The Letters of Jane Austen: Selected from the compilation of her great nephew, Edward, Lord BradbourneAusten, Jane
General
The Letters of Jane Austen: Selected from the compilation of her great nephew, Edward, Lord Bradbourne
Austen, Jane
Austen, Cassandra, 1773-1845; Austen, Jane, 1775-1817 -- Correspondence; Novelists, English -- 19th century -- Correspondence
I must have misunderstood Henry when I told you that you were to hear
from him to-day. 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 business to worry him he can be getting
better; but he certainly does gain strength, and if you and Edwd. were
to see him now, I feel sure that you would think him improved since
Monday.
He was out yesterday; it was a fine sunshiny day here (in the country
perhaps you might have clouds and fogs. Dare I say so? I shall not
deceive you, if I do, as to my estimation of the climate of London), and
he ventured first on the balcony and then as far as the greenhouse. He
caught no cold, and therefore has done more to-day, with great delight
and self-persuasion of improvement.
He has been to see Mrs. Tilson and the Malings. By the by, you may talk
to Mr. T. of his wife's being better; I saw her yesterday, and was
sensible of her having gained ground in the last two days.
_Evening._--We have had no Edward. Our circle is formed,--only Mr.
Tilson and Mr. Haden. We are not so happy as we were. A message came
this afternoon from Mrs. Latouche and Miss East, offering themselves to
drink tea with us to-morrow, and, 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 evening spoilt to Fanny and me.
Another little disappointment: Mr. H. advises Henry's not venturing with
us in the carriage to-morrow; if it were spring, he says, it would be a
different thing. One would rather this had not been. He seems to think
his going out to-day rather imprudent, though acknowledging at the same
time that he is better than he was in the morning.
Fanny has had a letter full of commissions from Goodnestone; we shall be
busy about them and her own matters, I dare say, from twelve to four.
Nothing, I trust, will keep us from Keppel Street.
This day has brought a most friendly letter from Mr. Fowle, with a brace
of pheasants. I did not know before that Henry had written to him a few
days ago to ask for them. We shall live upon pheasants,--no bad life!
I send you five one-pound notes, for fear you should be distressed for
little money. Lizzy's work is charmingly done; shall you put it to your
chintz? A sheet came in this moment; 1st and 3rd vols. are now at 144;
2nd at 48. I am sure you will like particulars. We are not to have the
trouble of returning the sheets to Mr. Murray any longer; the printer's
boys bring and carry.
I hope Mary continues to get well fast, and 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, and Miss Benn
besides.
Yours very affectionately,
J. AUSTEN.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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