self-drawn sketch of edward williams
after john johnson left on voyage in may 1817 jane decided leave him edward ellerker williams, whom may have been introduced john. williams eton college graduate had served in navy before becoming lieutenant in 8th dragoons. edwards had inherited enough money father, military historian , descendant of oliver cromwell, allow them live comfortably. although never legally married, became common-law wife , began referring herself mrs. jane williams. relationship drew disapprobation families, jane s brother , edward s stepmother reproaching them decisions. jane s brother later apologised, , declared johnson vile fellow . edward s stepmother, however, resented jane. though long distance mail moved then, jane , husband exchanged angry letters shortly after left him edward. when john returned london in late 1818, made no attempt force jane return him, although legal right so.
jane , edward decided leave london in 1819 after listening edward s friend thomas medwin discuss travels of europe. travelled geneva in september 1819 , stayed in house medwin had found them. time arrived, jane 4 months pregnant. in february 1820, gave birth first child, edward medwin williams. summer, jane became pregnant again. medwin left geneva in september 1820 visit cousin, percy shelley, in pisa. jane , edward travelled france several months, before joining medwin , shelleys in pisa in january 1821.
in italy
jane , edward enjoyed living in italy , got along percy , mary shelley. medwin left them travel rome. second child, jane rosalind, born in march 1821. while lived in pisa shelleys , williamses dined , went walks together. edward , percy shelley became close friends , went boating, though practice made wives nervous. percy shelley read poetry edward, impressed quality. shelley encouraged edward begin writing play himself.
that summer, both couples moved nearby summer homes. in november, returned pisa , met lord byron, had arrived there himself. 2 couples later shared house in remote location near lerici, visited in 1822 edward john trelawny. though enjoyed each other s company, house small , arrangements led numerous conflicts between servants of each family.
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