Amelia Webster

is dedicated by Permission

to

Mrs Austen

Her humble Servant

The Author

Letter the first

To Miss Webster

My dear Amelia

You will rejoice to hear of the return of my amiable Brother from abroad. He arrived on thursday, & never did I see a finer form, save that of your sincere freind

Matilda Hervey

Letter the 2^d

To H. Beverley Esq^re

Dear Beverley

I arrived here last thursday & met with a hearty reception from my Father, Mother & Sisters. The latter are both fine Girls—particularly Maud, who I think would suit you as a Wife well enough. What say you to this? She will have two thousand Pounds & as much more as you can get. If you dont marry her you will mortally offend

                                                  George Hervey

Letter the 3^d

To Miss Hervey

Dear Maud

Beleive me I’m happy to hear of your Brother’s arrival. I have a thousand things to tell you, but my paper will only permit me to add that I am y^r affec^t Freind

Amelia Webster

Letter the 4^th

To Miss S. Hervey

Dear Sally

I have found a very convenient old hollow oak to put our Letters in; for you know we have long maintained a private Correspondence. It is about a mile from my House & seven from yours. You may perhaps imagine that I might have made choice of a tree which would have divided the Distance more equally—I was sensible of this at the time, but as I considered that the walk would be of benefit to you in your weak & uncertain state of Health, I preferred it to one nearer your House, & am y^r faithfull

                                                                                         Benjamin Bar

Letter the 5^th

To Miss Hervey

Dear Maud

I write now to inform you that I did not stop at your house in my way to Bath last Monday.—I have many things to inform you of besides; but my Paper, reminds me of concluding; & beleive me y^rs ever &c &c

Amelia Webster

Letter the 6^th

To Miss Webster

Madam

Saturday

An humble Admirer now addresses you.—I saw you lovely Fair one as you passed on Monday last, before our House in your way to Bath. I saw you thro’ a telescope, & was so struck by your Charms that from that time to this I have not tasted human food.

                                                                                             George Hervey

Letter the 7^th

To Jack

As I was this morning at Breakfast the Newspaper was brought me, & in the list of Marriages I read the following.

‘George Hervey Esq^re to Miss Amelia Webster’

‘Henry Beverley Esq^re to Miss Hervey’

&

‘Benjamin Bar Esq^re to Miss Sarah Hervey’.

  yours, Tom

Finis –

© Oxford University Press

Extract from Teenage Writings by Jane Austen, edited by Kathryn Sutherland and Freya Johnston. Published by Oxford University Press in April 2017, available in paperback and eBook formats, £8.99