Title
Ann May to Priscilla May c.Dec.1824
Ampthill 5th Day Eveng.
My dearest P.
Francis did indeed surprise us most agreeably so when we had ascertained he came with no ill tidings, he is not looking very well, but I hope our country air will prove bracing to him, he is now walked down to the farm with his F. & Charles, and I am trying to make sure of a little scribbling time, but fear it will be denied me by the usual run of interruptions, the three young Pumphreys have just left the room, Edmund with a scalded cheek, poor Maria has a great charge for one so young, the poor father's infirmities increase upon him -
But now, my dear, let me tell thee how much pleasure thy letter gave me, chiefly as it confirmed my hopes respecting thy health, which I feel very thankful in believing is now restor'd, as to thy head we have certainly every possible encouragement, yet Edward thinks the dressing must be continued until within a short time of thy going to Newington, as to thy coming home am afraid the expense will be in the way but I will bear it in mind - Now for a word about the wedding, the guests began to gather about the bride elect on the 7th day preceding, so that we had Thomas Morris and wife & J.Beck lodging here five nights, the rest, who were M.Brown, H.Allen, H.May &c, lodged at W.M.'s we made a tea party once at Charles's & Richard came on 3rd day, bringing a letter from dear Samuel who, with G.B. had lately made him a visit - no doubt thou hast heard we dined at the White Hart but I should first say the morning proving fine everything looked auspicious for the day, we agreed to go straggling to meeting & collect in the Monthly Meeting room, when we were soon under marching orders, having our names call'd over, there were two chaises from Hitchin, Thomas Marsh & wife from H. and John Marsh & wife from Kingston, the latter (Richard's own sister) a minister, & appeared in supplication, we had also the company of P.Allen & E.Beck, both of whom spoke in a weighty manner, and it proved a solemn instructive season; on such occasions the forms are turned in the same direction as the benches leaving a wide opening in the middle for the table & those who put their signatures to the transaction, the couple sit at the head under the gallery; they both spoke clear & audibly; and Charles read the certificate very well. a pretty many of the lower class chiefly were there, Maria Morris and her party sat with us in the gallery - after meeting we partook of cake & wine at the Inn when a large party strolled into the park, J.Bennell & wife were appointed, we went by invitation, as did Nancy, John & Mary Bennell jun. Sam. & Eliza dined at Charles' & with C. & N. joined us at the dessert, which was a very handsome one, having jellies cakes &c. added to what Francis provided & sent our young men came in two at a time to partake of it too- the dinner was excellent, consisting of three courses, the last consisting second f game in the last was included a delicious trifle - am sorry to say that near the conclusion Ann Morris (T's wife) & Hannah Allen left the company with tooth ache - about six all retired to our back parlour to partake of tea & coffee, Nancy presided at the latter & we served about 34 guests, including our family, J.Jeeves helped Sarah to wait & we had no confusion, we were 28 at dinner but our invitation extended to M.A.Morris, Pumphreys, Wheelers, Norris, &c. were we not a fine medley - our supper party was large as all the Bennells staid, I should have said that C.Morris was with us, he is a tall clever youth, but much too gay in dress. Our view in making the invitation so general was that of promoting harmony, & trust our hopes were not frustrated as it appeared to be a day of much enjoyment -
Daniel Pearman is just come, has heard from James P. a fine account, it seems he is joined by Thomas Smart jun. in a Brewery &c.
Lewis is very fond of his Brother F. and gets to be very amusing - We rarely see Jane Morris out now, she is ordered to keep in a recumbent posture -
I have just seen a letter from Nancy Marsh, who is with Richard & the bride-maid Maria, went to Folkstone to the funeral of Elizth Marsh, R.'s aunt on 1st day, they were going next to Dover.
But it is time to notice the contents of thine, as to the black gown without a collar it must look inelegant unless thy back were flat, if thy aunt thinks it could be improved by adding one, do so. I think thou art in need of handkerchiefs, flannel petticoats & several other things will be wanting, it will be quite proper to get some new caps made, but take care to preserve the colour by keeping them from the air - was glad thou could'st meet the Curtis's & that they like Newington, thou hast reason to anticipate with pleasure the opportunity of joining them there - we are expecting Charles & Nancy to dinner. Am glad to hear by Giles' letter thou art at Walworth. I have a set of my shifts cut out if thou wouldst like one or two for evening work say so - We took a walk this afternoon in such a cold wind as has given me the headache. The family are all retired to bed so must say adieu, give my dearest love to thy aunts, S [Sarah].Holmes, &c, believe me ever
Thy truly affectionate Mother -