15 October 1813 – Friday – continuation from previous day

Friday.– They came last night at about 7.  We had given them up, but I still expected them to come.  Dessert was nearly over;– a better time for arriving than an hour & 1/2 earlier.  They were late because they did not set out earlier & did not allow time enough.– Charles did not aim at more than reaching Sittingbourn by 3, which cd not have brought them here by dinner time.– They had a very rough passage, he wd not have ventured if he had known how bad it wd be.– However here they are safe & well, just like their own nice selves, Fanny looking as neat & white this morng as possible, & dear Charles all affectionate, placid, quiet, chearful good humour.  They are both looking very well, but poor little Cassy is grown extremely thin & looks poorly.– I hope a week’s Country air & exercise may do her good.  I am sorry to say it can be but a week.– The Baby does not appear so large in proportion as she was, nor quite so pretty, but I have seen very little of her.– Cassy was too tired & bewildered just at first to seem to know anybody.– We met them in the Hall, the Women & Girl part of us– but before we reached the Library she kissed me very affectionately– & has since seemed to recollect me in the same way.  It was quite an eveng of confusion as you may suppose– at first we were all walking about from one part of the House to the other– then came a fresh dinner in the Breakfast room for Charles & his wife, which Fanny & I attended– then we moved into the Library, were joined by the Dining room people, were introduced & so forth.– & then we had Tea & Coffee which was not over till past 10.–

Billiards again drew all the odd ones away, & Edwd Charles, the two Fannys & I sat snugly talking.  I shall be glad to have our numbers a little reduced, & by the time You receive this we shall be only a family, tho’ a large family party.  Mr Lushington goes tomorrow.–

Now I must speak of him— & I like him very much.  I am sure he is clever & a Man of Taste.  He got a vol. of Milton last night & spoke of it with Warmth.– He is quite an M.P.– very smiling, with an exceeding good address, & readiness of Language.– I am rather in love with him.– I dare say he is ambitious & Insincere.– He puts me in mind of Mr Dundas–.  He has a wide smiling mouth & very good teeth, & something of the same complexion & nose.– He is a much shorter Man, with Martha’s Leave.

Does Martha never hear from Mrs Craven?– Is Mrs Craven never at home?– We breakfasted in the Dining room today & are now all pretty well dispersed & quiet.– Charles & George are gone out shooting together, to Winnigates & Seaton Wood– I asked on purpose to tell Henry.  Mr Lushington & Edwd are gone some other way.– I wish Charles may kill something– but this high wind is against their Sport.–

Lady Williams is living at the Rose at Sittingbourn, they called upon her Yesterday; she cannot live at Sheerness & as soon as she gets to Sittingbourn is quite well.– In return for all your Matches, I announce that her Brother William is going to marry a Miss Austen of a Wiltshire Family, who say they are related to us.–

I talk to Cassy about Chawton; she remembers much but does not volunteer on the subject.– Poor little Love– I wish she were not so very Palmery — but it seems stronger than ever.– I never knew a Wife’s family-features have such undue influence.– Papa & Mama have not yet made up their mind as to parting with her or not– the cheif, indeed the only difficulty with Mama is a very reasonable one, the Child’s being very unwilling to leave them. When it was mentioned to her, she did not like the idea of it at all.– At the same time, she has been suffering so much lately from Sea-sickness, that her Mama cannot bear to have her much on board this winter.– Charles is less inclined to part with her.– I do not know how it will end, or what is to determine it.  He desires his best Love to you & she has not written because he has not been able to decide.– They are both very sensible of your Kindness on the occasion.–

I have made Charles furnish me with something to say about Young Kendall.– He is going on very well.  When he first joined the Namur, my Br did not find him forward enough to be what they call put in the Office, & therefore placed him under the Schoolmaster, but he is very much improved, & goes into the Office now every afternoon– still attending School in the morng.  This Cold weather comes very fortunately for Edward’s nerves with such a House full, it suits him exactly, he is all alive & chearful.  Poor James, on the contrary, must be running his Toes into the fire.  I find that Mary Jane Fowle was very near returning with her Br & paying them a visit on board — I forget exactly what hindered her — I beleive their Cheltenham Scheme — I am glad something did.– They are to go to Cheltenham on Monday se’night. I don’t vouch for their going you know, it only comes from one of the Family.– Now I think I have written you a good sized Letter & may deserve whatever I can get in reply.– Infinities of Love. I must distinguish that of Fanny Sen:r — who particularly desires to be remembered to you all.– Yours very affecly
J. Austen

[Address written by Mr Lushington]

Faversham fifteenth October 1813
Miss Austen
Chawton
Alton
Hants

Free
R. Lushington