of the symbolism of the chains and cross in MP. I agree, it does seem to speak volumes, at least to me, and says much about values. Did the topaz stone have particular meaning in JA's time?

The crosses are beautiful and the writing is very elegant. In some ways, the closeness of JA and her sister is shown in these letters as well. Perhaps Cassandra was so used to them, and the writing between the lines, she could read them quickly. I don't usually have much trouble reading different hands, but I do have trouble with this one. Maybe it's the feeling that it's not really written for me, in a sense, and I do get that feeling with the letter JA writes for Cassandra, that they are between close allies/confidantes?