Just hanging out

Maria Grace, Susan Mason-Milks and Abigail Reynolds at St. Mary’s Hall

I think one of my favorite parts of the week was the time we got to spend together. Although the Jane Austen variations authors interact a great deal online, we do not have opportunity to meet together face to face very often. So when we have that opportunity, I always want to make the most of it.

One memorable afternoon, we walked to Chawton together and enjoyed lunch at Cassandra’s Cup across from the Jane Austen House museum. The houses and cottages we saw along the way were not to be missed.

Susan and Abigail walking into Chawton

One of the beautiful Chawton cottages. Jane Odiwe, Susan Mason-Milks, Abigail Reynolds, Leslie Diamond, Maria Grace, Monica Fairview and Mr. Darcy

Cassandra’s cup decor

Susan Mason-Milks, Jane Odiwe and Abigail Reynolds at Cassandra’s Cup

We also had to stop and take a group picture at Jane Austen’s House.  How could we miss an opportunity like that?

At Jane Austen’s House: Monica Fairview, Jane Odiwe, Susan Mason Milks, Leslie Diamond, Abigail Reynolds, Maria Grace

On another day we drove into Winchester (Thanks Leslie!) and tried to see the cathedral there. Unfortunately it was closed in preparation for a flower festival. We made the best of it, though, stopping for coffee and touring the abbey mill instead.

Leslie Diamond, Jane Odiwe, Susan Mason Milks

Monica Fairview, Leslie Diamond

As much as we could, we shared dinner in the evenings. My family tries to eat together as much as possible in the evening and it was great to continue to practice with some wonderful friends.

Abigail, Susan, Cassandra and I were privileged to stay at the same B&B together (St. Mary’s Hall). We enjoyed the incomparable Joan Mossop’s hospitality at breakfast and even had an impromptu book signing of The Darcy Brothers there.

My only regret in all of this is that these sorts of trips are too few and far between.