To Cassandra, from the Bull and George, Dartford, "Our route to-morrow is not determined. We have none of us much inclination for London, and if Mr Nottley will give us leave, I think we shall go to Staines through Croydon and Kingston, which will be much pleasanter than any other way; but he is decidedly for Clapham and Battersea. God bless you all!
"Yours affectionately, J. A.
"I flatter myself that itty Dordy will not forget me at least under a week. Kiss him for me.
"Miss Austen,
"Godmersham Park,
"Faversham." - Jane Austen, Wednesday 24 October 1798
Edward and Elizabeth's fifth child, William, was born on 10 October 1798, so I think this would have been the occasion for this trip and the reason Cassandra stayed behind to help.
Their children to this point were Frances-Catherine (Fanny) born 23 January 1793; so she would have been five years old. Edward, who was born 10 May 1794 and would have been four years old. George-Thomas, born 22 November 1795, and would have been almost three. Their fourth child was Henry, born on 27 May 1797 and would have been a year and five months.
Itty Dordy could have referred to any one of the boys or it could have been an attempt at a name for baby William by one of the other children. I don't know, but it is cute.
It is from Bumble Button's blog.
http://bumblebutton.blogspot.com/
Mr. Nottley must have been giving the Austen's his advise on the best way to return home. Being the landlord of the Bull and George, he was probably an amiable sort of man who liked to talk. Reverend Austen also seemed like an amiable person (I always think of Mr. Bennett when I think of him) and it sounds like they might have had quite a conversation.
So, we finished Letter number nine today. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you had a good day today!
Terrie
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.