, and tells what theirs told before as to his
present situation[148]; he is in a great hurry to
be married, and I have encouraged him in it, in
the letter which ought to have been an answer to
his. He must think it very strange that I do not
acknowledge the receipt of his, when I speak of
those of the same date to Eliz. and Henry; and to
add to my injuries, I forgot to number mine on the
outside.

* * * * *

Elizabeth has this moment proposed a scheme which
will be very much for my pleasure if equally
convenient to the other party; it is that when you
return on Monday, I should take your place at
Goodnestone for a few days. Harriot cannot be
insincere, let her try for it ever so much, and
therefore I defy her to accept this
self-invitation of mine, unless it be really what
perfectly suits her. As there is no time for an
answer, I shall go in the carriage on Monday, and
can return with you, if my going to Goodnestone is
at all inconvenient.

Goodnestone Farm: Tuesday [August 27, 1805].

There is no chance of tickets for the Mr.
Bridgeses, as no gentlemen but of the garrison are
invited.

With a civil note to be fabricated to Lady F., and
an answer written to Miss H., you will easily
believe that we could not begin dinner till six.
We were agreeably surprised by Edward Bridges's
company to it. He had been, strange to tell, too
late for the cricket match, too late at least to
play himself, and, not being asked to dine with
the players,[149] came home. It is impossible to
do justice to the hospitality of his attentions
towards me; he made a point of ordering toasted
cheese for supper entirely on my account.

Goodnestone Farm: Friday [August 30, 1805].

Next week seems likely to be an unpleasant one to
this family on the matter of game. The evil
intentions of the Guards are certain, and the
gentlemen of the neighbourhood seem unwilling to
come forward in any decided or early support of
their rights. Edward Bridges has been trying to
rouse