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letters from 1804
2nd July, 1804
Dearest Sister,`
I do most sincerely hope that your stay with Mrs. S------ and her husband continues as pleasant and as beneficial as it has been, that the weather remains enjoyable and the society amiable, and your accomplishments still increase.
There has been no small excitement at home, of late. Yestereve, I permitted Mr. S---- to attend me at the theater (on the strict understanding that it was not to be taken as encouragement of his suit). The performance was most excellent, although the show I had seen previously. There was a most terrifying and cleverly construed werewolf at the finish which caused some of the sillier girls to play at fainting!
The greatest excitement occurred after the performance. I had sent my escort on his way and was riding home when one of the carriage horses stumbled and began to limp. The coachman insisted that we must not drive any farther, so there we were, the coachman, the carriage, the horses, and I, stopped in the road in the middle of London! You cannot possibly imagine how stupid I felt. I must have looked quite the picture of feminine helplessness, for quite a number of gentlemen insisted upon stopping to enquire after my condition and welfare. It was all quite flattering, once I had overlooked the mortification of being stopped in such a manner, and I was able to send a message to Mother to come with help, and she arrived soon thereafter by the old coach, leading the way for a groom who had brought spare horses, and so the entire procession returned home without further incident. -->
After such a perilous adventure, I was, of course, most overcome with nervous exhaustion, and retired early full of worry for the horses and the journey which we had planned for the morrow -- you recall, the visit at our Uncle's country house.
Fortunately, we were able to depart this afternoon regardless -- Mr. F------- came by to check the horses, and he determined that they were in perfect condition. He considered that perhaps it was merely having a bad day. Therefore we were able to depart somewhat late in the afternoon.
The weather has been excellent for travel, and we made a good distance today, although at times the roads were rather more rough than I had expected. We were making very little headway, and we passed an overturned carriage!
I had occupied the time -- and I hope improved my accomplishment in elocution -- by reading aloud to Mother from Miss Austen's most recent offering, and I believe we were both entertained.
We are resting for tonight in a most pleasant little inn, and hope still to arrive at the house by mid-day tomorrow, and remain until Mr. & Mrs. L----'s ball. Mother is considering, before we return home, making a diversion to visit Mr. & Mrs. M---- and their son, if our cousin is feeling well enough (although we are not to mention it to her until we are certain, for the sake of her constitution.)
I hope to continue writing whenever the opportunity presents. May you continue well & happy.
Love, etc. Your affectionate
sister,
Sara C-----
Dearest Sister,`
I do most sincerely hope that your stay with Mrs. S------ and her husband continues as pleasant and as beneficial as it has been, that the weather remains enjoyable and the society amiable, and your accomplishments still increase.
There has been no small excitement at home, of late. Yestereve, I permitted Mr. S---- to attend me at the theater (on the strict understanding that it was not to be taken as encouragement of his suit). The performance was most excellent, although the show I had seen previously. There was a most terrifying and cleverly construed werewolf at the finish which caused some of the sillier girls to play at fainting!
The greatest excitement occurred after the performance. I had sent my escort on his way and was riding home when one of the carriage horses stumbled and began to limp. The coachman insisted that we must not drive any farther, so there we were, the coachman, the carriage, the horses, and I, stopped in the road in the middle of London! You cannot possibly imagine how stupid I felt. I must have looked quite the picture of feminine helplessness, for quite a number of gentlemen insisted upon stopping to enquire after my condition and welfare. It was all quite flattering, once I had overlooked the mortification of being stopped in such a manner, and I was able to send a message to Mother to come with help, and she arrived soon thereafter by the old coach, leading the way for a groom who had brought spare horses, and so the entire procession returned home without further incident. -->
After such a perilous adventure, I was, of course, most overcome with nervous exhaustion, and retired early full of worry for the horses and the journey which we had planned for the morrow -- you recall, the visit at our Uncle's country house.
Fortunately, we were able to depart this afternoon regardless -- Mr. F------- came by to check the horses, and he determined that they were in perfect condition. He considered that perhaps it was merely having a bad day. Therefore we were able to depart somewhat late in the afternoon.
The weather has been excellent for travel, and we made a good distance today, although at times the roads were rather more rough than I had expected. We were making very little headway, and we passed an overturned carriage!
I had occupied the time -- and I hope improved my accomplishment in elocution -- by reading aloud to Mother from Miss Austen's most recent offering, and I believe we were both entertained.
We are resting for tonight in a most pleasant little inn, and hope still to arrive at the house by mid-day tomorrow, and remain until Mr. & Mrs. L----'s ball. Mother is considering, before we return home, making a diversion to visit Mr. & Mrs. M---- and their son, if our cousin is feeling well enough (although we are not to mention it to her until we are certain, for the sake of her constitution.)
I hope to continue writing whenever the opportunity presents. May you continue well & happy.
Love, etc. Your affectionate
sister,
Sara C-----