Letter to Ms Susan Cartwright, Bath

Wortham Hall, August 27th

My dearest Aunt!

Firstly I apologize for detaining you the pleasure of meeting my wife. I vastly regret not to have written for so long. I will, of course, explain everything to you and hope for your forgiveness.

Please, do us the pleasure of coming to Leyland, and furthermore, to bring Frank as well. We are currently staying at my wife's parents house, but are leaving for Leyland tomorrow. It is a wonderful coincidence as I need your advise in a very delicate matter.

I am looking forward to see you again,

and am ever your servant

Fitzwilliam Cartwright

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Letter to Fitzwilliam Cartwright

Bath, August 19th, 1763

My dearest Nephew,
it is very long since you wrote to your old aunt and I am quite impatient to see you again. Nevertheless I am not angry with you, nor will I scold you as I should. Therefore I will come to Leyland and visit you. But more important for your dearest aunt is meeting your wife, whom you have shamelessly held back. You should have come to town to introduce her or invited your relations to your wedding. But you have not. I demand explanations young man, as I am your most affectionate aunt,


Susan Cartwright


PS: It happens to be in my power to bring with me your cousin Frank. He is as impatient as myself.

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August 27th, 1763

My Lord had heard my prayers! We are going home.
Harriet was happy for me and promised to write almost every day. Clive and my dear friend want to move in a little house on her fathers estate to enjoy some privacy. Though her mother is more than happy about Harriet's 'situation', she is worried about Hester and doesn't want to tell her about her sisters pregnancy...
Lord C got a letter. And tomorrow morning we are leaving for Leyland.

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August 26th, 1763

The last two days only supported the growing boredom at my parents house. The days are repeating themselves and neither Lord C nor the Fairweathers can get any more details out of Max. He won't speak to any of them and Harriet is very worried. The accusations of her parents are puzzling us all. Whatever Fred and Max were up to, it is very strange Harriet, Lord C or I could have been involved... They apologized already but we all are still curious about any possible connection. My husband told my father this morning - we were at the breakfast table - that he asked his lawyer in town to investigate into the matter and to see if this infamous lady, at who's house they had found Max, knows more and would talk under the right circumstances.
When we ladies were alone later and I had no letters to answer my mother took the opportunity again to question me about the usual topic...
I want to be home.

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August 24th, 1763

A moment ago my husband left my chamber. He just staid for couple of minutes. Looking out of sorts and horribly nervous, he gave me a small deep-blue box crowned by a golden bow. 'It is for your birthday my lady. I was unprepared to stay for so long at Wortham and had no chance of bringing your gift with me. But it will be at home by now.' he whispered, not moving from his spot. I realised he wanted me to open it. Oh! He is so generous. I do not deserve this! Reluctantly I opened the tiny parcel and the most wondrous little thing was hidden inside: a golden bracelet made of delicate flowers, each with a diamond in it's centre. Adjoined was a small pendant and my name engraved into it: 'Emy'. He took the box out of my hands, placed it on my dressing table & went on to help me with the jewelry. 'The pendant is a hook, Emmeline, to help you with your knotting. I thought you might need one... <pause & clearing his throat> … as Mrs Lewis stumbles over your crochet hooks at the oddest places.' and he turned such a shade of pink I had never before seen on a man's countenance. I very much tried not to laugh at his clumsy attempt and thanked him: 'My lord, you are too generous! I am often so thoughtless to leave my work all about the house and will beg Mrs Lewis to forgive me...' - 'Oh no! You will not do such a thing, I beg you! Mrs Lewis... that is... she...' And then I couldn't restrain myself and laughed (but very briefly!) and thanked him again, in a thoroughly tactful voice! And he understood, smirked and after a light bow, left my room.

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