Letter #5, Post #2

Wednesday 25 January 2012
To Cassandra, from Rowling, "We were at a Ball on Saturday I assure you. We dined at Goodnestone & in the evening danced two Country Dances & the Boulangeries.- I opened the ball with Edward Bridges; the other couples, were Lewis Cage and Harriot, Frank and Louisa, Fanny & George. Eliz:th 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 in so doubtful a manner that if I did not tell you to the contrary, You might imagine it was Lady Bridges who made Henry dance with her, at the same time that she was playing-which if not impossible must appear a very improbable Event to you.-But it was Eliz: who danced--. [p.2] We supped there, & walked home at night under the shade of two Umbrellas.-" - Jane  Austen, Monday 5 September 1796

                                          Goodnestone Park House. That is me waving from the open window. I can wish, can't I?

How could I resist? Becoming Jane at the ball!

The Bridges, baronets of Goodnestone Park. These Bridges were Edward Austen Knight's in-laws.

The partners of the first dance were:
Jane Austen and Edward Bridges ( born 1779), Lewis Cage, Fanny Bridges Cage's husband. They married in 1791. Frank Austen and Louisa Bridges (born 1777). Fanny Bridges Cage (born 1771) and George Bridges (born 1784).

Also mentioned are Elizabeth Bridges Austen, Edward Austen Knight's wife, Lady Bridges: Fanny Fowler Bridges who was married to Sir Brook Bridges, 3rd Baronet. Sir Brook had passed away in 1791, but Lady Bridges was still at Goodnestone Park. And Miss Finch, probably Mary Finch of Eastwell Park near Ashford, Kent. She is mentioned in the next sentence or two.

The dance, the Boulangeries, or La Boulangere a des ecus, "a mildly improper French popular song", which means The Baker's Wife Has Plenty of Money. The question is, why does the baker's wife have plenty of money?

This is a French group preforming the Boulangere. I love the red hat!

And then they supped and walked home at night under the shade of two umbrellas!!

What a way to spend an evening!

I hope you had a great day!
Terrie