Letter #12, Post #4

Sunday 12 August 2012
To Cassandra, from Steventon, "Amusing enough! Our family affairs are rather deranged at present, for Nanny has kept her bed these three or four days, with a pain in her side and fever, and we are forced to have two charwomen, which is not very comfortable. She is considerably better now, but it must still be some time, I suppose, before she is able to do anything. You and Edward will be amused, I think, when you know that Nanny Littlewart dresses my hair." - Jane Austen, Sunday 25 November 1798


Nanny, Mrs. Hilliard, the maidservant at Steventon rectory, should have felt safe in her employment, job security, as it took two charwomen (hired house cleaners) to fill her shoes.

We discussed Nanny Littlewart in letter #10, post #7. This was amusing because Nanny (Anne) Littlewart was either the cook or the dairymaid. She was also the woman who took care of the Austen babies after they were born, until they were able to walk and such.

I read somewhere that Reverend Austen made over six hundred pounds a year between the rectories, his farm, and teaching. That does not sound like very much, but they were able to have at least Mr. and Mrs. Hilliard, and, Mrs. Littlewart as their servants. It seems like these people worked for the Austen's more than that they lived with and were supported by the Austen's, such as the servants at large estates like Pemberley and Downton Abbey.

This is such a sweet painting, possibly, of a servant and a child. I actually bought a copy of it at an estate sale. It is The Pantry (The Cellar Room) by Pieter De Hooch, painted in 1658. This painting deals with illumination, the "light is pale gold by reflection and the composition is warmed with the sensation that though it may be comparatively dark in the cellar room, there is sunshine outside."

It is another extremely hot day here today, 106 degrees right now. In comparison, it is currently 62 degrees in Hampshire and 63 degrees in Kent! Of course it is ten o'clock at night there, but still...

I hope you enjoy your day today!

Terrie