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

My dearest sweetest girl,

I have fears that you might think my last letter rather heartless but think you are so well acquainted with my abruptness of manner that you would attribute any apparent indifference to that quarter, (if such it can be called) which is the true cause. I certainly felt deeply and still feel concerned about your low spiritedness but assure you that we only wish you to do what you can do comfortably and not by any means for you to exert yourself too much, if in fact you don’t do anything you shall never be upbraided with the littleness of your doings. I must however say I feel rather pleased to hear that you thought you were not likely to make any improvement for I have never known you succeed wellin anything you have taken in hand. I mean any new study, until you have thought that you would never make my proficiency in it; and then you have immediately surprised me and I believe yourself with the ease with which you have accomplished your wishes. Now my beloved girl, I believe you are just on the eve of doing something very satisfactory to yourself in your studies and cannot help feeling glad that your English habits follow you to the continent. You will remember that I told you I should never think that you were making progress until I heard that you had begun to dispair and then (as soon as I heard of your despair) and not until then I should look for much improvement. Cheer up my darling and let me know if you want anything that is in my power to procure you, either in dress, recreations or privileges and be assured you shall not be long without it.

I had a letter from Mrs John on Monday and as part of it related to you, I shall give you an extract from it. ‘I have bought dear Sister, Jenny, a gold pencil case for her birthday present. Can you tell me if it would be safe to send it by post. If you think it would, I shall send it for you to forward to her against the day, provided you will so oblige me by so doing. My time is so fully occupied that I shall not have time to write to her myself but desire you will give my warmest love and congratulations to her. I sincerely wish her many happy returns of the day.” I wrote back to her the same day hers came to hand and advised her to keep the pencil case for you until you return to England as I feared it might either be lost or injured in passing through the post offices. I told her I would let you know what she had in store for you. You must some time my dear acknowledge her kindness. I have several little articles for you which I fear I shall have to retain until your return.

I forgot to tell you that poor “Phebe” Moses is dead. She often spoke of you during her last illness and willed you her sampler.

I should have written to you on Monday but I thought I would wait a day or two and then I might be able to respond to something you might name in your note home, besides I wished to scribble a few lines for you to Mrs Boyle but now I think you will not be writing home before dear sister Hannah’s birthday and as I want to recieve a letter from you in answer to this and to write again to you before I leave Penrith, I shall no longer defer writing. Have you got your mantle yet? I like mine better on further aquaintance, If you have not got yours, have it trimmed with lace or with what you please, or without trimming it if you would prefer it so. I wish you to get yourself a new bonnet before you go to Bruges as your straw one is not so large and open as they are now wearing. It will however serve for a second bonnet. I have seen some very pretty white tuille bonnets with caps made of black and white flowers which look exceedingly genteel for summer mourning bonnets, also some black tuille bonnets which are very light looking and do not cost more than eight or ten francs each (both white and black are the same price). Perhaps you would prefer a rice straw bonnet lined with white tuille and trimmed with plain or watered lustring ribbands (of course a white one) and a cap of mixed flowers (black and white) if so get one of them, but I would not advise you to give more than twelve or thirteen francs for one complete (with cap and trimming included). Madame or Mdlle Coralie will be able to recommend an eligible bonnet maker to you. You will greatly oblige me by handing the enclosed note to Madame and a sovereign with it. The bank of England note, the half of which I enclose will reimburse you for the expenses you have already incurred or will incur for your mantle, crayon box, bonnet etc with the sovereign I commission you to hand to Madame. Let me hear from you by return of post or I shall not be able to send you the other half of the note before I go home. Tell me exactly what you think of getting in the clothes line. You know I want you to be nice and am particularly wishful that your new bonnet should be a fashionable shape. You do not need to hesitate to say anything you choose for me, for no one will see your letter but myself and scribbling instead of writing is quite sufficient for me. You must not tell me you can do without this thing and that for I am very stiff about obedience and am well aware that anything shabby or old fashioned worn by a lady in a large school subjects her to a shower of persecution such I should not like you to stand under. We have never been without visitors since I last wrote to you. Mr Harker & Mr James were here for a few days a fortnight ago and on the day they left Miss Brewsher came over to spend a week with us. She left us in the evening of Saturday last. Mrs Brewsher is here now. She came last Friday morning and will probably remain with us until the holidays. She very much misses you and desires her love to you. Roger intends going out to Australia as soon as they can get his wardrobe replenished. I am afraid you will not be able to read this scrawl, but I am compelled to send it with all its imperfections as Mrs B wants me to go out with her immediately. Mrs Gent and Mrs Brewsher desired me to give you many kind messages from them. They left town ten days ago. Accept my dearest Jenny of the most ardent love of your devotedly attached Sister Pru.

Albion House
June 9th/52
I am very desirous to learn that Mdlle Justine is recovering. Was it an attack of fever and if so is it the only case you have had in the Establishment.
Forgive me my dear girl anything in this which may savour of hardness. I assure you that nothing of the kind is intended. I never wrote in greater haste. My remark “Obedience” may be ungrateful but it is said playfully. And now my treasure I must take leave of you. May God bless and keep you, ever his is the prayer of your fond Pru