The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen by Syrie James

Author:Syrie James [James, Syrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Publisher: Berkley Books
Published: 2012-12-30T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER VII

“Well, well!” cried Mr. Stanhope at breakfast, after reading a letter which had just arrived in the morning post. “I have heard from my cousin, Thomas Newgate, and it is good news indeed.”

“I have never heard of a Mr. Newgate,” said Sarah, as she gently caught hold of her son’s foot to stop him from kicking the leg of the table, and adeptly rescued a spoon which dropped from her infant daughter’s hand.

“What does he have to say?” enquired Charles.

“Pray, read it aloud, my dear.” Mr. Stanhope handed the missive to Rebecca, who took it with a sense of foreboding, and read it out for all to hear.

Pulteney St., Bath

Dear Mr. Stanhope,

It was with the greatest surprise that I received your letter, which was forwarded to me here at Bath. I had not, I admit, heard your name mentioned before by any of my own family. I was obliged to peruse our family Bible to discover that connection which, some generations back, indubitably binds us by blood. What felicity to discover, at my age, a new relation—and a clergyman, at that! I have always held the members of that honourable and venerable profession in the highest esteem. Before I go further, I must say, that the information you shared with regard to your present state of affairs is truly shocking. After your many years of devoted service, that your patron should deign to dismiss you so abruptly, against your will, is unforgivable. Whether you mislaid those funds, or were the victim of a theft, as you say, or lost the money at gaming, as he believes, what difference does it make? You have paid back every penny! You do not say who he appointed in your stead, but may I venture to guess that it was his son, or some other favoured relation? My dear sir, rest assured that you shall receive no censure from me on this subject; indeed, we need never mention it again.

And now to your enquiry. My wife Edith and I very much look forward to meeting you and your daughter—however—we are not at our country house at present, but at Bath for the season. Our house here is not large, but it is comfortable, and on an excellent street. We would be pleased to have you stay with us for that extended period which you will no doubt require, to adjust to your new financial circumstances, and to determine whether or not you wish to make Bath your permanent home. If you are looking for a good place in which to live out your retirement, I assure you, you could do no better than Bath! There are many houses available, and the expense of living is quite reasonable. Although it rains more than one might wish, we like to pass the winters here. In contrast to our quiet life in the country, the amusements of the city are a refreshing novelty, the shops have every thing one could need, and the society is invigorating.

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