Bath,
October 1823
It was late when Charlotte eventually found time to settle at the bureau in her bedchamber and write another letter home to her parents and brothers and sisters. The sky beyond the panes of her window was dark, the streets lit only by the stars and the candlelight from the homes lining the walkways.
From the bureau Charlotte drew paper, quill and ink and set to her correspondence. She had so many tales to tell and surely not enough paper to share them.
Dear mama, papa,
So very much has happened since last I wrote. But before I part with my news I must respond to yours. It is completely wonderful to hear that John has finally asked Kate to marry him! I cannot wait to call her my sister and to have nieces and nephew to chase after. You must give them both my love and tell them I am only sorry that I am not there to do it myself. My hugs will have to wait until I return home at the month complete.
Of a more melancholy nature, it saddens me to hear of old Mr Jenkins passing. I do hope Mrs Jenkins will recover from the loss and return to her lively self one day. She does not want for anything? There is nothing I can bring for her that might lift her spirits?
But it will not do to be sad for there are such joys and diversions to be had here. Of course there are the sea walks and the Baths and all the evening entertainments, I have been to the theatre more these past weeks than ever before in all my life! But I find myself most diverted by the fashions and peculiarities of the people here. It seems there is nothing one should not know about one's neighbours and somehow everything one should not know about one's self. It is very confusing and I often catch myself thinking what other's know of me that I do not.
Oh papa! There is the most enormous lending library here. I feel certain you would love were ever you to see it. It would take quite three lifetimes to read all the books! And you would never believe it but it is so often empty. I could not imagine having so wonderful a place on my very doorstep and not always gracing its halls!
It is late now and even the maids are to bed so I will ask you to give my love to everyone and wish you all pleasant dreams and lovely days.
Affectionately,
Charlotte
As she signed her letter Charlotte tried to believe she was as happy as she let her parents believe. She knew, in her heart of hearts, though that this was a lie.
