Title
Ann May to Priscilla May 30 Sept 1832
Ampthill 9th Mo 30th 3
My dearest P.
I have but just heard that a packet of letters is going by Arthur who I supposed was gone home until this afternoon meeting or I should not have deferr'd writing until near the time of our evening reading, so much having occurred within these four days to tell thee about.
Of course thou thought of me last 2nd day alone without even thy F. to help me in entertaining the M.M. company, yet I got through all with unusual ease to myself, B.Tatham took the master's seat at quite a full table dear M.Foster fill'd thine A. Lucas & her sister Bruin at my left - my wrist enabled me to diminish a rump of beef & wield the tea pot also quite capitally.-
But now for a word about the more important transactions of the day - our young couple Arthur & Eliza both spoke very well, then the meeting was nearly taken up in liberating the other two couples to solemnize their marriage.
C. & R.J.Bennell jun. & myself are appointed to Mary Ann's, thy F. could not be as he was absent, it is to take place next 4th day at Hogsty end, I ought to add if health permits, for it seems, M.A.'s cough is much worse today, Jane Beck told me it had caused her nearly a sleepless night, so only Jane & Kate attended the bride to meeting this morning, Charlotte seemed very free & inclined to be sociable amongst us, I am fancying thee asking whether she looked like a friend, her bonnet was plain straw, all the rest light, neat, & handsome, but thou knows such trifles take but little of my attention.
On 5th day evening I had the pleasure to welcome home thy dear F. & his agreeable companion W.Lucas who staid that night - his wife came next morning to attend the marriage of A.Bennell. W.Exton E.Sharples &c. acceptable indeed was the ministry of A.L. but the meeting was very small, Edmund Baily & his aunt were there, of which we were glad believing none could go away uninstructed - a dinner for 30 was provided at Wonfor's, Charles made one by appointment it was handsomely done, we provided but had no company, but at tea time after hearing repeatedly that all were going to Houghton a number came, Bodaleys, Ridgeways, &c. & a melting opportunity it was in our sitting room, then I learn't that Richard Bodaley, his wife & three daughters all inclined to sleep here, which they did without difficulty, & we all enjoy'd the evening together only wished for thee to share the company of such nice amiable girls, thy album, cards, &c. came in to our aid, their mother (who was M.A.Gravely) & I were extremely well met, not having seen each other since she was E.English's pupil, we were both interested in talking over Alton as it then was - but I must not forget to say thy aunt D. came safe on 5th day evening , yesterday being our statute fair we have found but short intervals for talking over things in general, a bed was engaged here for Stafford Allen that evening too, & Margaret lodged here, as they had the workmen in the nursery, so the influx of lodgers was quite amusing, S.Allen took thy room.
We have now been favored to pass a quiet comfortable day Richd & J.Richn gone to Baldock thy aunt D. din'd with Nancy, all quite well. J.& E.Sharples & child come on 4th day probably for two weeks. the latter end of next week thy F. will most likely be fetching thee from Tottenham it will make thy visit there too short but Eliza Bennell depends on having thy company at Houghton for a few days, so being a person in such great request it is to be hoped thou wilt come home very bright.
I like the new tea-pot used it last evening for the first time, it holds a cup less than the old one it is very light in the hand. I will try to think of the shawl & Jam. We have fill'd thy jar [...] was J's, with cauliflower, made our elder wine, gather'd most of the apples got rid of all the rabbits.
Our neighbour L.Wheeler seems rather likely to recover, so does Ann Whitbread. The Dumelows came unexpectedly to tea last week. we daily expect the decease of poor W.Cook who lingers in a deplorable state. The men's school reopens tomorrow week.
If thou returns while E,Sharples is here we must get thee to allow thy aunt D. half thy bed hers being in the old laundry where two of those nice girls the Bodaly's slept - Eliza Bennell's health is improved as is Maria Morris's.I was glad to find thou wast going to Wandsworth - it does not seem as though Francis wanted a housekeeper in Jane's absence - How I wish our chaise could bring thee & thy aunt Arch it is pleasant to find that she has drawings this way wishing they may increase until acted upon with my dearest love to her & all as tho' named believe me my dearest P.Thy ever affectionate
Mother.
Priscilla May
Cornhill.