Miss Martha Manton to Lt. Edward Manton:

My dearest Edward,

How we have longed for word from you! Pray tell us more of your adventures!

I have a little news of my own to report. Do you recall my friend, Miss Nicolson? She has married Mr. Mahan, the solicitor, and now resides with him in Town. What do you say to that? We were all quite shocked, for we had no indication of partiality upon her part at all - although his was well-known.

Other news is perhaps less welcome to you. When we were in Town last, we happened to see Kenneth at Drury Lane, and not in good sorts, either. I scarcely recognized him and Christopher almost did not acknowledge him when they met. I, for my part, was too sick with the sight of him to do much more than stare. Oh, how changed he is! We had thought him doing so very well - had thought him not even in Town - but...no. I shall allow Christopher to tell you the whole of it. I cannot.

In part to divert us, Christopher took us all into Kent, where I attended the most amazing ball! Twas at Lord Fenworth's estate, Hollingdale. Do you recall meeting Lady Caroline when she visited us in Town? She is his youngest daughter and a particular friend of mine. Can you imagine what happened there? Of course you have not. There was a murder! The gentleman in charge of laying out the earl's garden was found dead, and it came to light that he was a French spy! Of course everyone knows the poor earl had nothing at all to do with it - even if he is good friends with M. le comte de Chareau.

How I envy Lady Caro, with the important guests her father entertains. The Duke of Warrington was there, as was Lord Rhys-Davies and Lady Eleanor Tillyard. You may be more interested to know that Mrs. Hawkins was a guest as well. Her husband, I hope I need not remind you, is Captain Hawkins.

I trust you recall my darling Amanda, though you never could manage to find your tongue around her. She visited Hollingdale with us. Also whilst there, we became acquainted with Miss Burney - surely you recall reading Evelina with us when last you were home! She looks frightfully ill, and I understand that her time at court almost completely ruined her health.

You would be so very proud of our reading! Right now Amanda and I are working on Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France, and are struck continuously by the prescience of the thing. Have you read it? If you have not, you simply must - I shall send you our copy as soon as we are done.

I must go. Mr. DuLaine is due any moment to take us all on a picnic outing. I shall write more later, but first I must implore you to spare a few lines for Amanda in your next! Twould be improper to send her a letter, of course, but there is really no reason for you to not include a little for her in one to me!

Heaven bless my dearest brother,
prays his devoted and affectionate
Martha