House, and I cannot fathom why I sho’d be so disappoint’d to leave this one. It is a very anchient and creakey sort of Place, fantastickal in its Antiquity, but I have discovered a Fondnesse for it that is nigh on inexplicable. Perhaps the Reason of it lies meerly in that it was the first place I set to House-keepinge. I wish you would send me, as soone as is Convenient, a new Suit of Bedcloths, Vallances (with a Fringe), Bolsters, Coverlids, and Curtains, embroider’d, a dark Greene if it can be got, otherwise Blew, but not so light a Shade as that we saw in Mistress Stephen’s new Chamber. Also, if you can send some Holland diaper Napkins, it wo’d be a blessing to me, for Mr. Chandler’s Guests must expect the best. I have given the Monie (£50) to Capt’n Sherman for this.
Au voir, Daphne, and With all wishes for God’s Blessings from
Your devoted and grateful Cousin,
Margaret
Post scriptus: Do you remember our Wager? I may have News for you soon…
I sat stunned for a moment: there was not a scrap about the trial. I hurried on to the next, shorter, letter, not in Margaret’s hand; the writing was not as well formed, but was still readily readable. Maybe there would be some reference there.
September 30, 1723, London,
My chere Margareta,
I was pleased to perform the office of Nurse to your pore Mother, who was so distress’d at your news, that she fainted away and could not be revived without several glasses of French Brandy, in which I was forced to share, to lead her in a good example. Had I known that your letter to her had been delayed leavin London, I shouldn’t have announced (thinkin as I did, that I brot the best of news), “Margaret is saved from Hangin!” Really, you sho’d take grater care in your corespondence. I was obliged to recount the whole tale, instead of retirin, as you know I prefer, to a quiet corner to observe the Company at hand, so that I was quite the focal point of interest and was begged to tell the tale again and again. I am happy to take this trouble for you, but I hope that in future you will not be so thotless. I make this a present of advise (not so very stern a rebuke) to you, from your older, more experienc’d couzin. I was pleazed to hear that Matthew was so much a part of the relief of your distress, for Caroline Denbigh ust to call him “that grate, lumberin mute” (much aginst my protests, for I knew your warm feelings for him), and he has never been much outspoken, at least in polite company, but I knew myself that he had hidden qualities.
I have dispatched the beding and the Napkins for you, and have encluded a few trifels more, though what use they can be to you in that Howlin Wilderness, I cannot imagine. Who is there to pleaze? Though, of course, you will want to keep as much with the Times as possible, against your Returne (I hope soon?) to England. Also, I’ve sent patterns of this years silkes, if you wish to be o current in matters of dress as well. If you can send me more of that Barbadoes Rumm, I would be thankfull. It is a soveraine remedie for female weaknesses, which you remember have been a burthen to me as long as I can recall. Not the New Englande rumm, which is harsh and fit only for dosin servants. You had very much better send two barrels, for Mr. Jack Mainwaring sometimes likes to make a Rumm punch. I am afraid he will go all to excess, mixin limes and oranges and hot water with it (which increaseth the potentcy), and often advise him to take it in some less excitin form, neate and unmixed, as I do. When I am ill.
I do not remember a wager between us; you know I never take wagers, unless they be verry small and not even then, savin as a jest. You write of news, but I cannot think why you did not tell me in your last letter; tell me plainly what your news is. You must learn to carry yourself as a Woman, and leave off Girls games and foolin and you won’t find yourselfe in such troubles.
I keep this short, and not start another sheet, to prevent you payin much postage. I must go visitin now, and