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Frances Burney to Stephen Allen 13 November [1773]


ALS (Houghton), 13 November 1773

Double sheet quarto, 4 pp. postmark 15 NO red wax seal

Addressed: Stephen Allen Esqr, | Lynn Regis, | Norfolk

Annotated (in an unknown hand): Frances Burney | (Daughter of Charles Burney Dr of Music, FRS.) | the ingenious Author of | Evelina | and | Cecilia | Keeper of the Robes to the Queen


Queen’sSquare

November 13th

Dear Sir,

It makes me extremely happy to find it in my power, at the same Time that I thank you for your Letter, to acquaint you of Mama’s amendment. It is not for a few Days to secure her recovery— but we have Dr. Fothergal’s Word that she goes on in the right way, though Time, as well as care will be requisite to restore her entirely to Health. She desires her blessing and love to you, and rejoices to hear you are better; she particularly hopes that you continue to use Daily Exercise on Horse-back.

Mr and Mrs Rishton came to Town this Evening— your sister had the shock of finding Mama ill, without having any preparation, as I had not, for this last Week, known where to direct to her. I thank Heaven that they did not come some Days sooner, when my mother was so much worse, that the shock would have been still greater. We have been a good deal disappointed to Night in not seeing Miss [Dorothy] Young, which Mama had flattered herself she should have done.

Mrs Allen begs her love to you, and that you will be so kind as to acquaint Mr Allen with the good News of my mother’s being, (we hope) much better.

I beg to be remembered to Mrs Allen, and that you will believe me ever
Your Affectionate humble servant

Frances Burney.

Lady Mary Pierrepont to Anne Justice [c. 5 July 1710]

Text MS owned by Lord Stanhope, Chevening

Address To Mrs Anne Justice at Mr Justices upon the pavement at York by way of London

Postmark IY 7


Yes, yes, my dear, Here is Woods and Shades and Groves in abundance; you are in the right on it. It’s not the place, but the solitude of the place that is intolerable. It’s a horrid thing to see nothing but trees in a wood, and to walk by a purling stream to ogle the Gudgeons in it.

I’m glad you continue your Inclinations to reading; it’s the most improving and most pleasant of all Employments, and helps to wear away many melancholy hours.

I hear from some Nottinghamshire people that Mrs. Banks is not at all concerned at the breaking off her match. I wonder at her courage if she is not, and at her prudence in dissembling it if she is. Prudent people are very happy; it’s an exceeding fine thing, that’s certain, but I was born without it, and shall retain to my day of Death the Humour of saying what I think. Therefore you may believe me when I protest I am much mortified at not seeing the North this Year, for a hundred and fifty reasons; amongst the rest I should have been heartily glad to have seen My Lord Holdernesse.

In this Hideous Country it’s not the fashion to visit, and the few Neighbours there are, keep as far from one Another as ever they can. The Diversion here is walking, which indeed are very pretty all about the house, but then you may walk 2 miles without meeting a living creature but a few straggling cows. We have been here near this month and seen but one visitor, and her I never desired to see again, for I never saw such a Monster in my Life.

I am very sorry for your sore Eyes. By this time I hope all is over and you can see as well as ever. Adieu, my dear. When you drink tea with Mrs. Banks drink my health and do me the Justice to believe I wish myself with you.