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or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at into History.com. It's fall 1802 at Many Down Park, a manor house in Hampshire, England.

27 year old Jane Austin creeps down the stairs. She's walking

quietly trying not to make too much noise because right now she can't bear to face the other

inhabitants of the house. A few days ago, Jane arrived at

many Down Park to visit with her friends, Catherine and Aleithia Big. But the

big sisters weren't the only members of the family at home during Jane's stay.

Their 21-year-old brother, Harris Big Wither, was there too, and he became infatuated with Jane's

quick wit and inquiring mind.

Last night, Harris surprised Jane by proposing marriage, and she accepted.

But after lying awake all night with worry,

Jane came to regret her decision, and at breakfast breakfast this morning she went back on her

promise. Now she's desperate to escape many down park and the awkward

atmosphere she's created. When she reaches the bottom of the stairs, Jane opens the front door and peaks outside.

The carriage is waiting for her on the wide path,

and Jane wraps her coat tight around her and rushes from the house.

She steps up and takes a seat on the carriage

nodding her thanks to the driver. And with a gentle lurch, the carriage moves off.

Jane takes one last look back at Many Down Park as it recedes from view, knowing

that her last prospect of marriage is disappearing with it. Word will soon

...