Extract from chapter 9

1815: henry tells a secret

Listen to Henry Austen as he reveals his sister's true identity to his doctor.

Henry’s recovery was rapid and he was soon well enough to be left alone for short periods. Jane and Cassandra took advantage to visit the shops or take a walk in the park, and Dr Baillie did not stand on ceremony when he came to examine his patient. If the ladies were out of the house, he thought nothing of performing his checks whilst Henry sat on a chair in his sitting room.

Photo: Arlington Court, Devon

Photo: Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwickshire

‘I see you have a good collection of reading here,’ he commented, browsing the bookshelf while he waited for Henry to unbutton his shirt. ‘Ah! Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park,’ he observed. ‘You will enjoy those. Very well written.’ He leaned in closer to peer at the other titles. ‘I have not read Sense and Sensibility myself, but my wife was quite taken with it’.

‘I’m pleased you think so,’ said Henry mischievously, before pausing to wince at the coldness of the doctor’s stethoscope on his chest.’ ‘I will pass on your regards to the author.’

‘You are acquainted with Lady Morley?’ asked Dr Baillie in surprise. The lady he was thinking of was a high-ranking aristocrat, and he did not realise Henry was part of the same social circle.

‘Lady Morley is not the author,’ said Henry cryptically.

‘She is not?’ said the doctor. ‘Then I have been misinformed.’

Photo: Jane Austen's House, Chawton

‘Yes. You have.’ Henry always enjoyed this guessing game he played when he teased his acquaintances before revealing the truth. He had done it many times at parties and knew precisely what clues to give. ‘You know the author too,’ he smiled. ‘In fact, you spoke to her only yesterday.’

Dr Baillie was perplexed. He furrowed his brow to rethink the houses he had called at the day before and could not imagine who Henry meant.

‘You must not spread the word too widely,’ Henry added conspiratorially, ‘She does not covet attention. But as you have been so good as to save my life,’ he joked, ‘I feel you deserve to know.’

Photo: Jane Austen's House, Chawton

Photo: On display at Jane Austen's House, Chawton.

Luckily, Dr Baillie had known Henry for a long time and understood his dry sense of humour; otherwise, he might easily have taken offence at his tone.

‘It is my sister, Jane,’ Henry blurted out. ‘She is the author of these marvellous works. And I am her agent!’

Dr Baillie could not believe it.

‘I do not lie,’ Henry promised. ‘I swear it’s the truth.’

‘Well, I declare!’ said Dr Baillie. ‘I was not expecting that!’

‘Nobody ever does,’ said Henry, delighted. ‘You can ask her yourself the next time you see her.’

‘Just wait until I tell my wife!’ said Dr Baillie. ‘She will be amazed. You must be very proud,’ he added courteously.

‘I am,’ agreed Henry. ‘As is our whole family.’