Martha sends her love to Henry, and tells him that he will soon have a bill of Miss Chaplin's, about 14l., to pay on her account; but the bill shall not be sent in till his return to town. I hope he comes to you in good health, and in spirits as good as a first return to Godmersham can allow. With his nephews he will force himself to be cheerful, till he really is so. Send me some intelligence of Eliza; it is a long while since I have heard of her.
We have had snow on the ground here almost a week; it is now going, but Southampton must boast no longer. We all send our love to Edward junior and his brothers, and I hope Speculation is generally liked.
Fare you well.
Yours affectionately,
J. Austen.
My mother has not been out of doors this week, but she keeps pretty well. We have received through Bookham an indifferent account of your godmother.
Miss Austen, Edward Austen's, Esq.,
Godmersham Park, Faversham, Kent.
FOOTNOTES:
[10] Godmersham, Edward Austen's place.