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Letter Writing Written by Chandra S (2/1/2004 9:09 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, Some more explanations needed, penned by Art

] Are we to understand that Mrs. Gardiner never corresponded with her "former friends" in Derbyshire, if Wickham's 5-year-old info is news for her? Perhaps this is why they are former friends?

I am sure someone with a more precise understanding of history could help me here, but I have gained the impression that frequent letter writing was something of an expensive hobby in Regency times. Both paper and postage were high, which is why, for example, Darcy says he hasn't got room to express Caroline's "raptures" about G's table design in his current letter. With modern references, we might think "so, why couldn't he just add another sheet of paper and go on writing?" but, since postage was charged by the sheet, that would add to the cost. This is why letters of that time were often cross-written, and why a "close" (small but still neat) handwriting style was a prized quality.

So, even though my impression is that the Gardiner's are financially comfortable, it is possible that frequent correspondence would be more of a luxury expense than you might think.

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A few things that don't make sense... Kristen G. (1/30/2004 12:32 a.m.)

Some more explanations needed Art (2/1/2004 1:58 a.m.)
- Letter Writing Chandra S (2/1/2004 9:09 a.m.)
- Some answers Ramya (2/1/2004 4:17 a.m.)
  - Visits to Rosings Chandra S (2/1/2004 9:00 a.m.)
    - Lizzy's illness Diane Margaret (2/1/2004 11:20 a.m.)
      - Interesting point!   Line (2/1/2004 12:28 p.m.)
        
        What would Charlotte have said about ...   kathleen (elder) (2/1/2004 12:44 p.m.)
        
        Charlotte's hopes were answered   Diane Margaret (2/1/2004 6:25 p.m.)
        
        I think we should...   Line (2/1/2004 8:24 p.m.)
        
        A contemporary source   JulieW (2/2/2004 8:22 a.m.)
        
        Very interesting indeed, but...   Line (2/2/2004 5:45 p.m.)
        
        an interesting turn   Diane Margaret (2/2/2004 7:53 a.m.)
        
        That's not quite...   Line (2/2/2004 5:56 p.m.)
        
        Would Darcy would have let Charlotte know?   kathleen (elder) (2/1/2004 7:23 p.m.)
        
        speculation   Diane Margaret (2/2/2004 7:18 a.m.)
        
        I plead entertainment value if nothing else :-)   kathleen (elder) (2/2/2004 8:58 a.m.)
        
        stream of consciousness   Diane Margaret (2/2/2004 9:11 a.m.)
    - This sounds very plausible kathleen (elder) (2/1/2004 9:36 a.m.)
The long Georgian morning JulieW (1/30/2004 1:22 p.m.)
some suggested answers... MelanieB (1/30/2004 7:53 a.m.)

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