We have some fine young ladies here, brother, I think some of the most refined and accomplished that I ever met with; and they appear very solicitous to render us happy and contented in our new situation. The young gentlemen have not been slow in their attentions. We have had cards and compliments in profusion, to attend dancing schools, balls, and parties. Of the latter we have attended a number, and were highly gratified with the proceedings. Balls and dancing schools we have not frequented. Three young gentlemen, of the first rank, called upon us last evening. . . . With all this I am well pleased, and if our buildings and furniture were a little more splendid, and we had a chaise, I think we could appear to much better advantage; but it is extremely mortifying, to my pride, to push off to meeting in a waggon . . . but here is one, that will stay at home, rather than ride in such style.2
The wagon was evidently a great cross for all the girls, and George was urged to write their father and persuade him to buy a chaise in which they could ride up to meeting like young ladies of fashion.3 Mark remained obdurate to George’s championship, but eventually increasing prosperity induced him to buy not merely a chaise but a carriage.
Social life proceeded apace. When young gentlemen callers arrived to visit the girls, Mark would step to the door and say, “Let all conversation and pleasure be in harmony with the will of God,”4 but after the temporary shock occasioned by this injunction the evening would develop with the proper blend of hilarity and decorum. Martha even succeeded in going to a Fourth of July ball. “A splendid one too,” Abbie reported to George, then added, “I suppose she would not have gone if she had asked consent; but she went without leave or license.”5
All in all, the move to Sanbornton was a great success. In August Albert was able to tell George that Mary’s health had permitted her to ● ● ●
3 The youngest Baker joined in the plea, although it is evident she did not feel the real social humiliation of her older sisters. [Mary Baker to George Sullivan Baker, 2 May 1836, 1919.001.0005, LMC.]
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