Sunday 13 May 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "My dear itty Dordy's remembrance of me is very pleasing to me; foolishly pleasing, because I know it will be over so soon. My attachment to him will be more durable; I shall think with tenderness & delight on his beautiful & smiling Countenance & interesting Manners, till a few years have turned him into an ungovernable, ungracious fellow." - Jane Austen, Saturday 27-Sunday 28 October 1798
Itty Dordy must have been George-Thomas Austen Knight, esq., possibly a play on little Georgie? He was born at Rowling 22 November 1795 as Edward and Elizabeth's second son. He married Lady Hilaire Barlow Nelson Knight in 1837. Her second husband was Reverend William Nelson, 1st Earl, Lord Nelson's brother. George Knight was her third husband.
Lady Hilaire Barlow Nelson Knight died in Paris, France on 22 December 1857. George-Thomas Austen Knight, esq. died 25 August 1867 in Moorfields, Herefordshire.
George-Thomas was not quite three years old when she wrote this letter. It seems Jane Austen had a pretty good understanding of the stages of childhood. And, I must admit, we have all enjoyed the company of her children, Northanger, S & S, P & P, Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion.
Thank you Jane and Happy Mother's Day. Your children are greatly loved.
I hope you enjoy your day today!
Terrie
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