| Description | William wants everyone to share in his surprise and happiness in the prospect of his becoming a father. He asks Isabella to act as godmother, 'as the best and warmest of my flock of sisters'. He wonders what claim the Hardcastles will have on the child, as he has torn away half of their life [Emma, his wife] and contrasts the homes of Collingwood and New Lodge. He asks for Bella's opinion, recognising that such questions are for well into the future. |