Jane Austen Books

My momma recently purchased a copy of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen for me. You can imagine what happened. She brought it home for me, placed it in my hands, and I fell over.... Okay, maybe I didn't fall over. But I was overjoyed.
This copy is actually an annotated copy, so the story is on the left hand page, and notes and pictures are on the right hand page. I've learned that twelve pence make a shilling, and twenty shillings make a pound! I've seen a picture of a barouche, which I would never have known what it looked like otherwise. If you're wondering, Edward Ferrars' mom wishes him to drive a barouche in the book. It's like a fancy carriage.
I just love Jane Austen books! (Okay Rebekah, if you read this... I know we are in a battle over whose better: Jane Austen or Charles Dickens, and I know you're winning with Jane Austen. I'll give you the fact that Jane Austen is awesome, but against Charles Dickens...)
I enjoy reading Jane Austen books while sipping tea. Good  'ole English breakfast black tea with some sugar and milk, served in a teacup, from a teapot, with a saucer and tea cookies (buscuits). Yes, it sounds rather extravagant. But if I have time I do go through the entire proper teapot process. Boiling water into the pot, for the pot. Swish water around and empty pot. Add one scoop looseleaf tea for each person drinking, and then one scoop for the pot. Add boiling water. Let brew. And one cup of fabulous tea awaits, even better with a friend!
I think I just love the culture of the Jane Austen books. Nineteenth century England, the vast countryside, the gossipy women whom the heroine sees right through, the drama which is always sorted out in the end, the lovely settings, the houses, the characters (Mr. Darcy)... I love all of it! I even love the language. (The words like felicity and mirth and Avignon!)
So go get a Jane Austen book! I hope you enjoy it. I know I do.