Off to England in “pursuit of novelty and amusement”…

Today is the day I leave for our Jane Austen Tour of England organized by Ingenious Travel September 7 – 16, 2013. Fellow author and dear friend Syrie James and I will be shepherding a merry group of Janeites to the homes and haunts of Jane Austen and her family through: London, Ramsgate, Canterbury, Oxford, Winchester, Chawton, Portsmouth, Lyme and finally Bath for the Jane Austen Festival.

It has long been my dream to visit England and walk in Jane Austen’s footsteps. I have purchased packs of mini-Kleenex in anticipation of the emotions that are sure to overtake me, often! I am looking forward to all the fabulous sights and meeting authors Jane Odiwe, Monica Fairview, Elizabeth Aston and Lynn Shepherd while we are there.

I promise to take numerous photos and share upon my return.

Of course I could not sign off without a quote from the author who has inspired this pilgrimage:

“The period of expectation was now doubled. Four weeks were to pass away before her uncle and aunt’s arrival. But they did pass away, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, with their four children, did at length appear at Longbourn. The children, two girls of six and eight years old, and two younger boys, were to be left under the particular care of their cousin Jane, who was the general favourite, and whose steady sense and sweetness of temper exactly adapted her for attending to them in every way — teaching them, playing with them, and loving them.

The Gardiners stayed only one night at Longbourn, and set off the next morning with Elizabeth in pursuit of novelty and amusement. One enjoyment was certain — that of suitableness as companions; a suitableness which comprehended health and temper to bear inconveniences — cheerfulness to enhance every pleasure — and affection and intelligence, which might supply it among themselves if there were disappointments abroad.” – Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 42

I do have posts scheduled over the next 10 days so my faithful readers will not be neglected in my absence. I will be checking in occasionally to make sure no abhorrent spammer or troll has violated our sanctuary. If you need some live Janeite interaction, check out the group read of Among the Janeites at The Republic of Pemberley starting on September 15th. It should be a lively discussion!

Adieu,

Laurel Ann

© 2013, Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose.com