I am very much obliged for the convenience of a linked Letter 25! (;D) A refresher makes this news of the Pembroke table’s uncertain future all the more alarming. I remember understanding JA’s sentiments then and I do now also. There is a particular contentment, even security in living amongst possessions you value—things that are useful, beautiful, connected to your past and happy memories. This is what Jane and Cassandra are loosing and to top it off it seems they have little to no choice in the matter just as they had no choice in leaving their home for parts yet to be determined. This is an important comfort to retain when moving into unfamiliar surroundings and a tenor of life that may not be preferred or familiar.

Having created a home for my family in eleven different houses over twenty-five years (married to a military man) I feel for Jane and Cassandra very much indeed. I think the entire experience was traumatic for them and I agree JA is being very brave in her letters.

I wonder if any of Jane’s feelings on her emotional parting from Steventon seeped into the emotions of the Dashwood sisters in their removal from Norland Park during her * preparation and updating of S&S in 1809. I do not suppose we can know for sure but I love seeing the similarities between incidents in Jane’s letters and situations in the novels. The Emma quote you included in the linked post is a lovely connection—thanks! (;D) I know no character is a complete portrait of anyone or any situation is just like Jane’s life but I think imbuing some her of her feelings (or those of others, as she saw them) into her characters and situations is what makes her novels so real to me. (;D)