I heard last week from Blair Rogers, a descendant of Harris Bigg-Wither. (Harris was a close family friend of the Austens. He proposed one night when Jane and Cassandra were visiting. She accepted, then apparently stayed up much of the night reconsidering, and withdrew her consent in the morning.) Blair said...
Personally I'm very pleased that Jane Austen had second thoughts following the proposal in 1802. If she had gone through with it - I would not be here today.
Harris Bigg-Wither is my 4th Great Grandfather and despite being declined our family hold him with respectful thoughts.
I have to say, although this story fascinates me, I think both Jane and Harris would wonder about it being talked about so many years later.
Blair runs a web site with family history info at www.bigg-wither.com.
Comments