Aunt Branwell's £50 a year was very much her own private money, so when, in 1841, Charlotte ventured to ask if Aunt Branwell might support Emily, Anne and herself in a venture to open their own school, Charlotte was pleasantly surprised when her aunt offered her £150. This venture never got off the ground, but Aunt Branwell was again forthcoming with funds the following year when Charlotte and Emily went to extend their education at the Pensionnat Heger in Brussels.
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There are obvious differences between the Charlotte's and Emily's experiences in Brussels. Charlotte was intrigued by the city, fell in love and after a brief return to Haworth came back to Brussels as a teacher at the Pensionnat Heger. Back in England, she based the plot for two of her four novels on events in Brussels, whilst elements of the other two were apparently inspired by her time in the city. Emily on the other hand left as soon as she had chance and never seems to refer to time spent away from Yorkshire in her work.
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At the Pensionnat Heger they studied French, German, music, singing, writing, arithmetic, and drawing. Charlotte wrote of Emily that she “works like a horse” (letter to EN May 1842) and “is making rapid progress in French, German, Music and Drawing — Monsieur & Madame Heger [who ran the school] begin to recognize the valuable points of her character under her singularities.” (letter to EN July 1842).
http://brontesisterslinks.tripod.com/Brussels.pdf
the brussels bronte group.
I've not seen these two images of the Pensionnat before...they're wonderful! If only it was still here with us today. I still feel shocked every time I think of the whole of the Rue d' Isabelle being completely destroyed. Thank goodness for these images and Charlotte's remembrances, the place meant so much to her.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenxo J~
Thank you for your lovely comment Geri! I would love to try some of your baking! :)