Edward Knight's Family
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John Morland Rice continued.
... fields to Botolph, a tiny Church attended by a handful of labourers. There Mrs. Rice played a small harmonium, and her husband was able to say a few homely words to the small congregation.
As regards their social life both Mr. and Mrs. Rice thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They kept a carriage and pair in which they drove about the County, were entertained, and themselves gave delightful little parties. Morland remained all his life a brilliant conversationalist, a most agreeable companion and an excellent host.
Over his drawing-room mantelpiece hung in the portrait of Jane Austen by Zoffany – it was his great pride. Often did he relate the story of how Dr. Newman of Magdalen used to say to him, "you ought to possess the portrait of your great Aunt, I shall leave it to you." He had never the slightest doubt as to its authenticity, nor to the fact that Zoffany was the painter, to mar his joy in its possession. On his death it passed to his brother, Admiral Ernest Rice, and upon the Admiral's daughter, Lady Northbourne, inheriting it, she gave the portrait to her cousin, Henry Rice of Dane Court, that it might remain in the custody of the Rice family.
Morland Rice was well acquainted with all Jane Austen's novels, though he was not wont to dilate upon them as were her sisters.
Therein we may leave him, much loved by the nieces who were his constant visitors, especially in his old age after ...
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