fanny does not seem any better, or very little ; she
ventured to dine one day at Sandling & has suffered for it
ever since. - I collect from her, that Mr* Seymour is either
married or on the point of being married to Mrs** Scrane. -
She is not explicit, because imagining us to be informed. -
I am glad I did not know that you had no possibility of
having a fire on saturday - & so glad that you have your
Pelisse ! - Your Bed room describes more comfortably than I
could have supposed. - We go on very well here, Edward is a
great pleasure to me ; - he drove me to Alton yesterday ; I
went principally to carry news of you & Henry, &
Yrs** affecly**
J. Austen
I shall be perfectly satisfied if I hear from you again
on Tuesday.
Chawton, Sunday Sept: 8. My dearest Cassandra
I have borne the arrival of your Letter today extremely
well ; anybody might have thought it was giving me pleasure.
- I am very glad you find so much to be satisfied with at
Cheltenham. While the Waters agree, everything else is
trifling. - A letter arrived for you from Charles last
Thursday. They are all safe, & pretty well in Keppel St*,
the children decidedly better for Broadstairs, & he writes
principally to ask when it will be convenient to us to
receive Miss P. - the little girls & himself. - They wd* be
ready to set off in ten days from the time of his writing,
to pay their visits in Hampshire & Berkshire - & he would
prefer coming to Chawton first. I have answered him & said,
that we hoped it might suit them to wait till the last week
in Septr*, as we could not ask them sooner, either on your
account, or the want of room. I mentioned the 23d*, as the
probable day of your return. - When you have once left
Cheltenham, I shall grudge every half day wasted on the
road. If there were but a coach from Hungerford to Chawton !
- I have desired him to let me hear again soon. - He does
not include a Maid in the list to be accomodated, but if
they bring one, as I suppose they will, we shall have no bed
in the house even then for Charles himself - let alone Henry
- . But what can we do ? - We shall have the Gt* House quite
at our
No morning service today, wherefore I am writing between
12 & 1 o'clock. - Mr. Benn in the afternoon - & likewise
more rain again, by the look & the sound of things. You left
us in doubt of Mrs. Benn's situation, but she has bespoke
her Nurse. - Mrs. F. A. seldom either looks or appears quite
well. - Little Embryo is troublesome I suppose. - They dined
with us yesterday, & had fine weather both for coming &
going home, which has hardly ever happened to them before. -
She is still unprovided with a Housemaid. - Our day at Alton
was very pleasant - Venison quite right - Children well-
behaved - & Mr. & Mrs. Digweed taking kindly to our
Charades, & other Games. - I must also observe, for his
Mother's satisfaction, that Edward at my suggestion, devoted
himself very properly to the entertainment of Miss S.
Gibson. - Nothing was wanting except Mr. Sweney ; but he
alas ! had been ordered away to London the day before. - We
had a beautiful walk home by Moonlight. - Thank you, my Back
has given me scarcely any pain for many days. - I have an
idea that agitation does it as much harm as fatigue, & that
I was ill at the time of your going, from the very
circumstance of your going. - I am nursing myself up now
into as beautiful a state as I can, because I hear that Dr.
Mrs. Digweed parts with both Hannah and old Cook, the
former will not give up her Lover, who is a man of bad
Character, the Latter is guilty only of being unequal to
anything. - Miss Terry was to have spent this week with her
Sister, but as usual it is put off. My amiable friend knows
the value of her company. - I have not seen Anna since the
day you left us, her Father & Brother visited her most days.
- Edward & Ben called here on Thursday. Edward was in his
way to Selborne. We found him very agreable. He is come back
from France, thinking of the French as one could wish,
disappointed in everything. He did not go beyond Paris. - I
have a letter from Mrs. Perigord, she & her Mother are in
London again ; - she speaks of France as a scene of general
Poverty & Misery, - no Money, no Trade - nothing to be got
but by the Innkeepers - & as to her own present prospects,
she is not much less melancholy than before. - I have also a
letter from Miss Sharp, quite one of her Letters ;
- she has been again obliged to exert herself - more than
ever - in a more distressing, more harrassed state - & has
met with another excellent old Physician & his wife, with
every virtue under Heaven, who takes to her & cures her from
pure Love & Benevolence. - Dr. & Mrs. Storer are their Mrs.
& Miss Palmer - for they are at Bridlington. I am happy to
say however that the sum of the account is better than
usual. Sir William is returned ; from Bridlington they go to
Chevet, & she is to have a Young Governess under her. - I
enjoyed Edward's company very much, as I said before, & yet
I was not sorry when friday came. It had been a busy week, &
I wanted a few days quiet, & exemption from the Thought &
contrivances which any sort of company gives. - I often
wonder how you can find time for what you do, in addition to
the care of the House ; - and how good Mrs. West cd* have
written such Books & collected so many hard words, with all
her family cares, is still more a matter of astonishment !
Composition seems to me Impossible, with a head full of
Joints of Mutton & doses of rhubarb. - Monday. Here is a sad
morng*. - I fear you may not have been able to get to the
Pump. The two last days were very pleasant. - I enjoyed them
the more for your sake. - But today, it is really bad enough
to make you all cross. - I hope Mary will change her
Lodgings at the fortnight's end ; I am sure, if you looked
about well, you would find others in some odd corner, to
suit you better. Mrs. Potter charges for the name of the
High St*. - Success to the Pianoforte ! I trust it will
drive you away. - We hear now that there is to be no Honey
this year. Bad news for us. - We must husband our present
stock of Mead ;
- & I am sorry to perceive that our 20 Gal: is very nearly out. - I cannot comprehend how the 14 Gal: cd* last so long. -
We do not much like Mr. Cooper's new Sermons ; - they are fuller of Regeneration & Conversion than ever - with the addition of his zeal in the cause of the Bible Society. - Martha's love to Mary & Caroline, & she is extremely glad to find they like the Pelisse. - The Debarys are indeed odious ! - We are to see my Brother tomorrow, but for only one night. - I had no idea that he would care for the Races, without Edward.
- Remember me to all.
Yours very affec:ly**
J. Austen
Chawton, Monday Dec: 16. My dear Edward
One reason for my writing to you now, is that I may have
the pleasure of directing to you Esqre**. - I give you Joy
of having left Winchester. - Now you may own, how miserable
you were there ; now, it will gradually all come out - your
Crimes & your Miseries
- how often you went up by the Mail to London & threw
away Fifty Guineas at a Tavern, & how often you were on the
point of hanging yourself - restrained only, as some
illnatured aspersion upon poor old
I wonder when you will come & see us. I know what I rather speculate upon, but I shall say nothing.
- We think Uncle Henry in excellent Looks. Look at him
this moment & think so too, if you have not done it before ;
& we have the great comfort of seeing decided improvement in
Uncle Charles, both as to Health, Spirits & Appearance. -
And they are each of them so agreable in their different
way, & harmonize so well, that their visit is thorough
enjoyment. - Uncle Henry writes very superior Sermons. - You
and I must try to get hold of one or two, & put them into
our Novels ; - it would be a fine help to a volume; & we
could make our Heroine read it aloud of a Sunday Evening,
just as well as Isabella Wardour in the Antiquary, is made
to read the History of the Hartz Demon in the ruins of St.
Ruth - though I beleive, upon recollection, Lovell is the
Reader. - By the bye, my dear Edward, I am quite concerned
for the loss your Mother mentions in her Letter ; two
Chapters & a half to be missing is monstrous ! It is well
that I have not been at Steventon lately, & therefore cannot
be suspected of purloining them ; - two strong twigs & a
half towards a Nest of my own, would have been something, -
I do not think however that any theft of that sort would be
really very useful to me. What should I do with your strong,
manly, spirited Sketches, full of Variety and
You will hear from uncle Henry how well Anna is. She seems perfectly recovered. - Ben was here on Saturday, to ask Uncle Charles & me to dine with them, as tomorrow, but I was forced to decline it, the walk is beyond my strength (though I am otherwise very well) & this is not a Season for Donkey Carriages ; & as we do not like to spare Uncle Charles, he has declined it too. -
Tuesday. - Ah, ha ! - Mr* Edward, I doubt your seeing Uncle Henry at Steventon today. The weather will prevent your expecting him I think. - Tell your Father, with Aunt Cass:'s Love & mine, that the Pickled Cucumbers are extremely good, & tell him also - " tell him what you will " ; No, do'nt tell him what you will, but tell him that Grandmama begs him to make Joseph Hall pay his Rent if he can. You must not be tired of reading the word Uncle, for I have not done with it. Uncle Charles thanks your Mother for her Letter ; it was a great pleasure to him to know the parcel was received & gave so much satisfaction ; & he begs her to be so good as to give Three Shillings for him to Da[me] Staples, which shall be allowed for in the payment of her debt here. -
I am happy to tell you that Mr. Papillon will soon make
his offer, probably next Monday, as he returns on Saturday.
- His intention can be no longer doubtful in the smallest
degree, as he has secured the refusal of the House which
Mrs** Baverstock at present occupies
Adeiu Amiable ! - I hope Caroline behaves well to you Yours affecly**
J. Austen
Your Grandmama is very much obliged to you for the
Turkey, but cannot help grieving that you should not keep it
for yourselves. Such Highmindedness is almost more than she
can bear. - She will be very glad of better weather that she
may see you again & so we shall all. Yours affecately*****
Thursday. J. Austen
((Ym raed Yssac
I hsiw uoy a yppah wen raey. Ruoy xis snisuoc emac ereh
yadretsey, dna dah hcae a eceip fo ekac.
Ruoy Etanoitceffa Tnua
Notwahc, Naj . 8. Enai Netsua))
Chawton Thursday Jan: 23. 1817 My dear Caroline
I am always very much obliged to you for writing to me, &
have now I beleive two or three Notes to thank you for ; but
whatever may be their Number, I mean to have this Letter
accepted as a handsome return for all, for you see I have
taken a complete, whole sheet of Paper, which is to entitle
me to consider it as a very long Letter whether I write much
or little. - We were quite happy to see Edward, it was an
unexpected pleasure, & he makes himself as agreable as ever,
sitting in such a quiet comfortable way making his
delightful little Sketches. - He is generally thought grown
since he was here last, & rather Thinner, but in very good
Looks. - We have used Anna as ill as we could, by not
letting him leave us before tomorrow morning, but it is a
Vile World, we
Your Anne is dreadful. But nothing offends me so much as
the absurdity of not being able to pronounce the word Shift.
I could forgive her any follies in English, rather than the
Mock Modesty of that french word. She should not only place
her Quilt in the Centre, but give it's Latitude & Longitude,
& measure its Dimensions by a Lunar Observation if she
chose. - Cook & Sally seem very properly pleased by your
remembrance, & desire their Duty & Thanks. Sally has got a
new red Cloak, which adds much to her happiness, in other
respects she is unaltered, as civil & well meaning &
talkative as ever. - Only think of your lost Dormouse being
brought back to you ! - I was quite astonished. - No time is
fixed for Cassy's return, but March has always been her
month hitherto for coming down. Aunt Cass: - had a letter
from her
- I spent two or three days with your Uncle & Aunt lately, & though the Children are sometimes very noisy & not under such Order as they ought & easily might, I cannot help liking them & even loving them, which I hope may be not wholly inexcusable in their & [your affectionate Aunt,
J. Austen]
The Piano Forte often talks of you ; - in various keys,
tunes, & expressions I allow - but be it Lesson or Country
Dance, Sonata or Waltz, you are really it's constant Theme.
I wish you cd* come and see us, as easily as Edward can.
You send me great News indeed my dear Caroline, about Mr*
Digweed Mr* Trimmer, & a Grand Piano Forte. I wish it had
been a small one, as then you
Yrs** affecly**
Wed : Night . J. Austen
Chawton Jany* 24 - 1817 My dear Alethea
I think it time there should be a little writing between
us, though I believe the epistolary debt is on your side,
and I hope this will find all the Streatham party well,
neither carried away by the flood, nor rheumatic through the
damps. Such mild weather is,
- I suppose his holidays are now over yet.
Yours affecly**
J. Austen
The real object of this letter is to ask you for a
receipt, but I thought it genteel not to let it appear
early. We remember some excellent orange wine at Manydown,
made from Seville oranges, entirely or chiefly & should be
very much obliged to you for the receipt, if you can command
it within a few weeks.
Chawton Feb: 20 My dearest Fanny,
You are inimitable, irresistable. You are the delight of
my Life. Such Letters, such entertaining Letters as you have
lately sent ! - Such a description of your queer little
heart ! - Such a lovely display of what Imagination does. -
You are worth your weight in Gold, or even in the new Silver
Coinage. - I cannot express to you what I have felt in
reading your history of yourself, how full of Pity & Concern
& Admiration & Amusement I have been. You are the Paragon of
all that is Silly & Sensible, common-place & eccentric, Sad
& Lively, Provoking & Interesting. - Who can keep pace with
the fluctuations of your Fancy, the Capprizios of your
Taste, the Contradictions of your Feelings ? - You are so
odd ! - & all the time, so perfectly natural - so peculiar
in yourself, & yet so like everybody else ! - It is very,
very gratifying to me to know you so intimately. You can
hardly think what a pleasure it is to me, to have such
thorough pictures of your Heart. - Oh ! what a loss it will
be when
Mr. J. W. frightens me. - He will have you. - I see you
at the Altar. - I have some faith in Mrs. C. Cage's
observation, & still more in Lizzy's ; & besides, I know it
must be so. He must be wishing to attach you. It would be
too stupid & too shameful in him, to be otherwise ; & all
the Family are seeking your acquaintance. - Do not imagine
that I have any real objection, I have rather taken a fancy
to him than not, & I like Chilham Castle for you ; - I only
do not like you shd* marry anybody. And yet I do wish you to
marry very much, because I know you will never be happy till
you are ; but the loss of a Fanny Knight will be never made
up to me ; My " affec: Neice F. C. Wildman " will be but a
poor Substitute. I do not like your being nervous & so apt
to cry : - it is a sign you are not quite well, but I hope
Mr. Scud - as you always write his name, (your Mr. Scuds:
amuse me very much) will do you good. - What a comfort that
Cassandra should be so recovered ! - It is more than we had
expected. - I can easily beleive she was very patient & very
good. I always loved Cassandra, for her fine dark eyes &
sweet temper. - I am almost entirely cured of my rheumatism
; just a little pain in my knee now and then, to make me
remember what it was, & keep on flannel. - Aunt Cassandra
nursed me so beautifully ! - I enjoy your visit to
Goodnestone, it must be a great pleasure to you, You have
not seen Fanny Cage in any comfort so long. I hope she
represents & remonstrates & reasons with you, properly. Why
Friday. - I had no idea when I began this yesterday, of sending it before your Br* went back, but I have written away my foolish thoughts at such a rate that I will not keep them many hours longer to stare me in the face. - Much obliged for the Quadrilles, which I am grown to think pretty enough, though of course they are very inferior to the Cotillions of my own day. - Ben & Anna walked here last Sunday to hear Uncle Henry, & she looked so pretty, it was quite a pleasure to see her, so young & so blooming & so innocent, as if she had never had a wicked Thought in her Life - which yet one has some reason to suppose she must have had, if we believe the Doctrine of original Sin, or if we remember the events of her girlish days. -
I hope Lizzy will have her Play. Very kindly arranged for her. Henry is generally thought very good-looking, but not so handsome as Edward. - I think I prefer his face. - Wm. is in excellent Looks, has a fine appetite & seems perfectly well. You will have a great Break-up at Gm* in the Spring, You must feel their all going. It is very right however. One sees many good causes for it. - Poor Miss C. - i shall pity her, when she begins to understand herself. - Your objection to the Quadrilles delighted me exceedingly.
- Pretty well, for a Lady irrecoverably attached to one
Person ! - Sweet Fanny, beleive no such thing of yourself. -
Spread no such malicious slander upon your Understanding,
within the Precincts of your Imagination. - Do not speak ill
of your Sense, merely for the Gratification of your Fancy. -
Yours is Sense, which deserves more honourable Treatment. -
You are not
J. Austen
Uncle H. & miss Lloyd dine at Mr. Digweed's today, which
leaves us the power of asking Uncle & Aunt F. - to come &
meet their Nephews here.
Chawton, Thursday March 13.
As to making any adequate return for such a Letter as
yours my dearest Fanny, it is absolutely impossible ; if I
were to labour at it all the rest of my Life & live to the
age of Methuselah, I could never accomplish anything so long
& so perfect ; but I cannot let William go without a few
Lines of acknowledgement & reply. I have pretty well done
with Mr. Wildman. By your description he cannot be in love
with you, however he may try at it, & I could not wish the
match unless there were a great deal of Love on his side. I
do not know what to do about Jemima Branfill. What does her
dancing away with so much spirit,
I am got tolerably well again, quite equal to walking
about & enjoying the Air; and by sitting down & resting a
good while between my Walks, I get exercise
- Max: Hammond and A. M. Shaw are people whom I cannot care for, in themselves, but I enter into their situation & am glad they are so happy. - If I were the Duchess of Richmond, I should be very miserable about my son's choice. What can be expected from a Paget, born & brought up in the centre of conjugal Infidelity & Divorces ? - I will not be interested about Lady Caroline. I abhor all the race of Pagets. - Our fears increase for poor little Harriet ; the latest account is that Sir Ev: Home is confirmed in his opinion of there being water on the brain. - I hope Heaven in its mercy will take her soon. Her poor Father will be quite worn out by his feelings for her. - He cannot spare Cassy at present, she is an occupation & a comfort to him.
Adieu my dearest Fanny. Nothing could be more delicious
than your Letter ; & the assurance of your feeling releived
by writing it, made the pleasure perfect. - But how could it
possibly be any new idea to you that you have a great deal
of Imagination ? -
Yrs** very affecly**
J. Austen
Chawton, Sunday March 23.
I am very much obliged to you my dearest Fanny for
sending me Mr. Wildman's conversation, I had great amusement
in reading it, & I hope I am not affronted & do not think
the worse of him for having a Brain so very different from
mine, but my strongest sensation of all is astonishment at
your being able to press him on the subject so perseveringly
- and I agree with your Papa, that it was not fair. When he
knows the truth he will be uncomfortable. - You are the
oddest Creature ! - Nervous enough in some respects, but in
others perfectly without nerves ! + Quite unre- pulsible,
hardened & impudent. Do not oblige him to read any more. -
Have mercy on him, tell him the truth & make him an apology.
He & I should not in the least agree of course, in our ideas
of Novels and Heroines ; - pictures of perfection as you
know make
Eveng*. - I was languid & dull & very bad company when I
wrote the above ; I am better now - to my own feelings at
least - & wish I may be more agreable. We are going to have
Rain, & after that, very pleasant genial weather, which will
exactly do for me, as my Saddle will then be completed - and
air & exercise is what I want. Indeed I shall be very glad
when the
Tuesday. - I have had various plans as to this Letter, but at last I have determined that Un: Henry shall forward it from London. I want to see how Canterbury looks in the direction. - When once Unc. H. has left us I shall wish him with you. London is become a hateful place to him, & he is always depressed by the idea of it. - I hope he will be in time for your sick. I am sure he must do that part of his Duty as excellently as all the rest. He returned yesterday from Steventon, & was with us by breakfast, bringing Edward with him, only that Edwd* staid to breakfast at Wyards. We had a pleasant family-day, for the Altons dined with us ; - the last visit of the kind probably, which she will be able to pay us for many a month;
- Very well, to be able to do it so long, for she expects much about this day three weeks, & is generally very exact. - I hope your own Henry is in France & that you have heard from him. The Passage once over, he will feel all Happiness. - I took my 1st** ride yesterday & liked it very much. I went up Mounters Lane, & round by where the new Cottages are to be, & found the exercise & everything very pleasant, and I had the advantage of agreable companions, as At* Cass: and Edward walked by my side. - At* Cass. is such an excellent Nurse, so assiduous & unwearied ! - But you know all that already. -
Very affecly** Yours J. Austen
Chawton Wedy* March 26 My dear Caroline
Pray make no apologies for writing to me often, I am
always very happy to hear from you, & am sorry to think that
opportunities for such a nice little economical
correspondence, are likely to fail now. But I hope we shall
have Uncle Henry back again by the 1st** Sunday in May. - I
think you very much improved in your writing, & in the way
to write a very pretty hand. I wish you could practise your
fingering oftener. - Would not it be a good plan for you to
go & live entirely at Mr. Wm. Digweed's ? - He could not
desire any other remuneration than the pleasure of hearing
you practise. I like Frederick & Caroline better than I did,
but must still prefer Edgar & Julia. Julia is a warm-
hearted, ingenuous, natural Girl, which I like her for ; -
but I know the word Natural is no recommendation to you. -
Our last Letter from Keppel St. was rather more chearful. -
Harriet's headaches were a little releived, & Sir Ed: Hume
does not despair of a cure. - He persists in thinking it
Water on the Brain, but none of the others are convinced. -
I am happy to say that your Uncle Charles speaks of himself
as quite well. How very well Edward is looking ! You can
have nobody in your Neighbourhood
Chawton Sunday April 6. My dearest Charles
Many thanks for your affectionate Letter. I was in your
debt before, but I have really been too unwell the last
fortnight to write anything that was not absolutely
necessary. I have been suffering from a Bilious attack,
attended with a good deal of fever. A few days ago my
complaint appeared removed, but I am ashamed to say that the
shock of my Uncle's Will brought on a relapse, & I was so
ill on friday & thought myself so likely to be worse that I
could not but press for Cassandra's returning with Frank
after the Funeral last night, which she of course did, &
either her return, or my having seen Mrs** Curtis, or my
Disorder's chusing to go away, have made me better this
morning. I live upstairs however for the present & am
coddled. I am the only one of the
- God bless you all. Conclude me to be going on well, if you hear nothing to the contrary. - Yours Ever truely
J. A.
Tell dear Harriet that whenever she wants me in her service again, she must send a Hackney Chariot all the way for me, for I am not strong enough to travel any other way, & I hope Cassy will take care that it is a green one.
I have forgotten to take a proper-edged sheet of paper.
Chawton May 22d*
Your kind Letter my dearest Anne found me in bed, for in
spite of my hopes & promises when I wrote to you I have
since been very ill indeed. An attack of my sad complaint
seized me within a few days afterwards - the most severe I
ever had - & coming upon me after weeks of indisposition, it
reduced me very low. I have kept my bed since the 13. of
April, with only removals to a Sopha. Now, I am getting well
again, & indeed have been gradually tho' slowly recovering
my strength for the last three weeks. I can sit up in my bed
& employ myself, as I am proving to you at this present
moment, & really am equal to being out of bed, but that the
posture is thought good for me. - How to do justice to the
kindness of all my family during this illness, is quite
beyond me ! - Every dear Brother so affectionate & so
anxious ! - and as for my Sister ! - Words must fail me in
any attempt to describe what a Nurse she has been to me.
Thank God ! she does not seem the worse for it yet, & as
there was never any sitting-up necessary, I am willing to
hope she has no after-fatigues to suffer from. I have so
many alleviations & comforts to bless the Almighty for ! -
My head was always clear, & I had scarcely any pain ; my
cheif sufferings were from feverish nights, weakness and
Languor. - This Discharge was on me for above a
- Galigai de Concini for ever & ever. - Adeiu. - Continue to direct to Chawton, the communication between the two places will be frequent. - I have not mentioned my dear Mother ; she suffered much for me when I was at the worst, but is tolerably well. - Miss Lloyd too has been all kindness. In short, if I live to be an old Woman, I must expect to wish I had died now ; blessed in the tenderness of such a Family, & before I had survived either them or their affection. - You would have held the memory of your friend Jane too in tender regret I am sure. - But the Providence of God has restored me - & may I be more fit to appear before him when I am summoned, than I shd* have been now ! - Sick or Well, beleive me ever yr* attached friend
J. Austen
Mrs** Heathcote will be a great comfort, but we shall not
have Miss Bigg, she being frisked off like half England,
into Switzerland.
Mrs. Davids, College Street - Winton
Tuesday May 27.
I know no better way my dearest Edward, of thanking you
for your most affectionate concern for me during my illness,
than by telling you myself as soon as possible that I
continue to get better. - I will not boast of my handwriting
; neither that, nor my face have yet recovered their proper
beauty, but in other respects I am gaining strength very
fast. I am now out of bed from 9 in the morng* to 10 at
night - upon the sopha t'is true - but I eat my meals with
aunt Cass: in a rational way, & can employ myself, and walk
from one room to another. - Mr. Lyford says he will cure me,
& if he fails I shall draw up a Memorial and lay it before
the Dean & Chapter, & have no doubt of redress from that
Pious, Learned, and Disinterested Body. - Our Lodgings are
very comfortable. We have a neat little Drawing room with a
Bow-window overlooking Dr. Gabell's garden. Thanks to the
kindness of your Father & Mother in sending me their
carriage, my Journey hither on Saturday was performed with
very little fatigue, & had it been a fine day I think I
should have felt none, but it distressed me to see uncle
Henry & Wm. K - who kindly attended us on horseback, riding
in rain almost all the way. - We expect a visit from them
tomorrow, & hope
We see Mrs. Heathcote every day, & William is to call upon us soon. - God bless you my dear Edward. If ever you are ill, may you be as tenderly nursed as I have been, may the same Blessed alleviations of anxious, simpathising friends be yours, & may you possess - as I dare say you will - the greatest blessing of all, in the consciousness of not being unworthy of their Love. I could not feel this.
Your very affec: Aunt
J. A. Had I not engaged to write to you, you wd* have
heard again from your Aunt Martha, as she charged me to tell
you with her best Love.
My attendant is encouraging, and talks of making me quite
well. I live chiefly on the sofa, but am allowed to walk
from one room to the other. I have been out once in a
sedan-chair, and am to repeat it, and be promoted to a
wheel-chair as the weather serves. On this subject I will
only say further that my dearest sister, my tender,
watchful, indefatigable nurse, has not been made ill by her
exertions. As to what I owe to her, and to the anxious
affection of all
But I am getting too near complaint. It has been the appointment of God, however secondary causes may have operated....
You will find Captain --- a very respectable, well-
meaning man, without much manner, his wife and sister all
good humour and obligingness, and I hope (since the fashion
allows it) with rather longer petticoats than last year.
Had our poor friend lived these volumes would have been
at her service, & as I know you were in the habit of reading
together & have had the gratification of hearing that the
Works of the same hand had given you pleasure, I shall make
no other apology for offering you the perusal of them, only
begging that, if not immediately disposed for such light
reading, you would keep them as long as you like, as they
are not wanted at home.
Yours very sincerely
J. Austen Sunday Night - -
Chawton Sunday Nov* 29th** My dear Martha
I shall take care not to count the lines of your last
Letter ; you have obliged me to eat humble-pie indeed ; I am
really obliged to you however, & though it is in general
much pleasanter to reproach than to be grateful, I do not
mind it now. - We shall be glad to hear, whenever you can
write, & can well imagine that time for writing must be
wanting in such an arduous, busy, useful office as you fill
at present. You are made for doing good, & have quite as
great a turn for it I think as for physicking little
Children. The mental Physick which you have been lately
applying bears a stamp beyond all common Charity, & I hope a
Blessing will continue to attend it. - I am glad you are
well & trust you are sure of being so, while you are
employed in such a way ; - I must hope however that your
health may eer long stand the trial of a more common-place
course of days, & that you will be able to leave Barton when
Mrs** D. D. arrives there. - There was no ready-made Cloak
at Alton that would do, but Coleby has undertaken to supply
one in a few days ; it is to be Grey Woollen & cost ten
shillings. I hope you like the sim of it. - Sally knows your
kind intentions & has received your message, & in return for
it all, she & I have between us made out that she sends her
Duty & thanks you for your
Monday. A wettish day, bad for Steventon. - Mary Deedes I think must be liked there, she is so perfectly unaffected & sweet tempered, & tho' as ready to be pleased as Fanny Cage, deals less in superlatives & rapture. - Pray give our best compts** to Mrs** Dundas & tell her that we hope soon to hear of her complete
Recovery. - Yours affect:ly**
J. Austen
Chawton Tuesday Feb: 16. My dear Martha
Your long Letter was valued as it ought, & as I think it fully entitled to a second from me, I am going to answer it now in an handsome manner before Cassandra's return ; after which event, as I shall have the benefit of all your Letters to her I claim nothing more.
- I have great pleasure in what you communicate of Anna,
& sincerely rejoice in Miss Murden's amendment ; & only wish
there were more stability in the Character of their two
constitutions. - I will not say anything of the weather we
have lately had, for if you were not aware of it's being
terrible, it would be cruel to put it in your head. My
Mother slept through a good deal of Sunday, but still it was
impossible not to be disordered by such a sky, & even
yesterday she was but poorly. She is pretty well again
today, & I am in hopes may not be much longer a Prisoner. -
We are going to be all alive from this forenoon to tomorrow
afternoon; - it will be over when you receive this, & you
may think of me as one not sorry that it is so. George,
Henry & William will soon be here & are to stay the night -
and tomorrow the 2 Deedes' & Henry Bridges will be added to
our party ; - we shall then have an early dinner & dispatch
them all to Winchester. We have no late account from Sloane
St* & therefore conclude that everything is going on in one
regular progress, without any striking change. - Henry
- & fear Mrs** D.D. will be regretting that she came away so soon. - There is no being up to the tricks of the Sea. - Your friend has her little Boys about her I imagine. I hope their Sister enjoyed the Ball at Lady Keith - tho' I do not know that I do much hope it, for it might be quite as well to have her shy & uncomfortable in such a croud of Strangers.
I am obliged to you for your enquiries about Northamptonshire, but do not wish you to renew them, as I am sure of getting the intelligence I want from Henry, to whom I can apply at some convenient moment " sans peur et sans reproche ". - I suppose all the World is sitting in Judgement upon the Princess of Wales's Letter. Poor woman, I shall support her as long as I can, because she is a Woman, & because I hate her Husband - but I can hardly forgive her for calling herself " attached & affectionate " to a Man whom she must detest - & the intimacy said to subsist between her & Lady Oxford is bad - I do not know what to do about it ; but if I must give up the Princess, I am resolved at least always to think that she would have been respectable, if the Prince had behaved only tolerably by her at first. -
Old Philmore is got pretty well, well enough to warn Miss
Benn out of her House. His son is to come into it, - Poor
Creature ! - You may imagine how full of cares she must be,
& how anxious all Chawton will feel to get her decently
settled somewhere. - She will have
Poor John Harwood ! - One is really obliged to engage in
Pity again on his account - & when there is a lack of money,
one is on pretty sure grounds. - So after all, Charles, that
thick-headed Charles is the best off of the Family. I rather
grudge him his 2,500\. - My Mother is very decided in
selling Deane - and if it is not sold, I think it will be
clear that the Proprietor can have no plan of marrying.
23 Hans Place Friday Sep*. 2*. My dear Martha
The prospect of a long quiet morning determines me to
write to you. I have been often thinking of it before, but
without being quite able to do it - and You are too busy,
too happy and too rich I hope, to care much for Letters. -
It gave me very great pleasure to hear that your money was
paid, it must have been a circumstance to increase every
enjoyment you can have had with your friends - and
altogether I think you must be spending your time most
comfortably. The weather can hardly have incommoded you by
it's heat. - We have had many evenings here so cold, that I
was sure there must be fires in the Country. - How many
alterations you must perceive in Bath ! and how many People
and Things gone by, must be recurring to you! - I hope you
will see Clifton. Henry takes me home tomorrow; I rather
expect at least to be at Chawton before night, tho' it may
not be till early on Sunday, as we shall lengthen the
Journey by going round by Sunning Hill; his favourite Mrs**
Crutchley lives there, and he wants to introduce me to her.
- We offered a visit in our way, to the Birches, but they
cannot receive us, which is a disappointment. - He comes
back again on Wednesday, and perhaps brings James with him ;
so it was settled, when James was here; he wants to see
Scarman again, as his Gums last week
- If we are to be ruined, it cannot be helped - but I place my hope of better things on a claim to the protection of Heaven, as a Religious Nation, a Nation in spite of much Evil improving in Religion, which I cannot beleive the Americans to possess. - However this may be, Mr* Barlowe is to dine with us today, and I am in some hope of getting Egerton's account before I go away - so we will enjoy ourselves as long as we can. My Aunt does not seem pleased with Capt. and Mrs** D. D. for taking a House in Bath, I was afraid she would not like it, but I [ ] do.
- When I get home, I shall hear [more. I sh]all be very happy to find myself at [ ] Miss Benn [ ] to hear Mrs** Digweed's goodhumoured communications. The language of London is flat; it wants her phrase. - Dear me! I wonder if you have seen Miss Irvine! - At this time of year, she is more likely to be out of Bath than in.
One of our afternoon drives was to Streatham, where I had
the pleasure of seeing Mrs** Hill as well and comfortable as
usual; - but there is a melancholy disproportion
Pray give my best [com]pts. to your Friends. - I have not
forgotten their parti[cular] claim to my Gratitude as an
Author. - We have j[ust learn]ed that Mrs** C. Austen is
safe in bed with a Girl. - It happened on board, a
fortnig[ht] before it was expected.
We return these volumes with many Thanks. They have afforded us great amusement. - As we were out ouselves yesterday Eveng* we were glad to find you had not called - but shall depend upon your giving us some part of this Eveng*. - I leave Town early on Saturday, & must say "Good bye" to you. -
Yr* obliged & faithful
J. Austen
Thursday.
You will receive a message from me Tomorrow, & today you
will receive the parcel itself; therefore I should not like
to be in that Message's shoes, it will look so much like a
fool. I am glad to hear of your proceedings & improvements
in the Gentleman Quack. There was a great deal of Spirit in
the first part. Our objections to it You have heard, & I
give your Authoship credit for bearing Criticism so well. -
I hope Edwd* is not idle. No matter what becomes of the
Craven Exhibition provided he goes on with his Novel. In
that, he will find his true fame & his true wealth. That
will be the honourable Exhibition which no V. Chancellor can
rob him of. - I have just recd* nearly twenty pounds myself
on the 2d* Edit: of S & S - which gives me this fine flow of
Literary Ardour. - Tell your Mama, I am very much obliged to
her for the Ham she intends sending me, & that the Seacale
will be extreemly acceptable - is I should say, as we have
got it already; the future, relates only to our time of
dressing it, which will not be till Uncles Henry & Frank can
dine here together. - Do you know that Mary Jane went to
Town with her Papa ? They were there last week from Monday
to Saturday, & she was as happy as possible. She spent a day
in Keppel St* with Cassy; & her Papa is sure that she must
have walked 8 or 9 miles in a morng* with him. Your Aunt F.
spent the week with us, & one Child with her,
Yrs affecly**
J. Austen
Chawton March 14.
We four sweet Brothers & Sisters dine today at he Gt*.
House. Is not that quite natural? Grandmama & Miss Lloyd
will be by themselves, I do not exactly know what they will
have for dinner, very likely some pork,