The Thief in the Bonnet

On Thursday the ninth of September, at half past two, the train left London Paddington. Daniel had a window seat, a coffee and a sandwich, and he felt very happy. It was his first holiday since he became the Linden's assistant manager.

— The journey takes about an hour and a half, said Priya. So we've got time for work.

— I'm on holiday, said Daniel.

— You're my assistant. That's different.

— Your unpaid assistant.

— My favourite assistant, said Priya. Listen. This is episode one of Strange Britain, and I'm calling it "The city that dresses up".

Every September, she explained, Bath had a festival for Jane Austen. The writer had lived in the city for five years, more than two hundred years ago. During the festival, people came from all over the world and wore the costumes of Jane Austen's time. Long dresses, gloves, bonnets, tall hats.

— On Saturday there's a big walk through the city, with more than a thousand people in costume, said Priya. I want all of it. The music, the dresses, the shoes on the old stones.

— And where are we sleeping?

— Mr Patel's sister has a guest house. She's going to meet us at the station.

Priya looked at her phone, and her eyes opened wide.

— Daniel. Look at this.

It was a news story from Bath. Local bookseller finds unknown letter by Jane Austen.