In the Navy: The 10th Annual Jane Austen Festival celebrates Persuasion and a particular little brother

With Patrick Stokes, direct descendant of Charles Austen, Jane's own particular little brother

In Louisville, Kentucky, at the site of the historic Locust Grove, there's a new brand of "village people" (of Mertyon),  who pay homage to those who serve "In the  Navy".  This year, the Jane Austen Festival put the spotlight on  the Georgian Royal Navy,  notable in the author's last novel,  "Persuasion", with keynote speaker, Patrick Stokes, a direct descendant of Charles Austen, who Jane once referred to as her "own particular little brother".

The Jane Austen Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has grown and become increasing more efficient!

The Jane Austen Festival also celebrated two special anniversaries this year:  the 200th anniversary of the novel, Persuasion and the 10th anniversary of the Festival itself.

My daughter, Rachel, and I have been attending the JA Festival almost every year since 2009, it's second year in the making. (We missed 2011 as we were in Chawton, England, visiting the Jane Austen house - so still doing right by Jane!). Each year, we've seen the event grow and get impressively more efficient. Starting with 660 guests in 2008, last year's attendance exceeded 2,400! 

Mertyon Village is filled with merchants and a most handsome congregation of military men strolling about

The "Shoppes of Meryton" have expanded as well, with an array of merchants selling gowns and bonnets as well as a most handsome congregation of Regency-era military men strolling about, bringing the Pride and Prejudice village to life on the grounds of Locust Grove.

With all the expansion, we were happy to see our special favorites back this year, including Afternoon Tea in the Visitors Center, Bingley's Teas' retail shop and Mattie, the sweet. 22-year old pony, that carries folks about in a small cart and will be your best friend for a handful of clover.

Rachel feeds Mattie a handful of clover

But, this year's highlight, was Patrick Stokes, who discussed the Royal Navy at the time of Jane Austen. Dressed in a replica navy uniform that would have been worn by an officer in Jane Austen's time, Patrick Stokes informed us of the successful strategies of the Royal Navy and how one could advance through the ranks to become Admiral. Achieving the latter may not necessarily have come from winning battles, but outliving those who were one's superiors.

Waiting for keynote speaker, Patrick Stokes, (in the background) to begin!

Although connections were helpful in military appointments, those of lesser status in society could achieve high-ranking positions, providing admiration among peers and skeptical condescension by aristocrats.

Patrick Stokes under the picture of  his ancestor, Charles Austen

Patrick Stokes ended his talk with a dramatic reading from the most famous correspondence of Persuasion, Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne Elliot. Wentworth, the successful, self-made Navy officer was once engaged to Anne. Due to influences of her society, she broke their engagement due to his inferior class.

 *Spoiler Alert*:  Anne regrets this decision and, in Wentworth's letter, she rejoices in his still present love for her, as she reads she has"pierced his sole". Oh, my, bring out the handkerchiefs.

Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth see happy endings

After  that climactic end, we did a turn about the grounds and stopped to compose and repose at the Dining Pavilion tent. Here, Rachel, her adorable Pride and Prejudice purse, and I took a much-needed break.

Rachel with her Pride and Prejudice purse

Another awesome time at the Austen Festival, but with just one slight twist. This year, we stopped on the way back home to visit my own particular sister (in-law), Cara. She and her family just moved from Denver to southern Ohio and we were able to take in a tea and talk of our own before heading back to Detroit. Next year, we'll be bringing someone new to the Festival with us and we can't wait!

With our own particular sister and aunt, and new JA Festival attendee in 2019!