Three pink stepping stones cross a shallow blue bowl of water beneath a small white paper bird. — Original artwork

A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.

Jane Austen

A long ribbon of blank blue paper curling out of a green glass inkwell. — Original artwork

A person who can write a long letter with ease, cannot write ill.

Jane Austen

Two different empty teacups leaning toward each other on a pale green surface. — Original artwork

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?

Jane Austen

Ladies in Regency gowns gather by a pillar at a candlelit country ball, eyeing a tall gentleman in a dark coat. — Original artwork

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

Jane Austen

A cracked pale ceramic bowl filled with still water rests on a small stone shelf in soft light. — Original artwork

Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied.

Jane Austen

A plain grey linen sack with a bright peacock feather sticking out of the top, against a soft grey background. — Original artwork

Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.

Jane Austen

An ivory lace fan with a small brass fishhook tucked in its folds on a sage green satin cushion. — Original artwork

Undoubtedly ... there is a meanness in all the arts which ladies sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. What bears affinity to cunning is despicable.

Jane Austen

A cracked ornate hand mirror leans against old books beside pale cloth and dried flowers. — Original artwork

Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.

Jane Austen

Two interlocked brass rings with frayed thread resting on red ribbon and green cloth. — Original artwork

Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women of small for tune, and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest preservative from want.

Jane Austen

Two floral teacups lean toward each other, their handles joined by a thin gold thread on pink cloth. — Original artwork

You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.

Jane Austen