Letter from Jane Young (nee Hackworth), Vilvorde, Belgium to Prudence Nightingale (nee Hackworth)

My ever beloved Pru,

How shall I sufficiently thank you for the truly interesting and amusing description of your visit to Haws-water. I was so delighted to learn you had had your ardent wish to see that famed Lake gratified and that you had not overrated its beauties and been disappointed; when I knew your party I felt sure there would be no lack of amusement among such a merry lot of souls. I trust you enjoyed your drive to Patterdale. I cannot tell you what pleasure it gave me to know you were having a little enjoyment. I am sure you have vastly too much to attend to but do, my dear Pru, take care of yourself. I know you have not such mercy upon yourself.

I so much wish you could feast your eyes on the […?] it looks so beautiful; the engraving in the prospectus represents it exactly; often you may picture me seated in one of the arbours with a book or perhaps more frequently allowing my imagination to carry me first to Soho (that dear spot, though now a degree of sadness is thrown over it) and then again to Penrith. Sometimes while musing in this way I draw most pleasing pictures. I think of the time when I hope to see you all again. This affords me such real pleasure; for though I am very happy yet you know this is not my home. What a charm this little word conveys. I received a very kind note from dear Mrs Boyle on the 6th Ins. I intended to send it for you to look at but fear as I have written to Miss H.Smith it will make my letter too heavy, therefore I shall retain it until I write home. I am glad Madame’s note gave you satisfaction. I should like to know what you said when you wrote to her. – The other morning as I was coming into my room I met Monsieur. Il m’a donne le main et dit, “Comment se portez vous ma chere enfante. Si vous voulez faire une prom(en)ade, allez quand vouz voulez.” It was very kind of him to give me this liberty but I suppose I am indebted to you for it, therefore accept of many thanks.
On Tuesday evening we took such a delightful in the fields, the country looked so rich and the evening was charming, how I wished some dear member of my family could have joined me, vain wish! I really fancy we must be before you here. I observed the ears of corn were all formed. I gathered some trefle (clover) of a brilliant carmine. I never saw any with so rich a tint before.

I am sorry to inform you that Madamoiselle Justine, our second teacher, was taken seriously ill on Monday. The Doctor could not decide what her complaint was, yesterday it was deemed necessary for her to be taken home, poor thing she could not walk a step, they were obliged to change carriages several time. One of the servants accompanied her. Her parents had no idea of it. I think it would be very alarming to them; the servant has not yet returned.

Now my dear Pru, with hosts of love to all our dear family, each inmate of Albion House, not forgetting your own dear self, believe me ever to be your loving
Jenny
Vilvorde May 20th /52
P.S. Give my love to the dear Bewshers. I really shall try and send a note to dear Kate the next time I write. By the by how are dear Timothy and his little sister. Give each of them a kiss for me. Please pardon my untidy note and with renewed love, believe me your affectionate sister J.H. Tomorrow will be the anniversary of the Mrs Major wedding day. What changes have taken place during the year.