] Why was Chawton the choice? I think it was simply because it was closer to "home" so to speak. Closer to the familiar Hampshire. Had they anything in particular against the Godmersham alternative? I can't guess. I have to read more before I dare to have an opinion about that.

Carol Shields seems to suggest that the location in their beloved Hampshire and some nearness to relatives (James being but 12 miles away), were key factors in deciding on Chawton. Yet there might be some other factors hinted at, as well. Shields suggest that Jane didn't really like her visits to Godmersham (and other opinions on this?), and that Edward's now deceased wife wasn't particular fond of Jane. Shields wonders if the feelings of Edward's Elizabeth might have been a factor in a delay in Edward offering lodgings to his mother and sisters. But could these feelings also weighed in the choice of the Austen women to pick Chawton over a house in Kent? Unfortunately, I have no real answers, only questions and speculation.