Cross-written letter and envelope from Prudence Nightingale (nee Hackworth), Albion House, Penrith to Jane Young (nee Hackworth), Vilvorde, Belgium

My very precious girl

My heart was gladdened on Wednesday last by a sight of your pretty kind letter to dear Mother. I was quite surprised to perceive how very much you are improved in your writing, and much pleased with the style. I wrote to Mrs Boyle on Saturday but very much annoyed was I at the horrid writing and stupid expression of the note. I also sent off the Watchman, be sure you let me know whether you ever receive it and if you are charged anything for it. Our good folk have been really attentive to me since the holidays, they have written to me once every week since the first and sometimes twice.

Thursday Mother sent me a five pounds’ note towards your next quarterly premium. You will be glad to know that Mr Stobart has given an order for one of the little engines and we are in daily expectation of receiving an order for another from Mr Maur. Mr and Mrs Nightingale have just been in and inquired very kindly after you. They are coming to take tea with us tomorrow, when we intend to “German bleed” Mr N by way of paying him off for all his teasing.

Mr John Pattinson has bought a piece of land near the beacon and will, all being well, begin to build upon it in the spring. I believe the house etc. will be similar to Mr. Graham’s. Mrs Lowthian called upon me the other day and told me that Mr J Lowthian was going to marry Miss Boxborough, an old maid aged 56. The children are all quite agreeable to the wedding, She is so rich, a lady friend of Miss B’s is to be the bride’s- maid and Mr. George Lowthian the bridegroom’s man. Miss Smith tells me she is sure she could know you anywhere. I have told her to think about you. She is most anxious to see you and asked for me to give her consent to work you a crochet nightcap in knitting cotton. So you see you have friends who think of you tho’ they have never seen you. I have worked dear Hannah a cap, it does not look very pretty but it is warm and comfortable. Mrs Brewsher has altered her mind about going in to Mrs Appleyard’s house and now thinks of going to Warwick to live near Mr Atkinson. Mr Samuel A has gone to Lancaster to supply for a minister who is ill and Mr. Edward has got a living at Wetherall and is on the point of being married to a dressmaker who lives at Warwick. I took supper at Broadling a week past Wednesday when I went to pay the rent and Miss Smith both tea and supper there [sic] a week past Friday. On Thursday evening I met a very large party at Mrs. Sweeten’s, we did not break up until after midnight. I am very desirous that you should if you have an opportunity witness a man take the veil. What have you to pay for coach fares when you go to and from church on a Sunday. Have you ever heard from Mrs Boyle? You would perceive among the deaths in last week’s Watchman the death of a Mrs Horton. I am afraid to say it was Mr Tom Horton’s Mama. We have had the most intense frost for more than a week, it has been colder than I ever felt it even in Penrith before. Do you suffer much from cold? I am glad you find Miss Reynolds somewhat companionable, and pleased that you have enjoyed a little reading. I do most sincerely wish that your wish to read Milton’s Paradise Lost and Regained could be gratified. No-one can tell how eagerly I long to see you my beloved girl. Do you see much of Madame and can you converse with her yet? Is Mons. German. I fancy the name is German. Pray what is the name of your clergyman? The Rev. Thomas Jackson (brother to Mr. Robt. who asked you when a little girl how you spelt cow) has a daughter married to a protestant clergyman at Brussels. I understand she is a most pious, amiable lady. I wish she may be the wife of your minister. I shall make some inquiry about her before I write again and trust I may gain some information that will lead to an introduction to her for you.

Mrs Brewsher has just called on her way to Warwick and desires her love to you. All the young ladies were at Brougham chapel yesterday afternoon. Would it be convenient for you to go early to bed on a Sabbath evening. I think if you could you would miss witnessing part of the desecration you saw the first Sunday evening you spent at Madame’s. Little Timothy mentions your name every day and makes many inquiries after you whenever he knows I have heard from you.

You will remember that Thursday will be the anniversary of our beloved Brother’s birthday. Hoping you enjoy the comforts of religion in your own soul and that you are well and happy. I must conclude this ill written epistle. Pray are you as stout as ever? Miss Smith joins the ladies and hosts of friends as well as myself in most ardent love to you. How do you get on with your drawing? I won’t ask what you are doing for I think you will like to keep us in ignorance of that until we can see and judge for ourselves. Do you like any of the french pieces of music you have heard and do any of your ladies play well?

Believe me my precious girl
To remain your very affectionate sister
Pru

Albion House Feb 23/52