To Anna, Chawton, September 1814
Headnote
Letter XCII in Lord Brabourne’s 1884 numbering, to Anna Austen from Chawton, September 1814. Reproduced from the Brabourne edition of Austen’s correspondence (Internet Archive rec. 000017); Brabourne’s frame is omitted, and unambiguous scanner errors are corrected and logged.
Chawton: Friday (Sept.
MY DEAR ANNA,
We told Mr. B. Lefroy that if the weather did not prevent us we should certainly come and see you to-morrow and bring Gassy, trusting to your being good enough to give her a dinner about one o’clock, that we might be able to be with you the earlier and stay the longer. But on giving Gassy her choice between the Fair at Alton or Wyards, it must be confessed that she has preferred the former, which we trust will not greatly affront you; if it does, you may hope that some little Anne hereafter may revenge the insult by a similar preference of an Alton Fair to her Cousin Gassy. In the meanwhile we have determined to put off our visit to you until Monday, which we hope will be
not less convenient. I wish the weather may not resolve on another put off. I must come to you before Wednesday if it be possible, for on that day I am going to London for a week or two with your Uncle Henry, who is expected here on Sunday. If Monday should appear too dirty for walking, and Mr. Lefroy would be so kind as to come and fetch me, I should be much obliged to him. Gassy might be of the party, and your Aunt Cassandra will take another opportunity.
Yours very affectionately, my dear Anna,
J. AUSTEN.