Page 61 of Trusting Miss Austen

Strangely enough, I have been thinking of a new novel of late. But it is based on Elizabeth and her desire for matchmaking, so perhaps she should be the one to censor me and not you!

Even if I do not end up writing it, I hope this new chapter in Bath will provide me with untold creative riches for my future endeavours. Come what may, dearest Flissy, my eyes and ears are open, and my quill is at the ready!

Your loving friend,

Jane

I breathed a sigh of relief upon reading that she was not offended in the slightest. Once she was settled, maybe I could go and see her in Bath? Now that Dorian was living in London, I wouldn’t bump into him. Or perhaps, to be on the safe side, we could take a trip somewhere else?

I let out a soft squeak as my mind started to concoct a different plan. What about a visit to the seaside, and perhaps Harriet could come too? Before she had given birth, of course, as waddling around a beach with a large bellywould not be pleasant. I knew all about that!

‘Jane sounds like she is dreading moving to Bath,’ I said idly to Max. ‘I was thinking Harriet and I could take her to the seaside after she is settled. You know, to give her something to look forward to.’

Max looked at me and raised an eyebrow. ‘You are all heart, my love. All right, if you must. But don’t stay away too long. Freddie and I would miss you terribly.’

‘Of course, dearest, I would miss you both too. And it would only be for a couple of weeks.’

I blew Max a kiss, rose from the table, and hurried to the parlour before he could change his mind. I had to write to Jane at once to ease her suffering and offer some joyful news.

It would be a long letter—at least four pages—as there was much to discuss and plan for our ladies’ excursion!

The End