The times in Jane Austen’s novels which deal with an ‘express’ in this context show that often express = the person hired as messenger. In each occurrence the word ‘messenger’ could be used as a replacement. And in some the word is specifically separated from the item being delivered and can only mean the messenger and not the message. In one, especially, the express (i.e. the messenger) is called ‘he’.
A dictionary of her time (Johnson’s 1785 edition) defines the noun ‘express’ as “A messenger sent on purpose”. It also gives, as a secondary definition, “The message sent.”
It seems Jane Austen might have used it both ways, but always that the message was delivered by a privately hired courier of some sort. ‘Express’ wasn’t a service offered or performed by the official mail, so in your story you could have the arrangement take place on Sunday or any other day of the week. Sunday travel wasn’t illegal or banned, though it might have been frowned on. Many did it. People were understanding of mitigating circumstances too. And, too, the express could be hired to deliver the item he was charged with right to your door at any hour of the day, which wouldn't be the case with mail, especially in the country.
Here are the mentions of an ‘express’ in the novels. Messenger could be used instead in all of them, but letter could not in all of them. It appears that sometimes it stood for the message he delivered and sometimes for the messenger himslef. (Since I looked them all up, I might as well share.)
From Pride and Prejudice:
From Mansfield Park:
From Emma:
A dictionary of her time (Johnson’s 1785 edition) defines the noun ‘express’ as “A messenger sent on purpose”. It also gives, as a secondary definition, “The message sent.”
It seems Jane Austen might have used it both ways, but always that the message was delivered by a privately hired courier of some sort. ‘Express’ wasn’t a service offered or performed by the official mail, so in your story you could have the arrangement take place on Sunday or any other day of the week. Sunday travel wasn’t illegal or banned, though it might have been frowned on. Many did it. People were understanding of mitigating circumstances too. And, too, the express could be hired to deliver the item he was charged with right to your door at any hour of the day, which wouldn't be the case with mail, especially in the country.
Here are the mentions of an ‘express’ in the novels. Messenger could be used instead in all of them, but letter could not in all of them. It appears that sometimes it stood for the message he delivered and sometimes for the messenger himslef. (Since I looked them all up, I might as well share.)
From Pride and Prejudice:
That is, recommended sending a messenger to town.Quote
Bingley urged Mr. Jones's being sent for immediately; while his sisters, convinced that no country advice could be of any service, recommended an express to town for one of the most eminent physicians
That is, a messenger came, sent by Colonel Forster to bring them the information.Quote
An express came at twelve last night, just as we were all gone to bed, from Colonel Forster, to inform us that she was gone off to Scotland with one of his officers
That is, the messenger was sent off.Quote
They were off Saturday night about twelve, as is conjectured, but were not missed till yesterday morning at eight. The express was sent off directly.
That is, not many hours after the messenger.Quote
Colonel Forster came yesterday, having left Brighton the day before, not many hours after the express.
That is, a messenger is come. She even calls him HE. (Note too that Mr. Bennet has received a letter, not an express).Quote
"Dear madam," cried Mrs. Hill, in great astonishment, "don't you know there is an express come for master from Mr. Gardiner? He has been here this half-hour, and master has had a letter."
That is, from him by messenger. {Note he says he has had a letter, not that he received an express. It was a letter brought by a messenger.)Quote
"Oh, papa, what news -- what news? Have you heard from my uncle?"
"Yes, I have had a letter from him by express."
That is, by messenger. (Mr. Gardiner’s letter to Mr, Bennet.)Quote
I shall send this by express, that no time may be lost in bringing me your answer.
That is, the messenger was sent off. (Mrs. Gardiner’s letter to Elizabeth)Quote
It was not all settled before Monday: as soon as it was, the express was sent off to Longbourn.
From Mansfield Park:
That is, the notice came by messenger.Quote
This was a great deal better than to have to take up the pen to acquaint her with all the particulars of the Grants' intended journey, for the present intelligence was of a nature to promise occupation for the pen for many days to come, being no less than the dangerous illness of her eldest son, of which they had received notice by express a few hours before.
That is, send by messenger from the same friend. (Once again the letter is mentioned specifically and separately.)Quote
Sir Thomas was preparing to act upon this letter, without communicating its contents to any creature at Mansfield, when it was followed by another, sent express from the same friend, to break to him the almost desperate situation in which affairs then stood with the young people.
From Emma:
That is, a messenger arrived.Quote
The following day brought news from Richmond to throw every thing else into the background. An express arrived at Randalls to announce the death of Mrs. Churchill!