7 March 1814 – continuation from 5th & 6th

[continuation of a letter begun on 5 March and continued on 6th]

Monday.  Here’s a day!–The Ground covered with snow! What is to become of us?–We were to have walked out early to near Shops, & had the Carriage for the more distant.–Mr Richard Snow is dreadfully fond of us.  I dare say he has stretched himself out at Chawton too.–

Fanny & I went into the Park yesterday & drove about & were very much entertained;–and our Dinner & Eveng went off very well.– Messrs J. Plumptre & J. Wildman called while we were out; & we had a glimpse of them both & of G. Hatton too in the Park.  I could not produce a single acquaintance.–

By a little convenient Listening, I now know that Henry wishes to go to Gm for a few days before Easter, & has indeed promised to do it.– This being the case, there can be no time for your remaining in London after your return from Adlestrop.– You must not put off your coming therefore;– and it occurs to me that instead of my coming here again from Streatham, it will be better for you to join me there.– It is a great comfort to have got at the truth.– Henry finds he cannot set off for Oxfordshire before the Wednesy which will be ye 23d; but we shall not have too many days together here previously.– I shall write to Catherine very soon.

Well, we have been out, as far as Coventry St–; Edwd escorted us there & back to Newtons, where he left us, & I brought Fanny safe home.  It was snowing the whole time.  We have given up all idea of the Carriage.  Edward & Fanny stay another day, & both seem very well pleased to do so.– Our visit to the Spencers is of course put off.– Edwd heard from Louisa this morng.  Her Mother does not get better, & Dr Parry talks of her beginning the Waters again; this will be keeping them longer in Bath, & of course is not palateable.

You cannot think how much my Ermine Tippet is admired both by Father & Daughter.  It was a noble Gift.– Perhaps you have not heard that Edward has a good chance of escaping his Lawsuit.  His opponent “knocks under.”  The terms of Agreement are not quite settled.–

We are to see “the Devil to pay” to night.  I expect to be very much amused.– Excepting Miss Stephens, I dare say Artaxerxes will be very tiresome.– A great many pretty Caps in the Windows of Cranbourn Alley!– I hope when you come, we shall both be tempted.– I have been ruining myself in black sattin ribbon with a proper perl edge; & now I am trying to draw it up into kind of Roses, instead of putting it in plain double plaits.–

[to be continued finally the following day, 8th March]