I've just been going through all my old correspondence with Isabelle, from when we were very little up to the present date. Anyone who loves Jane Austen can not overlook the fact that the reading and writing of copious amounts of letters must be the second step in trying to emulate a Jane Austen lifestyle - the first being to talk like her characters. I am outfitted with the proper letter-writing tools, but I do not have enough correspondents. My dear cousin Isabelle will always be the best, as you will see from the excerpt below, but I need more.
If you are still not convinced, read this paragraph, taken from a letter Isabelle wrote me in February of 2015.
"I love writing and receiving letters to and from you. I cannot rightly compare it to getting a really good novel that you’ve heard tons about, so I’ll settle for a monthly magazine.
"It comes when you’re least/most expecting it. When you are really too busy to read it but desperately want to. When you need quick encouragement and a jolly laugh at some inside joke or perfectly-worded, clever comment. You stop by the post office. Someone goes in and gets the mail. You scan the stack for anything interesting that might involve you. You’re beginning to think, “aw, maybe next time,” when something catches your eye. That old, familiar, welcoming handwriting. You don’t even need to read the name on the envelope ‘cause you already know who it’s for. You pick it up and read the front anyways, trying to decide whether to read it now or save it for your favourite solitary spot at home. Eventually, you tear it open, full of anticipation for that bundle of news, stories, comedies, prayers, encouragements, and a countless supply of other topics as well. Each time your clever cousin thinks up something new to amuse/update/encourage/sadden you, and once you get past the “dear Isabelle”, you laugh out loud for sheer delight, but then realize you’re still in a van packed with people, especially sisters who’ve just been asking if there’s anything in there for them. Now you get a chorus of “what’s so funny?” and “what’s wrong” and “what did she say?” and “what? WHAT?!?” Sadly, the letter is quickly read, and you stare out the window, mentally marveling once again at the pure cleverness of Celeste D. Lawrenson."
Now, grab a pen and send me a letter at the enclosed address. There's a good girl!
The eldest Miss Lawrenson
Box 81
Sanford, MB ROG 2J0
