30 April 1811 – Tuesday – from Sloane Street, London

My dear Cassandra

I had sent off my Letter yesterday before Yours came, which I was sorry for; but as Eliza has been so good as to get me a frank, your questions shall be answered without much further expense to you.– The best direction to Henry at Oxford will be, The Blue Boar, Cornmarket.– I do not mean to provide another trimming for my Pelisse, for I am determined to spend no more money, so I shall wear it as it is, longer than I ought, & then — I do not know.– My head dress was a Bugle band like the border to my gown, & a flower of Mrs Tilson’s.– I depended upon hearing something of the Eveng from Mr W.K. & am very well satisfied with his notice of me.  “A pleasing looking young woman”;– that must do;– one cannot pretend to anything better now– thankful to have it continued a few years longer!– It gives me sincere pleasure to hear of Mrs Knight’s having had a tolerable night at last– but upon this occasion I wish she had another name, for the two Nights jingle very much.– We have tried to get Self-controul, but in vain.– I should like to know what her Estimate is– but am always half afraid of finding a clever novel too clever— & of finding my own story & my own people all forestalled.

Eliza has just recd a few lines from Henry to assure her of the good conduct of his Mare.  He slept at Uxbridge on Sunday, & wrote from Wheatfield.– We were not claimed by Hans place yesterday, but are to dine there today.– Mr Tilson called in the eveng— but otherwise we were quite alone all day, & after having been out a good deal, the change was very pleasant.– I like your opinion of Miss Allen much better than I expected, & have now hopes of her staying a whole twelvemonth.– By this time I suppose she is hard at it, governing away–poor creature!  I pity her, tho’ they are my neices.  Oh! yes, I remember Miss Emma Plumbtree’s Local consequence perfectly.– “I am in a Dilemma, for want of an Emma,” “Escaped from the Lips, Of Henry Gipps.”–

But really, I was never much more put to it, than in contriving an answer to Fanny’s former message.  What is there to be said on the subject?– Pery Pell– or pare pey? or po.–or at the most, Pi pope pey pike pit. — I congratulate Edward on the Weald of Kent Canal-Bill being put off till another Session, as I have just had the pleasure of reading.  There is always something to be hoped from Delay.–

“Between Session & Session”
“The first Prepossession”
“May rouse up the Nation”
“And the Villainous Bill”
“May be forced to lie Still”
“Against Wicked Men’s will.”

There is poetry for Edward & for his Daughter.   I am afraid I shall not have any for you.– I forgot to tell you in my last, that our cousin Miss Payne called in on Saturday & was persuaded to stay dinner.– She told us a great deal about her friend Lady Cath. Brecknell, who is most happily married– & Mr Brecknell is very religious, & has got black Whiskers.– I am glad to think that Edwd has a tolerable day for his drive to Goodnestone, & very glad to hear of his kind promise of bringing you to Town.  I hope everything will arrange itself favourably.  The 16th is now to be Mrs Dundas’s day.– I mean, if I can, to wait for your return, before I have my new Gown made up–from a notion of their making up to more advantage together– & as I find the Muslin is not so wide as it used to be, some contrivance may be necessary.– I expect the Skirt to require one half breadth cut in gores, besides two whole Breadths.–

Eliza has not yet quite resolved on inviting Anna– but I think she will.– Yours very affecly  Jane.