Part I: A Match Well Made

Posted on Saturday, 01-Aug-98

From Mr. Knightley To Mrs. Weston

runswick Square,
September 23

My dear Mrs. Weston,

I do hope that I am the first to address you as such, for if I am correct, this letter of congratulations will reach you on the day that you will become Mrs. Weston. How happy this must make you. I have to apologise again and again for not being there on such a glorious day, but I have made my reasons known.

I have always thought there was a chance that you and Mr. Weston might find each other, and, it has to be said, much earlier than a certain lady we all know. I quite excel in foretelling matches. Did you know I made the match between John and Isabella when he was ten and she was but seven years old. I remember her complaining one day, two weeks after Emma was born, that "That irritating John Knightley always pulled her braids". Then I knew, but you must not tell Emma, for I am sure she will be very cross with me. Please convey my best wishes to your husband. I will pay my wedding-visit to you very soon, and until then Madam, I hope to remain,

Your sincere friend and well-wisher,

George Knightley

From Frank Churchill To Mrs. Weston

Weymouth,
September 28

My dear Madam,

I wish to refer myself to you not as somebody you have not met in your entire life, but as an old acquaintance, for I feel I know you already, so much I have heard from you. I am sure you will make my father very happy, and I will come down to make sure all is well very soon. You must write to me and tell me when I will be welcome. I long to be acquainted with you, since I have heard so many good things about you. I hope I may contrive to stay at Randalls a fortnight before the end of the year, but it must be all conjecture, for my aunt is not well, and cannot bear to be without me. She and my uncle wish you and my father all the best in the world, even thought they were not able to attend your wedding.

I am, dear Madam, &etc,

F.C. Weston Churchill

Part II : Miss Harriet Smith

Posted on Friday, 07-Aug-98

From Mrs. Goddard To Miss Woodhouse

Highbury,
October 1

My dear Miss Woodhouse,

I am very much obliged for your kind invitation, and I am very honoured to accept it, but, if you do not consider it as asking too much, I would like to bring Miss Harriet Smith with me, if you permit me. She is a parlour-boarder at my school, and a very sweet-mannered and kind girl. I am sure she will be a welcome addition to your father's evening party.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Goddard

From Miss Harriet Smith To Miss Elizabeth Martin

Highbury,
October 2

You will not believe me, my dear Elizabeth, when I tell you what has happened to me now. I have been with Mrs. Goddard to Hartfield, actually Hartfield! Mrs. Goddard had written to Miss Emma Woodhouse to ask if it were all right if I came with her. Oh, I thought I should have fainted! But Miss Woodhouse was very kind to me, I could not have believed it to be true. I sat next to her at dinner, and opposite Mr. Knightley of Donwell Abbey. Oh, I do believe you known him, yes, that must be, for he is your brother's landlord. When we retired to the drawing room Miss Woodhouse spoke to nobody but me, but of course, when the gentlemen came, her attention ceased, but when we parted, she even shook hands with me! Could you believe it ? Dear Elizabeth, please convey my regard to your mother and your brother.

HS

From Miss Harriet Smith To Miss Elizabeth Martin

Highbury,
October 14

My dear creature,

I was so very pleased with your letter I received this morning, that I could not rest until I had replied, even though I am expected at Hartfield almost this very moment. Miss Woodhouse has asked me to sit for a portrait! I had never thought that I, Harriet Smith, would ever pose for a portrait. It is to be very nice, done with water colours and all. I have met the vicar of Highbury, Mr. Elton, two weeks ago. He is so very kind, and he has generously offered to read Cowper to us while Miss Woodhouse is working. He reads so very good, which is only natural, since he is a clergyman. Oh Elizabeth, you could not believe how extremely kind Miss Woodhouse is to me. She has said that a room in the guest quarters is to be fit up especially for me! But now I must dash, I fear I am too late already.

HS

Part III : A Proposal of Marriage

From Mr. Robert Martin To Mr. Knightley

Abbey-Mill Farm,
October 16

My dear Sir,

I would not write to you if I had not something very important to ask of you, but this is a matter of quite some consequence. The matter is this : even though I am but twenty-four, I have already made plans to marry, and I wanted your advice, because the lady in question is in fact an acquaintance of yours, Miss Harriet Smith. With your permission, I could stop by at the Abbey this evening to make my wishes known and we could discuss them. I am, Sir, etc,

Robert Martin

From Mr. Robert Martin To Miss Harriet Smith

Abbey-Mill Farm,
October 17

My dear Madam,

I have the honour of returning to you some sheet-music that you had given to my sister, and I take this opportunity of confessing something I have been meaning to do for a very long time. Ever since you have left our house this summer, I have been thinking of no-one but you, and it did not take me very long to realise how deeply I am in love with you, and therefore, I hereby ask humbly for your hand in marriage.

I would not solicit you if I did not know that you had been very happy with us here last summer. My mother and sisters love you very dearly, as do I.

There is not much I can offer you but a comfortable house, a small fortune, and a loving family. To me the latter has always been the most valuable. I hope that some day you will feel the same way. I am anxiously awaiting your answer, Miss Smith, I trust you will be very prompt in replying.

Robert Martin

From Miss Harriet Smith To Mr. Robert Martin

Hartfield,
October 17

My dear Sir,

I must tell you how very startled I was by your letter, it comes all so very sudden. I have thought about it long and hard, and now I fear that I must return my answer unfavourably. I do not wish to enter into any engagement at present. I feel I am too young, and must require a touch of life before I settle. I trust you will understand my reasons, and I hope to be remembered as,

A sincere and affectionate friend,

Harriet Smith

From Miss Elizabeth Martin To Miss Annabel Browning

Abbey-Mill Farm,
October 20,

My dear Annabel,

I hope you remember that I told you about Robert's marriage plans in my last letter, well, you are not going to believe what has happened. He wrote to Harriet, asking for her hand in marriage, and, you will not believe this, she refused him! Sweet, naive, disinterested Harriet turned down my brother without any scruple at all. You should have read her letter, it was very short, and so impersonal. When Robert came home three days ago after having read her letter, he would not speak to a single being about it, and he was always of a very taciturn disposition, so we left it at that. He was out all day, inspecting the fields, and they said he had such a grim expression on his face, and he gave old John such a fright by swearing at him! I really believe he was very attached to her, but he is young, and I dare say he will get over her. As for Miss Smith ( I am resolved on calling her Miss Smith from now on), I am done with her. After the encouragement Robert received last summer, I could not expect such a thing from her. You know how much we all loved her, and Anne and I were already looking forward to calling her sister. Dear Annabel, I knew we should have invited you instead of her this summer.

Your friend, Elizabeth Martin

Part IV: The Knightleys at Hartfield

Posted on Sunday, 09-Aug-98

From Mr. Knightley To Mr. Woodhouse

Donwell Abbey,
October 20

My dear Sir,

I fear that, due to certain circumstances, I have to cancel my dinner-engagement with you for the day after tomorrow.

A certain event has occurred, an event most unwelcome, most disagreeable. But I will not pain you by giving further details, though, if you must know the truth, you may ask your youngest daughter.

I am, my dear Sir,

George Knightley

From Mrs. Isabella Knightley To Miss Woodhouse

Brunswick Square,
December 15

It has been so long since I last saw you, my dear sister, that if it were not for your portrait in my drawing-room, I believe I would scarce recognize you. Oh, how I do look forward to our visit at Hartfield, and I know that John is looking forward to it also, even though he does not speak it. Oh, and I have such a terrible headache, maybe I had better consult Mr. Wingfield about it, but I do not want to be a nuisance. And the children have been so tiresome all day, John and Henry were playing such noisy games, and George was teasing Isabella. There was no stopping them, so I let the nursery maids handle it.

My dear, that reminds me, there was such a lovely little story I had to tell you about our little Emma. One night she had a sore throat and she was very feverish, and of course I was so very concerned about her. Mr. Wingfield had seen her and said that she required only good care and love, so I left it at that, and one day during her nap, she started crying and then she suddenly became very quiet, and I went up to see, and there was our George, standing by her cradle, talking to her and letting her music box play, the one with the little flowergirl in it, and was stroking her head. He is so sweet to her, he gave her his old teddy bear. I wish you could see my little Emma, she is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen. Well, until next week, my dear sister.

Your loving sister,

Isabella Knightley

From Mr. John Knightley To Mr. Knightley

Brunswick Square,
December 19

My dear George,

One short letter (as, you well know, my letters always are) I feel I must write before I set off with my family for Hartfield. It was most unfortunate that we cannot stay at Donwell Abbey this winter, but my business demands that I am in town again before the New Year, and it did appear more than natural that we should be spending the holiday at Hartfield.

I shall not trouble you with stories about Isabella and the children, if you wish to know more, refer yourself to Emma, she will know all from long letters from Isabella.

John Knightley

From Miss Woodhouse To Mr. Knightley

Hartfield,
December 20

My dear Sir,

I have the pleasure of inviting you to dine with us on the day after tomorrow, and I hope, that in spite of our late disagreement, this invitation will not fail to be acceptable to you. I am certain that you would wish to see John and Isabella again, and our niece, little Emma, who is making her first appearance at Hartfield. I know that my dear father would like to see you, he says it has been a while, and I confess, that I should not object to it as well, Mr. Knightley, for it will help in the restoration of our friendship. However, do not imagine that I have any intention of yielding. We both believe we are right, and that will be the end of it. There is no more we can say about it, and I hope you will agree with me that there is no use in bringing up such painful memories as these.

Emma Woodhouse

Part V: The Weston's Christmas Eve Party

Posted on Saturday, 15-Aug-98

From Mr And Mrs Weston To Mr And Miss Woodhouse

Randalls,
December 20

My dear Sir,

My wife and I would like to invite you and your family to dine with us at Randalls on the 24th of december, and even though I know you hardly ever dine out, this time I will not take "no" for an answer, since it is a special occasion with the John Knightleys at Hartfield for the holiday. Also invited are Mr. Knightley, Miss Smith and Mr. Elton. It will not be a large party, which we know you do not like, so we hope our endeavours will be rewarded with your presence on Saturday.

James Weston

From The Reverend Philip Elton To Mr Woodhouse

Highbury Vicarage,

December 26

I write to you, my dear Sir, to inform you that I will not be able to fulfill my promise of dining with you on New Year's Day, as I will be leaving Highbury to spend some weeks with friends in Bath. I much regret the impossibility I am under, for various circumstances of weather, of taking personal leave of you, of whose friendly civilities I will ever retain a grateful sense, and, Sir, if you have any commands, I will be happy to attend to them. I am, Sir, your most humble and obedient servant,

Philip Elton

From Miss Woodhouse To Miss Harriet Smith

Hartfield,
December 28

My dear Harriet,

I was so relieved to hear that you are feeling better today, but unfortunately I will not be able to visit you for any time soon. My father was already very cross at Mr Knightley for risking his life in coming to see us today, so you may well imagine what he would say if I were to venture out in such perilous weather. However, he made no objection to James going out to Highbury, so that I could send you this little note. Do write me a letter, for I am anxious to know how you are doing. I dare say you will not be half as lonely as I am, confined at Hartfield. I hope you have ample opportunity for conversation, and until we meet again, my dearest friend, I hope to remain, &c.

Your dearest friend,
Emma Woodhouse

From Miss Harriet Smith To Miss Woodhouse

Highbury,
December 29

My dear Miss Woodhouse,

I thank you again and again for the kind letter I received yesterday. Surely it was too great an exertion for your father's manservant to go out to deliver your letter. I am pleased to say that I am doing much better, my hoarseness has dissapeared and Mrs Goddard has stopped feeding me her broth, that is one relief. Oh, but I was so very sad indeed that I had to miss the Weston's Christmas Eve Party ! Did you have a good time ? I dare say you had. My Christmas evening was very dull indeed, dinner with Mrs Goddard and the teachers, and I was always thinking about you all so very merry at Randalls, and I could not help being very envious. Have you heard anything about Mr. Elton ? Did he say something about me to you ? Oh, I dare say I will know everything in time. If only the snow would melt, then I could walk up to Hartfield again.

HS

Part VI: Jane Fairfax Arrives

Posted on Wednesday, 19-Aug-98

Mr Frank Churchill To Mr. And Mrs. Weston

Enscombe,
January 3

I am most exceedingly sorry, my dear Sir, to inform you that I will not be able to come to meet you and your lovely wife, as I had promised. It is to my very great mortification and regret, but I still look forward with the hope of coming to Randalls at no distant period. My aunt feels she cannot spare me, and though she has often used this particular phrase before, it must be attended to. I hope you will feel as I do, that my coming two or three months later, would be more convenient, for then I could no doubt stay considerably longer, and of course the weather would be much better, and then I might observe the countryside of Surrey in all its glory.

I am, Sir, &c,

F. C. Weston Churchill

From The Reverend Philip Elton To Mr. Cole

Bath,
January 10

I would have written you earlier, my good friend, if I had not been so very busy. Bath is such a merry place this time of year, with all the fashionable people here for the Season. I have already been to the theatre, the Upper Rooms, the Lower Rooms, and the Pump Room. Last night there was a dinner party at Mr. Green's, and I met the most charming lady I have ever beheld. Her name is Miss Augusta Hawkins, and she lives in White Hart, near Bristol. Her sister is married to Mr. John Suckling, of Maple Grove. I dare say you have heard of them, for it has been said that they are very rich indeed.

I will meet this lovely lady again on Wednesday, when there is an evening of tea and cards at Mrs. Brown and I have heard it on good authority that she will be there as well. So, on Thursday I will write to you again.

Philip Elton

From Miss Jane Fairfax To Mrs. And Miss Bates

London,
January

My dear aunt,

I know it is not my usual day for writing, but I have such good news that I am eager to acquaint you with, so I could not wait until Tuesday. I am pleased to say that I will be able to visit you and my grandmother again, after a very long absence of two years. The Campbells have promised to visit Mr. and Mrs. Dixon at his country seat, Balycraig, in Ireland, and I thought this would be the proper time to visit to pay you a visit of two months, maybe even longer, for it is possible that the Campbells should exceed their stay in Ireland.

I was very pleased to hear in your last letter how well you and my grandmother were doing, and that you had a good time at Mr. Woodhouse's on New Year's Day. I hope you did not catch cold returning home, and that you look after yourself well, since it is so cold lately. Mrs. Dixon wrote to say that I should wish you and grandmama all the best in the world, and to ask if grandmother appreciated the shawl we picked out for her. I am sure it will be needed in such cold days as these.

And now nothing remains but to inform you that I will be arriving next week on Wednesday, with Colonel Campbells chaise-and-four. I hope to arrive at the Crown Inn approximately one hour before dinnertime.

Your loving niece,
Jane Fairfax

Part VII: Miss Augusta Hawkins

Posted on Monday, 24-Aug-98

From The Reverend Philip Elton To Mr. Cole

White Hart,
February

I have time only for a short letter this time, my good friend, but it is, perhaps, one of the happiest I have ever written in my entire life. I write to inform you that I have been so fortunate as to capture the fancy of the loveliest and sweetest lady that ever was, Miss Augusta Hawkins. I proposed to her yesterday and was successful in my address. The lady has been so easily impressed, so sweetly disposed towards me, and was, in short, to use a most intelligible phrase, most ready to have me, and has made me the happiest man in the world. I am sure you will be happy for me when I tell you that I have, contrary to what some people had hoped me to do, not thrown myself away, for I have not told you before that my fiancée has a fortune of ten thousand pounds. I have no objection, my dear friend, to your spreading the news around in Highbury, and the houses nearby, such as Hartfield and Donwell Abbey. It will appear in the papers soon enough as it is.

Your friend, Philip Elton.

From Miss Elizabeth Martin To Miss Harriet Smith

My dear Miss Smith,

I stopped by at Mrs. Goddard's just now to call upon you, but you were not in, so she asked me to prepare this note to you. After meeting you at Ford's a few days ago, I feel that it must be right to renew the acquaintance, if you wish it. Let us speak no more of the reason our acquaintance broke so abrupt a few months ago. I am sure you will agree with me. I invite you to call on us one day, if you have the time.

Elizabeth Martin

From Miss Elizabeth Martin To Miss Annabel Browning

My dear Annabel,

I have so much to acquaint you with, I hardly know where to start. Robert is in such a flutter of spirits, he has not been himself ever since we met with Miss Smith again at Ford's. Yes, we did, one week ago, when Robert and I went to Ford's on business, and it was raining we met her in the entrance. I noticed her first, but refrained from addressing her until Robert had noticed her. He urged me to go and speak to her, oh why did he do such a thing ? Surely he must know that I have not the slightest wish of renewing the acquaintance ! She has hurt my brother deeply, and I will never, ever see her again. I knew that once I spoke to her, the acquaintance must continue. So after Robert persuaded me, I approached her and told her that I was very sorry that we were not able to meet anymore. I know, Annabel, that you would scold me mercilessly for being so insincere, but I had no option ! Miss Smith seemed to feel the awkwardness of our situation even more keenly than me. She seemed ready to faint away. After a few moments she said she thought it had stopped raining, which of course was not true, and left in a hurry. I turned my back on the door to inspect some ribbons, only to find that not even seconds later Robert was running after her. They stood in front of the window, I could see them very well, and he was holding the umbrella out for her. He came back very quickly, and could only answer to my questions that he was anxious for her well-being and had informed her that she should find the nearway quite flooded, and had better go by Mr. Cole's stables.

I have gone by Mrs. Goddard's and left her a note inviting her to visit us any time she wants. I am not sure yet if she will accept.

Elizabeth Martin

From Mr. Frank Churchill To Mr. And Mrs. Weston

Oxford,
February 15

I write but a short letter, my dear Sir, to inform you that I am now at Oxford, and I will be traveling to Surrey tomorrow, and if all goes well, hope to meet you at Randalls tomorrow by dinnertime. I apologise for only notifying you at such a short notice, but I felt that as soon as I had my aunt's approval, I had to seize the opportunity and accordingly set of for Surrey. Until tomorrow, then.

F. C. Weston Churchill

Part VIII: The Piano Forté

Posted on Friday, 28-Aug-98

Author's Note: I would like to dedicate this chapter to Rachel, Alice, Nicole, Lisa Michelle and everybody else who couldn't wait to get their nose in the secret correspondence between Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill. I hope you will enjoy this chapter as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

From Mr. Frank Churchill To Miss Jane Fairfax

Randalls, February 17

Well, my dear Jane, here I am, at Highbury at last, and very surprised to find it so entertaining. It affords pleasant society, beautiful scenery, and of course, you. I have met so many people in the last two days, and very agreeable individuals they were. I have met this formidable creature, this Miss Woodhouse, and found her all you described : extremely well pleased with herself, spoilt and irrepressibly witty. I like her excessively.

No, seriously. She did seem like a very lovely young lady, and I dare say we will get along charmingly. Then there was another person I met, he came to meet my father yesterday. A Mr. Knightley, I dare say you have met him. He did not like me at all. I do not know why, but he had this dark look of disapproval in his eyes when he spoke to me. Do you know what his problem is?

And then I saw you. How good it was to see you again, after all those months. I think I will never be able to describe to you how I felt when I first saw you, I was almost ready to burst with joy. How fortunate that such a chance of meeting you should occur. It seems but too sad that I shall be staying here only a fortnight. I hope that during the following two weeks, I can contrive many a reason to see you again.

Unwaveringly yours,
Frank Churchill

From Mr. Frank Churchill To Mr. Broadwood

London, February 18

My dear Sir,

I stopped by at your establishment just now, in search for a suitable instrument, but you were not in at the moment, so I could not solicit your advice. I was looking for a piano forté for a lady, not a grand one, but if possible a cabinet piano forté. I was rather interested in that elegant little instrument in shining oak standing near the window, worth some hundred and twenty pounds. I enclose the money for the instrument, and the money to have it send to :

Miss Jane Fairfax
Attenborough House
Highbury, near London
Surrey

If you would be so good as to include some sheet music, for the lady has none. I have no particular requests, only Robin Adair, and some Irish tunes. And pray would you be so kind as not to mention who has sent it.

Thank you,
F.C. Weston Churchill

From Miss Jane Fairfax To Mr. Frank Churchill

Highbury, February 20

My dear Sir,

I know there can be no doubt that the instrument I received this morning came from nobody but you. I feel I cannot thank you enough, but be assured that had I know what you were planning, I would not have let you go through with it. Generous as it might have been, you have made the whole town talk about it, and have placed me in a very difficult situation. I know it was nothing else but a token of your affection, but that I do not need. I am very assured of your love for me, so why would you do this ? As for my wanting an instrument, you are very mistaken. Practice I do not lack, entertainment I do not need . I am perfectly content, I assure you.

I was very pleased to hear how much you like Highbury, and to notice how well you get along with your mother-in-law, she is a very worthy woman, and she deserves all the happiness in the world. I only wish you could have been here sooner to pay those civilities you must know are due to her. I am certain she must feel your neglect most acutely.

Oh Frank, if only you knew how much I long for those days we can be together without having to act a part. If I did not remember that those days will come, I would not be able to continue to lead a life of such deceit. I cannot even be truthful to my dear aunt. I love her dearly but at times she forgets what is to be said and what is not. Our secret correspondence and brief encounters are all I have at this moment. Do write to me soon, I long to hear more of you.

Yours, as always,
Jane Fairfax

Part IX: Dinner at the Coles

Posted on Friday, 04-Sep-98

From Miss Elizabeth Martin To Miss Annabel Browning

Abbey-Mill Farm,
February 25

My dear friend,

After an entire fortnight of anxious awaiting, we finally received our visit from Miss Smith, and a very short visit it was too. After she had spent six weeks with us in the summer, all that she could spare for us now were fifteen minutes of her precious time. Dearest Annabel, I know I sound resentful but I must think of our Robert, who is so unhappy. How fortunate that he was out at the time ! He had noticed the carriage that had stopped in front of the house, but had wisely resolved to stay away.

The carriage drove away immediately and at first Anne and I could not but wonder whose carriage it might be, for we did not recognise the livery. It returned very punctual after a quarter of an hour, and I accompanied Miss Smith to the door, and noticed a slender hand pushing away the curtains, and caught the reflection of the sun on golden hair.

Then I knew whose carriage it must have been, from Miss Woodhouse's of course, Harriet's new friend I told you about. A suspicion started into my head, and I have been thinking about it for quite some time, and now I feel that I must attribute some of Miss Smith's coldness to the fact that she had this new acquaintance. If she had such a high and powerful friend, why would she continue paying civilities to us? I know not if Miss Woodhouse had anything to with Robert's rejection, and because I do not know her, would it be fair to suppose that she had ? But I am resolved on thinking about it no more. Robert has had his disappointment and must learn to go on.

And now how are you doing, my dear Annabel ? Have you heard about your elusive Mr. Renton yet ? I think it the strangest business in the world that he still has not spoken, even though he seems head over heels in love with you. Do write to me soon and tell me how you are doing. I do so hope I will address my next letter to the right honourable Mrs. Renton.

Your curious little friend,
Elizabeth Martin

From Mr. And Mrs. Cole To Miss Woodhouse

My dear Madam,

My wife and I would like to ask the company of you and your father at dinner on Friday. We would have solicited the hour earlier, but we have been awaiting the arrival of a folding-screen from London, which we hope might keep your father from any draught of air, and therefore induce him the more readily to give us the honour of his company.

Mr. and Mrs. Cole

From Mr. Churchill To Mr. Frank Churchill

Enscombe,
March 1

My dear Frank,

I write this short letter in your aunt's name to beg your immediate return. Yes, you must have guessed it : your aunt is unwell, far too unwell to do without you. She has been in a very suffering state when she wrote to you two days ago, though from her usual unwillingness to give pain, and constant habit of never thinking of herself, she has not mentioned it, but now she is too ill to trifle, and I must entreat you to set off for Enscombe without delay.

E.F. Churchill

From Mrs. Weston To Miss Woodhouse

Randalls,
March 2

My dear Emma,

I am so sorry to say that I have bad news for you, but it must be done. Frank has received a letter a letter from his uncle this morning, urging his immediate return. He resolved on leaving instantly, and has sent for a chaise. He must be gone within a few hours, though without feeling any real alarm for his aunt, to lessen his repugnance. He knows her illnesses, they never occur but for her own convenience.

I will sent him to Hartfield immediately, but first he wanted to go into Highbury to take leave of the few friends there whom he can suppose to feel an interest in him.. His father and I are both so very sorry, but it simply must be so. And our poor ball must be given up. I hope he will still be able to return to Randalls again this spring.

A.W.

Part X: Letters to Maple Grove

Posted on Friday, 11-Sep-98

From Mrs. Elton To Mrs. Selina Suckling

Highbury Vicarage,
March 10

My dearest Selina,

I take up my pen to acquaint you with my first impressions of Highbury, though I confess I hardly have time to write, for my housekeeper takes up all my time. The poor woman cannot do without me, and we have hardly known each other for three days. I am pleased to say that the vicarage seems better than we had expected. Seen from the street indeed, it does look very ugly, but it has the sweetest garden and a pretty parlour. A few improvements should do the trick.

And Highbury itself is very much beyond what one could have believed. When I heard it was a country village, I expected a few inferior cottages huddled up against an old grey church, but I was very much mistakes. The village is so large it could almost be called a town, and it is so pretty and picturesque I simply want to wrap it up and put it in my pocket. You will have my sketches soon enough, even though my crayons are sadly neglected. I cannot contrive to do any work at all.

The society in this place seems very much the thing for me, a very inferior crowd in need of cultivation by a sophisticated lady from the town. I dare say I will not be able to find a companion worth even half my dear Mrs. Suckling or my dear Mrs. Bragge, or with the same resources. Though I met a creature I might take into consideration as a future companion. A very charming creature, very rich and beautiful. Her name is Miss Emma Woodhouse, and though I have met her only once, she did seem very well pleased with me. We had only five minutes of conversation, and Mr. Elton was present at the time, but I had the time to make a few suggestion, and we have settled it that we are to form a musical club and she will stay with Mrs. Partridge in Bath next winter, or maybe in the spring.

As for Mr. Elton and me, we get along charmingly, and are doing our best to become better acquainted. I have adopted the phrase cara sposo, as used by Lady Honoria Pemberton in Miss Burney's Camilla, or was it Cecilia ? Faith, I confess I hardly know, Camilla, Clarissa or Cecilia, they are all alike. We have both been very busy these last days, running about the place to meet new people, for everybody is of course very desirous to see me.

We met a couple living on the other side of Highbury, the Westons. They have the prettiest little estate you could imagine. Quite like Maple Grove, I assure you. He is already a favourite with me, for though he is quite old, he flirted with me all the time, and she seems but too good a creature, very elegant and obliging. Oh, and I have quite forget, somebody came in while we were calling there. Dearest Selina, do you remember the time we were fantasizing about our Gentleman Unknown, the knight on the white horse, who we would marry ? Yours was fair with blue eyes, mine was dark and mysterious. And I am pleased to say that I have met him at last. His name is George Knightley.

He is very tall and frightfully handsome, he has thick dark brown hair and eyes I could drown in. He seems about thirty-two or maybe even thirty-three years of age. A very attractive creature, though rather queer tempered I should say. He said the oddest thing when I met him, though at the time I cannot quite understand what it was, nor can I remember it. And then I did the most daring thing : instead of obeying etiquette and referring to him as Mr. Knightley, I called him Knightley instead ! Was not that simply divine of me ? And his reaction was the most charming thing I have ever beheld. He blushed, cast his eyes downwards and peeked at Mr. E to see if he had noticed. I dare say he did not want my caro sposo to be jealous. I fell in love on the spot. I see him again on Friday, for I have invited him to dine with us.

Dear me, I cannot believe what a letter I have written, my fingers hurt not even a little bit. Mrs. Wright has send up to ask about me yet again, and I believe I must go down to her. My dearest sister, do write to me soon and bring me tidings of everybody at Maple Grove. I remain, &c,

Your happy little sister,
Augusta Hawkins Elton

From Mrs. Selina Suckling To Mrs. Elton

Maple Grove,
March 15

My dearest sister,

I was pleased to hear how well you like Highbury, and loved your description of it. I am sorry to hear that the house was still very ugly, but you may never know, Mr. Elton might be able to receive a better living. I will be on the look out for you. It seems such a shame that the Maple Grove living is not vacant, and I do not believe that old Jones has any intention of dying anytime soon. We will be sure to ask your cara sposo whenever he does decides to kick the bucket.

Your Knightley sounds simply charming, I quite envy you for him. Not that I have any reason to complain about Mr. S, but it is my belief that there is nothing wrong with a charming flirt every once in a while. Mrs. Bragge sends you all her love, and has made me promise in her name that she should write to you as soon as possible. We agreed that Maple Grove seems quite desolate without you and your good-humoured laugh, and I cannot wait until you and your husband will be my guests here. But we might be able to meet sooner. Mr. S has promised that we will visit you some time this spring, and we will come in the barouche-landau, and then we could go exploring.

Oh, my dear sister, I quite forgot to tell you this interesting bit of news : Mr. Hugo Meadows, you remember him, the abominable puppy who sent you the impudent acrostic to your name, has called to inquire after you. Poor fellow, he did not know that you were married a week ago, and looked very silly when I informed him of the joyous event. He looked so out of spirit, indeed, that I started to think he was in love with you after all. But you need not care for him, for he is a good deal poorer than Mr. Elton and much uglier, and you are very well of as you are anyway. My dear sister, you may expect another letter from,

S.S.