Title
Ann May to Priscilla May 16 Nov 1826
Ampthill 11th Mo 16th 26
My dearest P.
What a very, very long time it does seem since thou wrote to me, yet of late I have fancied a letter is lying at Francis's for me all this while, knowing what a knack thou hast at scribbling - thou art surely not gone to Henley without farther ceremony, and yet, after what has been said about it thou hast perhaps felt at liberty to do so, we learn from thy uncle that Rachel has been expecting thee for some time past; it was relieving to me to hear Francis intended bearing thee company, yet now he has lost Henry, I am afraid he will be prevented - if thou art at Kennington - all this while it is making a social visit of it truly, I hope thou wilt not wear out thy welcome - I am willing to suppose thee very useful to thy aunt, both in the kitchen & nursery occasionally - as Charles is to convey this to thee, he can also answer all questions about home, which being subject to many changes thou must surely want to know something about it by this time - thou must know then, though it causes no bustle, that this is thy father's birthday, hope thou wilt remember to wish him and Edward many happy returns. -
They are on the point of finishing the great job of stock-taking, our gentleman measurer left us ten days ago, much to my relief, tho' it must be allowed he was a most intelligent well bred man, & E.Strange compels me to lay aside my prejudice against his metal buttons, as he seems likely to prove a good shopman. Robert has about nearly two weeks longer to stay - we have all but agreed to take upon trial the Irish youth from Joel Lean's. -
Last week we sent a box to dear Samuel with worsted stockings &c. a letter from him lately mentioned his being well except a slight cough, his master's health is much improved - hast thou heard of H.May having added a daughter to her family, Maria has been with her several weeks & is expected home this evening, to bring little Margaret they have a fine day but very cold, enough so to remind me that possibly thou may'st prefer having thy stuff skirt sent, or the two old frocks, only I am afraid they are too shabby, but do, my dear, send word by C. if thou wants them or any thing else, shoes thou must need & perhaps silk handkerchiefs; pray do not go shabby, - & as to thy finances, I must direct thee to Francis if they want help before thy F. goes again to town.
Yesterday John Wise took possession of the house he so much wished for & the Fishers returned to their's in town, having engaged the great house of John Morris as perhaps I told thee, being rich, they seem likely to be quite an acquisition to our poor town. -
Lewis is quite well but not in love with his book yet, he sometimes walks out with little Margaret, Mary her new nurse, being a pleasant sort of girl, he desires his love to thee. -
M.B.jun has been at Hitchin almost ever since W.E.'s marriage, the present is a grand era with them there, as W. & M.Exton came off their journey last 7th day, & the state visiting commenced on second, it seems the elder friends are classed apart, but M.Bennell will be able to tell thee all about it, I believe they send her home this week. -
Thy F. has kindly offered to treat me with a sight of those I love in town & at Tottenham soon, but how to leave Lewis is the chief difficulty, when I know how thou art going to dispose of thyself it may help to determine me, as inclination is not wanting thou may'st be sure, & I depend on a welcome -
Only a few of the Society books have been voted in yet, our youths seem all bent on reading, the little time they can devote to it, hope thou hast employed some of thy leisure in that way lately. I have had a great treat in perusing Jane Taylor's Remains, which was borrowed of the Bennells.-
One only of thy chemises remains to be made, regret to say I have not even cut out thy F.'s shirts. I have seen but little of the Morris's lately, their father has an attack of the gout. Expecting C. & N. to tea I must close this chit-chat with the very dear love of thy F. & myself in which
I remain thy ever affectionate
Mother
P.S. Joseph Morris has just called to say Maria & little Mag. are come, left all well at Hertford, they have named the infant Rachel Ann.
A.Marsh & her boy are at Clements Lane perhaps thou canst call on her.- Say my dear if thou wants a weather cloak a plaid.
Priscilla May.