Friends I’ve never met
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.
It is always so wonderful to get together with friends. How delightful! Thank you for sharing the photos with us. This was wonderful.
Thanks, JW!
How wonderful – thank you for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed!
You obviously had a wonderful time. It must have been so nice to get together and share your thoughts of the various locations and the works of Jane Austen.
I hope you have the chance to do it again someday.
We rarely get to see one another so it is pretty special when it happens.
After reading over this and remembering it all, we do need to have another get together. One or two of us manage it here and there, but it really was a great week! 🙂
It really was. It would be awesome to do it again, wouldn’t it?
How lovely for you and I always like seeing the faces of those authors whose books I have so enjoyed. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Sheila!
How strange that this post, dated July 2015, should pop up in my email feed today! Doesn’t matter though, as it’s brought back fond memories of my most recent trip to Chawton which was six weeks ago tomorrow. I love the decor in Cassandra’s Cup, and wonder exactly how many teacups are hanging from ceiling. They provide an exceedingly yummy cream tea there and I do believe I was sitting at the table just behind Susan. Wish I’d had the same sort on company as you did!
The date is because there was a mess up somewhere on the blog and it ever actually got posted! I went ahead and posted it, not realizing it would show up on the news feed!
Cassandra’s cup is pretty amazing, isn’t it?
Love seeing all of you here; I’ve been a devoted fan of you amazing authors and your books, so seeing all of you all together just “hanging out” is such a treat!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Thanks. it was a real treat to get to do it.
What a wonderful, wonderful holiday. I’m sorry you didn’t get to see the Cathedral. I was there for a flying visit last year and it’s fabulous. Getting to Chawton must have compensated though. Lovely pics!
It’s always disappointing when you travel a great distance to see something and situations conspire against you so you can’t. But that’s one of the realities of traveling, isn’t it? Thanks!