Cross-written letter from Annie Gilbert, Nottingham to Jane Young (nee Hackworth)

Clinton Street, Nottingham
June 18th 1851

My dear Miss Jane,

And so tomorrow is your birthday. I feel proud to have the privilege of wishing such a dear kind girl as yourself, many happy returns of the day; and let me crown that wish by another. As you grow in years may you grow in knowledge – knowlege of the best, the purest kind which will be the foundation of your happiness both here – and the eternity. I hope tomorrow will be a fine day for you; for, birthdays to me are but dull occassions, unless the brilliant son consecrates them by his sunniest smile. I shall picture you coming down to breakfast with your accostomed cheerfulness to recieve the congratulations of dear reletives – that meal departed “my brother Tim” will propose to take you out for a drive, and notwithstanding the earnest entreaties of Mamma and Sisters , who with one voice exclaim “dear Jenny, stay with us”, the offer of the darling brother is too tempting, too much in accordance with your own feelings, to be resisted. Dear girl! Seated by his side in the gig, you will be almost too happy when he talks to you with his own particular winning eloquence and draws your attention to various objects, which a six months absence may render new to you.

Do you remember the Monday before we broke up last half year! The numberless calls we had to make and the delectable capillary operation you performed upon me before the kitchen fire. Can it really be, that a whole half year had flown away since then? I have often thought during this long interval, how I should like a letter from either you or your kind Sister, to tell me of your goings-on. I have never heard whether or not Miss Thompson left you at Easter. That was an event talked about when I was with you. You do not know how often I have envied you the privilege and enjoyment of wandering in the rich woods and fair fields and beneth the pair of proud mountains of your beautiful district. Oh nothing can equal the delights which nature has prepared for her devoted children, particularly in such a country as yours. Have you discovered any new walks, or have you been contented with the charming ones you already had.

Did you continue the practice after I left of just peeping out of the window before going to bed as if to recide the nightly blessings of the moon and watchful stars. I have had some [...?] moments at such times. But I rather fancy my sister Maria would beat you of the bad habit. She, when at home, has always a willing […?] of […?] after the respectable hour of 10 o’clock.

This hardly looks like a birthday letter does it/. Please excuse the clumsy looking sheet but believe me that I love you not a whit the less, although I may have failed to express myself.
Miss Hackworth’s anniversary occurs I think some day this month. Tell her, I shall congratulate her whenever it happens although the particular day is not known to me. Maria told me you would be at home on the 19th but she did not say whether your niece would accompany you and therefore I know not whether to send any messages. I think if Miss Holmes is at Soho, remember me kindly to her.

With renewed love and best wishes for your happiness.
I remain
Yours very affectionately
Annie Gilbert

Mr Gilbert desires his kind regards
and he wishes you much happiness
on your birthday.