The good Rev. Ralph wrote his occasional diary for decades, and they are available on line. He was very pious, and as you can see he was not overly familiar with punctuation. His observations about the weather, his relationships, the news as it reaches the wilds of Essex, and how it was received by the common man, are illuminating.
Cryssa Bazos has written an article which explains why the good Rev. Ralph's observations during the coming years are important, which I recommend:
This page is about the Fyge family. I've cut it down to highlights on the part about Valentine and his immediate family:
Valentine Fyge was an apothecary, and it was through this work he became one of Samuel Pepys’ major sources of information on London politics.
On 5 January 1660 Pepys wrote, I ‘went myself with my lanthorn to Mr. Fage to consult concerning my nose, who told me it was nothing but cold; and after that, we did discourse concerning public business, and he told me that it is true the City hath not time enough to do much, but they are resolved to shake off the soldier[s]; and that unless there be a free Parliament chosen, he doth believe there are half the Common Council will not levy any money by order of this Parliament.’
On 5 December 1659 there had been an Apprentices’ Riot which agitated for a free parliament, and as result soldiers had occupied the City of London ever since.
The two men knew each other because Valentine Fage was Common-Councilman for the ward Farringdon Without where Pepys’ father lived.
The Fyge family originated in North Buckinghamshire. Valentine’s father was Peter Fyge of Winslow, and his mother was Elizabeth Edmondson, the daughter of the Rev. Richard Edmondson of Shenley. The Fyges were a notable family in Winslow. When Sir John Fortescue acquired the Manor in the village, he started a survey in 1600 to find out what he owned. There are three entries concerning the Fyge family:
We know of none that hold any estate of this Manor by indenture for life, or lives, or term of years from the Lord, but only Peter Ffige, who holdeth the Mote Hall in Winselowe. ...
So we can deduce that they were fairly well-to-do.
Valentine was born in the early 1600s because in 1618 he became an apprentice apothecary to William Noke in London. In 1626 he married Margaret Blake of Christ Church. He was obviously successful, and achieved standing in his local community.
As well as being a Common-Councilman for Farringdon Without twice, in 1660 and 1662, he was also a Ruling Elder of the 5th Classis of London Province from November 1655 to August 1660, and Member of the Grand Committee of the Provincial Assembly in 1655.
Valentine Fyge’s son, Thomas, followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1649 he was apprenticed to the apothecaries, becoming the servant of Nicholas Brett of Bishopsgate in 1661, and Master of the Society of Apothecaries in 1690. He was a Common-Councilman for Bishopsgate Without from 1681 to 1683, and again from 1688 to 1696, and Deputy Alderman from 1699 to 1705. He married Mary, the daughter of the Rev. Josia Beacham of Seaton, Rutland, and the family lived at the sign of the “Sugar Loaf” in a busy commercial area in Bishopsgate. He received his physician’s certificate in December 1661. He died in March 1705 leaving an estate worth £9,279.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 25.3.1660, 26.3.1660, 27.3.1660, 29.3.1660, 3.4.1660, 7.4.1660, 10.4.1660 (Sunday 25 March 1660) document 70012380
- 25. I preached twice, the minister desirous to leave all his work on me, and I very ready. god moved and startled people. they said those sermons would not be forgotten, god grant they be practised;
26: 27. we had but one Tenant with us, riding out into the meadow by Severn(,) Mrs H. resolved to return on Friday seeing there was no business. I prayed her patience and submission to gods will, at night one came to us with whom we could never agree, yet afterwards divers did to our very great satisfaction
29. I preached the Lecture I hope with some success
as also April 1. twice. on Monday we kept the Court, very quietly,
and 3 dispatched our business
and returned to London April 7th.
and so home to Colne April. 10th.
praise to the name of my gracious god where I found all well and safe, for which my soul blesses him.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 15.3.1660, 16.3.1660, 18.3.1660, 20.3.1660, 21.3.1660, 24.3.1660 (Thursday 15 March 1660) document 70012375
Worcester journey.
15. Mrs Harlakenden and I. with her kinswoman and manservant, set out in her fathers coach for Wittam where we came safe, yet our ways excessively dirty. and our coach from London came into our inn before the return of the other, two mercies god afforded us, safety and protection on the road, conveniences and quiet at our inns, whither we came always in good time, no rain to trouble us but one day which I desire to acknowledge as gods great goodness:
16. we dined at Burntwood, that day afforded a providence not to be forgotten of me but esp. of Mrs H. we came early to London, and then to business, all which I dispatched at London not only to our content, but to our delight, but the weather was so stormy, that it was thought our journey was not to be performed.
18: I preached twice dined with the Lord Mayor. lord give a blessing to the word.
20th. a day that lighted my heart in its providence, though I apprehended hazard to me by cold. and I was in great danger at Stow to have been spoiled by the coach, yet god preserved me, and none of us took any considerable cold in the journey: our law trial put off,
21th. we set out for our journey our coachman encouraged by the stage coach for Worcester, we arrived at our journeys end
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 21.2.1660 (Tuesday 21 February 1660) document 70012310 21: Heard Yorkshire were up and headed by the Lord Fairfax , declaring for a free parliament, and until then pay no taxes, expecting the like through the nation. secluded members admitted into the house.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 19.2.1660 (Sunday 19 February 1660) document 70012305 Feb: 19. God good to me and all mine in outward mercies, the lord in mercy accept us delight in us, and do us good, the spring cheerful, my business much, god holds my head and heart I praise him, that I am not overset, god was good to me in the Sabbath, the rest of it a great mercy to my weary body, oh let the word be so to my soul, my heart sucked much comfort out of it for which I bless and praise my god,
I observe a providence. a Man I was hiring one Peakes son, declined me to go to a Quaker I know not his motives, there he fell sick of the smallpox, and his mother keep[ing] him came home and died, the lord watch over me and mine for good.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 14.2.1660 (Tuesday 14 February 1660) document 70012290 14: Wm Brand in great misery not able to make water, lord help, heard that Monke had declared for and with the city for a free parliament:
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 12.2.1660 (Sunday 12 February 1660) document 70012285 Feb: 12. God good to me and mine in many mercies, yet our healths in Tom , Jane , and An . a little crazed, god sanctify the providence to us all, and remove the stroke that with heart, and life we may praise him. a sweet day, the word very good in mercy to me, the lord affect me with his goodness, a sad and troublesome time at London, the Parliament much displeased with the city, and showing it, the spring rises, god prevent new troubles if it be his pleasure.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 5.2.1660 (Sunday 5 February 1660) document 70012270 Feb: 5. God good to us in outward mercies, lord sanctify my heart, and of my seed(.) I find Mrs H : business crowding much into my thoughts lord provide for her help, this day it eats much into my heart troubling me, it is hard to lay by our molesting thoughts, pressed catechising family instruction on my people, lord do you press it on them for they will not else hear, the thaw is considerable but yet the frost continues in the ground, ice and snow also in many places, a very dark time, sun, seldom appearing
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 28.1.1660 (Saturday 28 January 1660) document 70012250 28: Mr W.H. told me that Kendall went on in his suit against Tom. lord in mercy remember me, and let not mans ill will hurt me. Mr Haynes with us, who is put out of his command, which was Col: Markhams act, I am sorry at this private spleen in our actings.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 26.1.1660 (Thursday 26 January 1660) document 70012245 Jan: 26: 59: my 43. year complete, and 44: entering.
26: This day I reckon my birthday, I preached at Wakes, church snowy, the way bad, twice I slumped in and was wet, yet I bless god for the sermon a birthday sermon from psal: 119.73, and so do some others, thats a great honour to do good, lord be with me, and bless me in christ Jesus, and command thy favour for my seed. I am yours, I look you should save me
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 25.1.1660 (Wednesday 25 January 1660) document 70012240 25. This day I spent at Priory in a day of praise to my god at Mr H. desire to whom I spoke something from psalm 50.v.15. and heartily prayed to my god in Christ for him, lord hear and be gracious. When I look back into the world I find nothing but confusions, hopes of a peace between Spain and France, but sad wars in the North, the Swedes bustling as a rod tearing the flesh of the nations, but not advantaging themselves and our poor England unsettled, and her physicians hitherto leading her into deep waters. Cromwells family cast down with scorn to the ground, none of them in command or employment, the nation looking more to Charles Stuart , out of love to themselves not him, the end of these things god only knows, we have had sad confusions in England, the issue god only knows
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 23.1.1660 (Monday 23 January 1660) document 70012230 23: began to plough Sprigs marsh , busy in my husbandry, god in mercy prosper my work, and command his blessing on the labour of my hand. heard sister Anna was returned home again. god in mercy make her wise for her own good, and the good of her friends. god gave a merciful answer of prayer in my Jane whose ague I hope has these two days left her.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 22.1.1660 (Sunday 22 January 1660) document 70012225 Jan: 22 The Lord good to us in many outward mercies, health of my little ones restoring to them, a hope prayer shall be answered for Harris wife , god gave her rest in the day, and a sore appeared, the season cold, the frost is going away, and yet checked with cold and snow, the lord was good to me in his word, the lord make it an abiding savour upon my heart, that I may live to glorify and praise his holy name.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 15.1.1660 (Sunday 15 January 1660) document 70012200 Jan: 15: God good to us in our outward mercies, his answer of prayer in the welfare of my son is a providence greatly affects my heart, the season very vehemently cold, this hard weather has continued from Novemb: 11. until now which is above 9 weeks, and god knows how much longer, snow lying on the ground all this time, and sometimes very deep, god good to me this day in the word, my heart very sensible of gods goodness in the present moderation of men in public place. General Monck is coming up to London, we shall see to what intent, god remember his in mercy and all shall be well.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 8.1.1660 (Sunday 8 January 1660) document 70012195 Jan: 8. God good in his mercies to me and mine for which my soul blesses him. things in the nation quiet, the soldiers submitting to the Parliament. oh that my heart in a submitting frame to god, a very great general snow, god good to me in the word, warm my heart by it, I humbly entreat thee.
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 6.1.1660 (Friday 6 January 1660) document 70012190 6. Country full of Reports. that the secluded members arm to enforce their admission, the city for a full and free Parliament. Lambert marching in haste to London, lord we are yours, save us
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 4.1.1660 (Wednesday 4 January 1660) document 70012185 4. preached at Wakes. Mr H. told me a sad story - the use I make of it, seeing people will lie when there is none or little cause to take heed of giving occasion by doing evil, and not to report a report, men are so vile in slanders
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection) 1.1.1660 (Sunday 1 January 1660) document 70012180 January: 1: This week past god good to me and mine in many outward mercies the season frosty and so has continued now nearly 7 weeks. but the hardness of our hearts insensibleness of sin, and regardlessness of god are Englands miseries(,) this day god was good to me in the word, his love in his sons blood was very sweet to me.
"From thence home again, and my wife was very unwilling to let me go forth, but with some discontent would go out if I did, ..."
Sam has all the fun. He looks at lions, and visits and lunches with interesting people. Elizabeth and Jane stay home in their cold rooms, trying to keep the place clean in a cold wet dark January.
The note doesn't specify that he told Elizabeth he was going to see Mrs. Jem. so she probably was (a) bored, and (2) suspicious. What did he do at night in those inns??? So she followed him to find out. Good for her!
Comments
Second Reading
About Sunday 1 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
The good Rev. Ralph wrote his occasional diary for decades, and they are available on line. He was very pious, and as you can see he was not overly familiar with punctuation. His observations about the weather, his relationships, the news as it reaches the wilds of Essex, and how it was received by the common man, are illuminating.
Cryssa Bazos has written an article which explains why the good Rev. Ralph's observations during the coming years are important, which I recommend:
https://englishhistoryauthors.blo…...
About Valentine Fage
San Diego Sarah • Link
This page is about the Fyge family. I've cut it down to highlights on the part about Valentine and his immediate family:
Valentine Fyge was an apothecary, and it was through this work he became one of Samuel Pepys’ major sources of information on London politics.
On 5 January 1660 Pepys wrote, I ‘went myself with my lanthorn to Mr. Fage to consult concerning my nose, who told me it was nothing but cold; and after that, we did discourse concerning public business, and he told me that it is true the City hath not time enough to do much, but they are resolved to shake off the soldier[s]; and that unless there be a free Parliament chosen, he doth believe there are half the Common Council will not levy any money by order of this Parliament.’
On 5 December 1659 there had been an Apprentices’ Riot which agitated for a free parliament, and as result soldiers had occupied the City of London ever since.
The two men knew each other because Valentine Fage was Common-Councilman for the ward Farringdon Without where Pepys’ father lived.
The Fyge family originated in North Buckinghamshire. Valentine’s father was Peter Fyge of Winslow, and his mother was Elizabeth Edmondson, the daughter of the Rev. Richard Edmondson of Shenley. The Fyges were a notable family in Winslow. When Sir John Fortescue acquired the Manor in the village, he started a survey in 1600 to find out what he owned. There are three entries concerning the Fyge family:
We know of none that hold any estate of this Manor by indenture for life, or lives, or term of years from the Lord, but only Peter Ffige, who holdeth the Mote Hall in Winselowe. ...
So we can deduce that they were fairly well-to-do.
Valentine was born in the early 1600s because in 1618 he became an apprentice apothecary to William Noke in London. In 1626 he married Margaret Blake of Christ Church. He was obviously successful, and achieved standing in his local community.
As well as being a Common-Councilman for Farringdon Without twice, in 1660 and 1662, he was also a Ruling Elder of the 5th Classis of London Province from November 1655 to August 1660, and Member of the Grand Committee of the Provincial Assembly in 1655.
Valentine Fyge’s son, Thomas, followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1649 he was apprenticed to the apothecaries, becoming the servant of Nicholas Brett of Bishopsgate in 1661, and Master of the Society of Apothecaries in 1690. He was a Common-Councilman for Bishopsgate Without from 1681 to 1683, and again from 1688 to 1696, and Deputy Alderman from 1699 to 1705. He married Mary, the daughter of the Rev. Josia Beacham of Seaton, Rutland, and the family lived at the sign of the “Sugar Loaf” in a busy commercial area in Bishopsgate. He received his physician’s certificate in December 1661. He died in March 1705 leaving an estate worth £9,279.
For more info about the family, see https://klukey2.wordpress.com/201…
About Sunday 25 March 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
25.3.1660, 26.3.1660, 27.3.1660, 29.3.1660, 3.4.1660, 7.4.1660, 10.4.1660 (Sunday 25 March 1660)
document 70012380
- 25. I preached twice, the minister desirous to leave all his work on me, and I very ready. god moved and startled people. they said those sermons would not be forgotten, god grant they be practised;
26: 27. we had but one Tenant with us, riding out into the meadow by Severn(,) Mrs H. resolved to return on Friday seeing there was no business. I prayed her patience and submission to gods will, at night one came to us with whom we could never agree, yet afterwards divers did to our very great satisfaction
29. I preached the Lecture I hope with some success
as also April 1. twice. on Monday we kept the Court, very quietly,
and 3 dispatched our business
and returned to London April 7th.
and so home to Colne April. 10th.
praise to the name of my gracious god where I found all well and safe, for which my soul blesses him.
About Thursday 15 March 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
15.3.1660, 16.3.1660, 18.3.1660, 20.3.1660, 21.3.1660, 24.3.1660 (Thursday 15 March 1660)
document 70012375
Worcester journey.
15. Mrs Harlakenden and I. with her kinswoman and manservant, set out in her fathers coach for Wittam where we came safe, yet our ways excessively dirty. and our coach from London came into our inn before the return of the other, two mercies god afforded us, safety and protection on the road, conveniences and quiet at our inns, whither we came always in good time, no rain to trouble us but one day which I desire to acknowledge as gods great goodness:
16. we dined at Burntwood, that day afforded a providence not to be forgotten of me but esp. of Mrs H. we came early to London, and then to business, all which I dispatched at London not only to our content, but to our delight, but the weather was so stormy, that it was thought our journey was not to be performed.
18: I preached twice dined with the Lord Mayor. lord give a blessing to the word.
20th. a day that lighted my heart in its providence, though I apprehended hazard to me by cold. and I was in great danger at Stow to have been spoiled by the coach, yet god preserved me, and none of us took any considerable cold in the journey: our law trial put off,
21th. we set out for our journey our coachman encouraged by the stage coach for Worcester, we arrived at our journeys end
March. 24th and found all well.
About Tuesday 21 February 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
21.2.1660 (Tuesday 21 February 1660)
document 70012310
21: Heard Yorkshire were up and headed by the Lord Fairfax , declaring for a free parliament, and until then pay no taxes, expecting the like through the nation. secluded members admitted into the house.
About Sunday 19 February 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
19.2.1660 (Sunday 19 February 1660)
document 70012305
Feb: 19. God good to me and all mine in outward mercies, the lord in mercy accept us delight in us, and do us good, the spring cheerful, my business much, god holds my head and heart I praise him, that I am not overset, god was good to me in the Sabbath, the rest of it a great mercy to my weary body, oh let the word be so to my soul, my heart sucked much comfort out of it for which I bless and praise my god,
I observe a providence. a Man I was hiring one Peakes son, declined me to go to a Quaker I know not his motives, there he fell sick of the smallpox, and his mother keep[ing] him came home and died, the lord watch over me and mine for good.
About Tuesday 14 February 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
14.2.1660 (Tuesday 14 February 1660)
document 70012290
14: Wm Brand in great misery not able to make water, lord help, heard that Monke had declared for and with the city for a free parliament:
About Sunday 12 February 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
12.2.1660 (Sunday 12 February 1660)
document 70012285
Feb: 12. God good to me and mine in many mercies, yet our healths in Tom , Jane , and An . a little crazed, god sanctify the providence to us all, and remove the stroke that with heart, and life we may praise him. a sweet day, the word very good in mercy to me, the lord affect me with his goodness, a sad and troublesome time at London, the Parliament much displeased with the city, and showing it, the spring rises, god prevent new troubles if it be his pleasure.
About Sunday 5 February 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
5.2.1660 (Sunday 5 February 1660)
document 70012270
Feb: 5. God good to us in outward mercies, lord sanctify my heart, and of my seed(.) I find Mrs H : business crowding much into my thoughts lord provide for her help, this day it eats much into my heart troubling me, it is hard to lay by our molesting thoughts, pressed catechising family instruction on my people, lord do you press it on them for they will not else hear, the thaw is considerable but yet the frost continues in the ground, ice and snow also in many places, a very dark time, sun, seldom appearing
About Saturday 28 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
28.1.1660 (Saturday 28 January 1660)
document 70012250
28: Mr W.H. told me that Kendall went on in his suit against Tom. lord in mercy remember me, and let not mans ill will hurt me. Mr Haynes with us, who is put out of his command, which was Col: Markhams act, I am sorry at this private spleen in our actings.
About Thursday 26 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
26.1.1660 (Thursday 26 January 1660)
document 70012245
Jan: 26: 59: my 43. year complete, and 44: entering.
26: This day I reckon my birthday, I preached at Wakes, church snowy, the way bad, twice I slumped in and was wet, yet I bless god for the sermon a birthday sermon from psal: 119.73, and so do some others, thats a great honour to do good, lord be with me, and bless me in christ Jesus, and command thy favour for my seed. I am yours, I look you should save me
About Wednesday 25 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
25.1.1660 (Wednesday 25 January 1660)
document 70012240
25. This day I spent at Priory in a day of praise to my god at Mr H. desire to whom I spoke something from psalm 50.v.15. and heartily prayed to my god in Christ for him, lord hear and be gracious. When I look back into the world I find nothing but confusions, hopes of a peace between Spain and France, but sad wars in the North, the Swedes bustling as a rod tearing the flesh of the nations, but not advantaging themselves and our poor England unsettled, and her physicians hitherto leading her into deep waters. Cromwells family cast down with scorn to the ground, none of them in command or employment, the nation looking more to Charles Stuart , out of love to themselves not him, the end of these things god only knows, we have had sad confusions in England, the issue god only knows
About Monday 23 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
23.1.1660 (Monday 23 January 1660)
document 70012230
23: began to plough Sprigs marsh , busy in my husbandry, god in mercy prosper my work, and command his blessing on the labour of my hand. heard sister Anna was returned home again. god in mercy make her wise for her own good, and the good of her friends. god gave a merciful answer of prayer in my Jane whose ague I hope has these two days left her.
About Sunday 22 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
22.1.1660 (Sunday 22 January 1660)
document 70012225
Jan: 22 The Lord good to us in many outward mercies, health of my little ones restoring to them, a hope prayer shall be answered for Harris wife , god gave her rest in the day, and a sore appeared, the season cold, the frost is going away, and yet checked with cold and snow, the lord was good to me in his word, the lord make it an abiding savour upon my heart, that I may live to glorify and praise his holy name.
About Sunday 15 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
15.1.1660 (Sunday 15 January 1660)
document 70012200
Jan: 15: God good to us in our outward mercies, his answer of prayer in the welfare of my son is a providence greatly affects my heart, the season very vehemently cold, this hard weather has continued from Novemb: 11. until now which is above 9 weeks, and god knows how much longer, snow lying on the ground all this time, and sometimes very deep, god good to me this day in the word, my heart very sensible of gods goodness in the present moderation of men in public place. General Monck is coming up to London, we shall see to what intent, god remember his in mercy and all shall be well.
About Sunday 8 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
8.1.1660 (Sunday 8 January 1660)
document 70012195
Jan: 8. God good in his mercies to me and mine for which my soul blesses him. things in the nation quiet, the soldiers submitting to the Parliament. oh that my heart in a submitting frame to god, a very great general snow, god good to me in the word, warm my heart by it, I humbly entreat thee.
About Friday 6 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
6.1.1660 (Friday 6 January 1660)
document 70012190
6. Country full of Reports. that the secluded members arm to enforce their admission, the city for a full and free Parliament. Lambert marching in haste to London, lord we are yours, save us
About Wednesday 4 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
4.1.1660 (Wednesday 4 January 1660)
document 70012185
4. preached at Wakes. Mr H. told me a sad story - the use I make of it, seeing people will lie when there is none or little cause to take heed of giving occasion by doing evil, and not to report a report, men are so vile in slanders
About Sunday 1 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
Diary of Ralph Josselin (Private Collection)
1.1.1660 (Sunday 1 January 1660)
document 70012180
January: 1: This week past god good to me and mine in many outward mercies the season frosty and so has continued now nearly 7 weeks. but the hardness of our hearts insensibleness of sin, and regardlessness of god are Englands miseries(,) this day god was good to me in the word, his love in his sons blood was very sweet to me.
About Friday 13 January 1659/60
San Diego Sarah • Link
"From thence home again, and my wife was very unwilling to let me go forth, but with some discontent would go out if I did, ..."
Sam has all the fun. He looks at lions, and visits and lunches with interesting people. Elizabeth and Jane stay home in their cold rooms, trying to keep the place clean in a cold wet dark January.
The note doesn't specify that he told Elizabeth he was going to see Mrs. Jem. so she probably was (a) bored, and (2) suspicious. What did he do at night in those inns??? So she followed him to find out. Good for her!