The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 2Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn
General
The Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 2
Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn
Brontë, Charlotte, 1816-1855; Novelists, English -- 19th century -- Biography
"By the bye, I meant to ask you when you went to Leeds, to do a small
errand for me, but fear your hands will be too full of business. It
was merely this: in case you chanced to be in any shop where the lace
cloaks, both black and white, of which I spoke, were sold, to ask their
price. I suppose they would hardly like to send a few to Haworth to be
looked at; indeed, if they cost very much, it would be useless, but
if they are reasonable and they would send them, I should like to see
them; and also some chemisettes of small size (the full woman's size
don't fit me), both of simple style for every day and good quality for
best.". . . ."It appears I could not rest satisfied when I was well off.
I told you I had taken one of the black lace mantles, but when I came to
try it with the black satin dress, with which I should chiefly want to
wear it, I found the effect was far from good; the beauty of the lace
was lost, and it looked somewhat brown and rusty; I wrote to Mr. ----,
requesting him to change it for a WHITE mantle of the same price; he
was extremely courteous, and sent to London for one, which I have got
this morning. The price is less, being but 1 pound 14s.; it is pretty,
neat and light, looks well on black; and upon reasoning the matter over,
I came to the philosophic conclusion, that it would be no shame for a
person of my means to wear a cheaper thing; so I think I shall take it,
and if you ever see it and call it 'trumpery' so much the worse."
"Do you know that I was in Leeds on the very same day with you--last
Wednesday? I had thought of telling you where I was going, and having
your help and company in buying a bonnet, etc., but then I reflected
this would merely be making a selfish use of you, so I determined to
manage or mismanage the matter alone. I went to Hurst and Hall's for the
bonnet, and got one which seemed grave and quiet there amongst all the
splendours; but now it looks infinitely too gay with its pink lining. I
saw some beautiful silks of pale sweet colours, but had not the spirit
nor the means to launch out at the rate of five shillings per yard, and
went and bought a black silk at three shillings after all. I rather
regret this, because papa says he would have lent me a sovereign if he
had known. I believe, if you had been there, you would have forced me
to get into debt. . . . I really can no more come to B---- before I go
to London than I can fly. I have quantities of sewing to do, as well as
household matters to arrange, before I leave, as they will clean, etc.,
in my absence. Besides, I am grievously afflicted with headache, which I
trust to change of air for relieving; but meantime, as it proceeds from
the stomach, it makes me very thin and grey; neither you nor anybody
else would fatten me up or put me into good condition for the visit; it
is fated otherwise. No matter. Calm your passion; yet I am glad to see
it. Such spirit seems to prove health. Good-bye, in haste.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account