I wanted to look closer at how JA’s comments to CEA about her—(CEA)—to apprehend more of JA’s own feelings about her sister.

(Letter 8) “As Cassandra is at present from home, You must accept from my pen, our sincere Condolence…” I do not know the proper etiquette for who should write a letter of this nature or if CEA was a special friend of that family—but the way JA puts her reason for writing seems to say CEA would have done it better.

(Letter 6) “…in short every body of any Sensibility enquired in tender Strains after You;…” I think this is a very sweet way to tell CEA how people asked of her and then, “…and I took an opportunity of assuring Mr. JT that neither he nor his Father need longer keep themselves single for you.” I guess this means that she either informed them of CEA engagement (I do not know the date of the engagement) or that she just talked about it to Mr. JT and this is a good opportunity to tease CEA on it.

(Letter 5) “I am in great distress—I cannot determine…to give Richis” (amount of tip) Asking older sis for advice—also more in another thread, this board—Servant Problems.

(Letter 4) The letter…received from you has diverted me beyond moderation. I could die of laughter at it…You are indeed the finest comic writer of the present age.” I think this shows great friendship and closeness. The closing: “I am very affectionately yours,”

(Letter 3) “I hope you are all alive after our melancholy parting Yesterday…God Bless You…Yours very affectionately.” I think this shows they really were sad to be parted when they went on visits although the tone is amusing.

(Letter 2) “…contents might have been more agreeable. I do not at all expect to see you on Tuesday since matters have fallen out so unpleasantly…care so little about the Ball that it would be no sacrifice to me to give it up for the sake of seeing you two days earlier.” We know that she really does want to go to the ball to see TL but the offer to deprive herself of this is sweet, even if she knew the circumstance would not give her the opportunity. I believe she did miss CEA when absent and she later says in closing, “…extremely impatient to hear...when you are to return.”

(Letter 1)

“In the first place I hope you will live twenty-three years longer.” She is writing on CEAs birthday, 9 January and this is her way of saying Happy Birthday and to me it also says I would not want to do without you.

“Everybody is extremely anxious for your return, but as you cannot…I am glad I have not fed them with false hopes.” Just go to show that CEA is missed by JA.