Chesterfield Hall
Bath, England
February11th, 1820
Miss Abigail Hawkins
Gessner House
Hamburg, Germany
My dearest Abigail,
It was so nice to receive your latest letter. Your poems were, as always,
beautiful. The last batch even had Charles weeping. We have had such dreadful
weather lately that to be distracted was so nice.
I have the most exciting news for you. Lord Derby has come calling! I can
scarcely believe it myself. He is the perfect suitor, kind, gracious, and ever
the gentleman. Mama and Papa love him almost as much as I do! They even invited
him to dinner last night along with Mr. Toussaint L’Ouverture, Miss Hannah More,
and Mr. William Wordsworth. It was a lovely party.
I knew you would want to hear all about the dinner so I have recorded as much as
I can remember about that wonderful night. The dinner conversation was as
follows: Mr. L’Ouverture asked us what we thought of the new king. Papa
immediately replied, “He is far too frivolous and extravagant.” “But, at least
he is not insane,” countered Mr. Wordsworth. “That is true,” put in Miss More,
“But King George the Third’s advisors who had some sense in their heads did most
everything for him. However in my opinion, all kings need to be converted to
Christianity, or this country will never succeed.” “You may have a point there,
madam,“ said Lord Derby in his glorious deep voice, “Nevertheless I tend to
think that if men do the best they can, then that is enough.” “But, the Bible…”
began Miss More. Papa interrupted, “Ahhemm. Please, ladies and gentleman, let us
keep our conversation on less controversial subjects.” “Well,” exclaimed Miss
More, and swept from the room. “There goes the ‘Bishop in Petticoats’,”
snickered Charles. We all chuckled.
The topic of discussion then shifted to slavery. “Please pass the rolls,” said
Mama. “Speaking of passing,” said Mr. Wordsworth, “What are your opinions on the
law abolishing slavery?” “I think it is marvelous,” replied Mr. L’Ouverture. “I
have been waiting for slavery to be abolished for years.” At that moment, Miss
More re-entered the room, having composed herself. “Slavery is an abomination to
the Most High God,” she proclaimed. “You are an abomination to us,” muttered
Charles. “Charles,” said Papa sternly, “mind your manners.” “Yes sir,” replied
Charles sullenly, “I’m sorry ma’am.” “All is forgiven,” replied Miss More, “I’ve
heard much worse.” “On the subject of slavery,” said Mr. Wordsworth, “Toussaint,
did you receive my letter?” “Yes, I did,” replied Mr. L’Ouverture, “And it was
greatly appreciated. It came at a time in my life where nothing seemed to be
going right, and the thought that there was someone out there who believed in
me, gave me strength to go on.” “I am always glad when my writing can make a
difference in someone else’s life,” replied Mr. Wordsworth. “Ladies and
Gentleman,” said Mama, “If you like, we can adjourn to the parlor now.” This
prompted all of us to rise from our chairs and proceed to the parlor. Lord Derby
escorted me, Papa escorted Mama, and Mr. Wordsworth escorted Miss More. Once in
the parlor, we began to play whist. Lord Derby and I played Mr. L’Ouverture and
Miss More, and Mama and Papa played Mr. Wordsworth and Charles. As we played, we
resumed our discussion of slavery. Mr. L’Ouverture began by saying, “Miss More,
I have been meaning to tell you this all night. A few weeks ago I had the
privilege of coming across a copy of your poem, ‘The Sorrows of Yamba,’ and may
I say, it was a wonderful read.” We all agreed with him. “Thank you Mr.
L’Ouverture,” replied Miss More, “For nothing is a greater honor to a writer
then to know that her writing is enjoyed.” “I agree madam,” responded Mr.
Wordsworth, “I never have a greater joy, then when I am complimented on my
work.” By this time, the night was growing old, so one by one our guests excused
themselves, thanking us for the invitation to dinner. Of course, Lord Derby
kissed my hand as he left, and so ended a glorious night.
Now, my dear Abigail, how are you? I do so hope that you are recovering from
whatever was ailing you. I was so glad to hear that Isabelle has recovered from
her illness, but so sorry to hear that your horse succumbed to his affliction.
Much thanks for your advice on dealing with Marcella, for I have been putting it
into practice as we speak. I am so pleased that no one else in your family is
ill. Please give them all my tender and affectionate wishes. My brother Charles
sends his fondest greetings.
Sincerely Yours,
Elizabeth
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