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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 946 ***
+
+
+
+
+LADY SUSAN
+
+by Jane Austen
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+ I
+ II
+ III
+ IV
+ V
+ VI
+ VII
+ VIII
+ IX
+ X
+ XI
+ XII
+ XIII
+ XIV
+ XV
+ XVI
+ XVII
+ XVIII
+ XIX
+ XX
+ XXI
+ XXII
+ XXIII
+ XXIV
+ XXV
+ XXVI
+ XXVII
+ XXVIII
+ XXIX
+ XXX
+ XXXI
+ XXXII
+ XXXIII
+ XXXIV
+ XXXV
+ XXXVI
+ XXXVII
+ XXXVIII
+ XXXIX
+ XL
+ XLI
+ CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+
+_Lady Susan Vernon to Mr. Vernon._
+
+
+Langford, Dec.
+
+
+MY DEAR BROTHER,—I can no longer refuse myself the pleasure of
+profiting by your kind invitation when we last parted of spending some
+weeks with you at Churchhill, and, therefore, if quite convenient to
+you and Mrs. Vernon to receive me at present, I shall hope within a few
+days to be introduced to a sister whom I have so long desired to be
+acquainted with. My kind friends here are most affectionately urgent
+with me to prolong my stay, but their hospitable and cheerful
+dispositions lead them too much into society for my present situation
+and state of mind; and I impatiently look forward to the hour when I
+shall be admitted into your delightful retirement.
+
+I long to be made known to your dear little children, in whose hearts I
+shall be very eager to secure an interest. I shall soon have need for
+all my fortitude, as I am on the point of separation from my own
+daughter. The long illness of her dear father prevented my paying her
+that attention which duty and affection equally dictated, and I have
+too much reason to fear that the governess to whose care I consigned
+her was unequal to the charge. I have therefore resolved on placing her
+at one of the best private schools in town, where I shall have an
+opportunity of leaving her myself in my way to you. I am determined,
+you see, not to be denied admittance at Churchhill. It would indeed
+give me most painful sensations to know that it were not in your power
+to receive me.
+
+Your most obliged and affectionate sister,
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+
+_Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Langford.
+
+
+You were mistaken, my dear Alicia, in supposing me fixed at this place
+for the rest of the winter: it grieves me to say how greatly you were
+mistaken, for I have seldom spent three months more agreeably than
+those which have just flown away. At present, nothing goes smoothly;
+the females of the family are united against me. You foretold how it
+would be when I first came to Langford, and Mainwaring is so uncommonly
+pleasing that I was not without apprehensions for myself. I remember
+saying to myself, as I drove to the house, “I like this man, pray
+Heaven no harm come of it!” But I was determined to be discreet, to
+bear in mind my being only four months a widow, and to be as quiet as
+possible: and I have been so, my dear creature; I have admitted no
+one’s attentions but Mainwaring’s. I have avoided all general
+flirtation whatever; I have distinguished no creature besides, of all
+the numbers resorting hither, except Sir James Martin, on whom I
+bestowed a little notice, in order to detach him from Miss Mainwaring;
+but, if the world could know my motive _there_ they would honour me. I
+have been called an unkind mother, but it was the sacred impulse of
+maternal affection, it was the advantage of my daughter that led me on;
+and if that daughter were not the greatest simpleton on earth, I might
+have been rewarded for my exertions as I ought.
+
+Sir James did make proposals to me for Frederica; but Frederica, who
+was born to be the torment of my life, chose to set herself so
+violently against the match that I thought it better to lay aside the
+scheme for the present. I have more than once repented that I did not
+marry him myself; and were he but one degree less contemptibly weak I
+certainly should: but I must own myself rather romantic in that
+respect, and that riches only will not satisfy me. The event of all
+this is very provoking: Sir James is gone, Maria highly incensed, and
+Mrs. Mainwaring insupportably jealous; so jealous, in short, and so
+enraged against me, that, in the fury of her temper, I should not be
+surprized at her appealing to her guardian, if she had the liberty of
+addressing him: but there your husband stands my friend; and the
+kindest, most amiable action of his life was his throwing her off for
+ever on her marriage. Keep up his resentment, therefore, I charge you.
+We are now in a sad state; no house was ever more altered; the whole
+party are at war, and Mainwaring scarcely dares speak to me. It is time
+for me to be gone; I have therefore determined on leaving them, and
+shall spend, I hope, a comfortable day with you in town within this
+week. If I am as little in favour with Mr. Johnson as ever, you must
+come to me at 10 Wigmore street; but I hope this may not be the case,
+for as Mr. Johnson, with all his faults, is a man to whom that great
+word “respectable” is always given, and I am known to be so intimate
+with his wife, his slighting me has an awkward look.
+
+I take London in my way to that insupportable spot, a country village;
+for I am really going to Churchhill. Forgive me, my dear friend, it is
+my last resource. Were there another place in England open to me I
+would prefer it. Charles Vernon is my aversion; and I am afraid of his
+wife. At Churchhill, however, I must remain till I have something
+better in view. My young lady accompanies me to town, where I shall
+deposit her under the care of Miss Summers, in Wigmore street, till she
+becomes a little more reasonable. She will made good connections there,
+as the girls are all of the best families. The price is immense, and
+much beyond what I can ever attempt to pay.
+
+Adieu, I will send you a line as soon as I arrive in town.
+
+Yours ever,
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+My dear Mother,—I am very sorry to tell you that it will not be in our
+power to keep our promise of spending our Christmas with you; and we
+are prevented that happiness by a circumstance which is not likely to
+make us any amends. Lady Susan, in a letter to her brother-in-law, has
+declared her intention of visiting us almost immediately; and as such a
+visit is in all probability merely an affair of convenience, it is
+impossible to conjecture its length. I was by no means prepared for
+such an event, nor can I now account for her ladyship’s conduct;
+Langford appeared so exactly the place for her in every respect, as
+well from the elegant and expensive style of living there, as from her
+particular attachment to Mr. Mainwaring, that I was very far from
+expecting so speedy a distinction, though I always imagined from her
+increasing friendship for us since her husband’s death that we should,
+at some future period, be obliged to receive her. Mr. Vernon, I think,
+was a great deal too kind to her when he was in Staffordshire; her
+behaviour to him, independent of her general character, has been so
+inexcusably artful and ungenerous since our marriage was first in
+agitation that no one less amiable and mild than himself could have
+overlooked it all; and though, as his brother’s widow, and in narrow
+circumstances, it was proper to render her pecuniary assistance, I
+cannot help thinking his pressing invitation to her to visit us at
+Churchhill perfectly unnecessary. Disposed, however, as he always is to
+think the best of everyone, her display of grief, and professions of
+regret, and general resolutions of prudence, were sufficient to soften
+his heart and make him really confide in her sincerity; but, as for
+myself, I am still unconvinced, and plausibly as her ladyship has now
+written, I cannot make up my mind till I better understand her real
+meaning in coming to us. You may guess, therefore, my dear madam, with
+what feelings I look forward to her arrival. She will have occasion for
+all those attractive powers for which she is celebrated to gain any
+share of my regard; and I shall certainly endeavour to guard myself
+against their influence, if not accompanied by something more
+substantial. She expresses a most eager desire of being acquainted with
+me, and makes very gracious mention of my children but I am not quite
+weak enough to suppose a woman who has behaved with inattention, if not
+with unkindness, to her own child, should be attached to any of mine.
+Miss Vernon is to be placed at a school in London before her mother
+comes to us which I am glad of, for her sake and my own. It must be to
+her advantage to be separated from her mother, and a girl of sixteen
+who has received so wretched an education, could not be a very
+desirable companion here. Reginald has long wished, I know, to see the
+captivating Lady Susan, and we shall depend on his joining our party
+soon. I am glad to hear that my father continues so well; and am, with
+best love, &c.,
+
+CATHERINE VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+
+_Mr. De Courcy to Mrs. Vernon._
+
+
+Parklands.
+
+
+My dear Sister,—I congratulate you and Mr. Vernon on being about to
+receive into your family the most accomplished coquette in England. As
+a very distinguished flirt I have always been taught to consider her,
+but it has lately fallen in my way to hear some particulars of her
+conduct at Langford: which prove that she does not confine herself to
+that sort of honest flirtation which satisfies most people, but aspires
+to the more delicious gratification of making a whole family miserable.
+By her behaviour to Mr. Mainwaring she gave jealousy and wretchedness
+to his wife, and by her attentions to a young man previously attached
+to Mr. Mainwaring’s sister deprived an amiable girl of her lover.
+
+I learnt all this from Mr. Smith, now in this neighbourhood (I have
+dined with him, at Hurst and Wilford), who is just come from Langford
+where he was a fortnight with her ladyship, and who is therefore well
+qualified to make the communication.
+
+What a woman she must be! I long to see her, and shall certainly accept
+your kind invitation, that I may form some idea of those bewitching
+powers which can do so much—engaging at the same time, and in the same
+house, the affections of two men, who were neither of them at liberty
+to bestow them—and all this without the charm of youth! I am glad to
+find Miss Vernon does not accompany her mother to Churchhill, as she
+has not even manners to recommend her; and, according to Mr. Smith’s
+account, is equally dull and proud. Where pride and stupidity unite
+there can be no dissimulation worthy notice, and Miss Vernon shall be
+consigned to unrelenting contempt; but by all that I can gather Lady
+Susan possesses a degree of captivating deceit which it must be
+pleasing to witness and detect. I shall be with you very soon, and am
+ever,
+
+Your affectionate brother,
+R. DE COURCY.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+
+_Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+I received your note, my dear Alicia, just before I left town, and
+rejoice to be assured that Mr. Johnson suspected nothing of your
+engagement the evening before. It is undoubtedly better to deceive him
+entirely, and since he will be stubborn he must be tricked. I arrived
+here in safety, and have no reason to complain of my reception from Mr.
+Vernon; but I confess myself not equally satisfied with the behaviour
+of his lady. She is perfectly well-bred, indeed, and has the air of a
+woman of fashion, but her manners are not such as can persuade me of
+her being prepossessed in my favour. I wanted her to be delighted at
+seeing me. I was as amiable as possible on the occasion, but all in
+vain. She does not like me. To be sure, when we consider that I _did_
+take some pains to prevent my brother-in-law’s marrying her, this want
+of cordiality is not very surprizing, and yet it shows an illiberal and
+vindictive spirit to resent a project which influenced me six years
+ago, and which never succeeded at last.
+
+I am sometimes disposed to repent that I did not let Charles buy Vernon
+Castle, when we were obliged to sell it; but it was a trying
+circumstance, especially as the sale took place exactly at the time of
+his marriage; and everybody ought to respect the delicacy of those
+feelings which could not endure that my husband’s dignity should be
+lessened by his younger brother’s having possession of the family
+estate. Could matters have been so arranged as to prevent the necessity
+of our leaving the castle, could we have lived with Charles and kept
+him single, I should have been very far from persuading my husband to
+dispose of it elsewhere; but Charles was on the point of marrying Miss
+De Courcy, and the event has justified me. Here are children in
+abundance, and what benefit could have accrued to me from his
+purchasing Vernon? My having prevented it may perhaps have given his
+wife an unfavourable impression, but where there is a disposition to
+dislike, a motive will never be wanting; and as to money matters it has
+not withheld him from being very useful to me. I really have a regard
+for him, he is so easily imposed upon! The house is a good one, the
+furniture fashionable, and everything announces plenty and elegance.
+Charles is very rich I am sure; when a man has once got his name in a
+banking-house he rolls in money; but they do not know what to do with
+it, keep very little company, and never go to London but on business.
+We shall be as stupid as possible. I mean to win my sister-in-law’s
+heart through the children; I know all their names already, and am
+going to attach myself with the greatest sensibility to one in
+particular, a young Frederic, whom I take on my lap and sigh over for
+his dear uncle’s sake.
+
+Poor Mainwaring! I need not tell you how much I miss him, how
+perpetually he is in my thoughts. I found a dismal letter from him on
+my arrival here, full of complaints of his wife and sister, and
+lamentations on the cruelty of his fate. I passed off the letter as his
+wife’s, to the Vernons, and when I write to him it must be under cover
+to you.
+
+Ever yours,
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Mr. De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+Well, my dear Reginald, I have seen this dangerous creature, and must
+give you some description of her, though I hope you will soon be able
+to form your own judgment. She is really excessively pretty; however
+you may choose to question the allurements of a lady no longer young, I
+must, for my own part, declare that I have seldom seen so lovely a
+woman as Lady Susan. She is delicately fair, with fine grey eyes and
+dark eyelashes; and from her appearance one would not suppose her more
+than five and twenty, though she must in fact be ten years older. I was
+certainly not disposed to admire her, though always hearing she was
+beautiful; but I cannot help feeling that she possesses an uncommon
+union of symmetry, brilliancy, and grace. Her address to me was so
+gentle, frank, and even affectionate, that, if I had not known how much
+she has always disliked me for marrying Mr. Vernon, and that we had
+never met before, I should have imagined her an attached friend. One is
+apt, I believe, to connect assurance of manner with coquetry, and to
+expect that an impudent address will naturally attend an impudent mind;
+at least I was myself prepared for an improper degree of confidence in
+Lady Susan; but her countenance is absolutely sweet, and her voice and
+manner winningly mild. I am sorry it is so, for what is this but
+deceit? Unfortunately, one knows her too well. She is clever and
+agreeable, has all that knowledge of the world which makes conversation
+easy, and talks very well, with a happy command of language, which is
+too often used, I believe, to make black appear white. She has already
+almost persuaded me of her being warmly attached to her daughter,
+though I have been so long convinced to the contrary. She speaks of her
+with so much tenderness and anxiety, lamenting so bitterly the neglect
+of her education, which she represents however as wholly unavoidable,
+that I am forced to recollect how many successive springs her ladyship
+spent in town, while her daughter was left in Staffordshire to the care
+of servants, or a governess very little better, to prevent my believing
+what she says.
+
+If her manners have so great an influence on my resentful heart, you
+may judge how much more strongly they operate on Mr. Vernon’s generous
+temper. I wish I could be as well satisfied as he is, that it was
+really her choice to leave Langford for Churchhill; and if she had not
+stayed there for months before she discovered that her friend’s manner
+of living did not suit her situation or feelings, I might have believed
+that concern for the loss of such a husband as Mr. Vernon, to whom her
+own behaviour was far from unexceptionable, might for a time make her
+wish for retirement. But I cannot forget the length of her visit to the
+Mainwarings, and when I reflect on the different mode of life which she
+led with them from that to which she must now submit, I can only
+suppose that the wish of establishing her reputation by following
+though late the path of propriety, occasioned her removal from a family
+where she must in reality have been particularly happy. Your friend Mr.
+Smith’s story, however, cannot be quite correct, as she corresponds
+regularly with Mrs. Mainwaring. At any rate it must be exaggerated. It
+is scarcely possible that two men should be so grossly deceived by her
+at once.
+
+Yours, &c.,
+CATHERINE VERNON
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+
+_Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+My dear Alicia,—You are very good in taking notice of Frederica, and I
+am grateful for it as a mark of your friendship; but as I cannot have
+any doubt of the warmth of your affection, I am far from exacting so
+heavy a sacrifice. She is a stupid girl, and has nothing to recommend
+her. I would not, therefore, on my account, have you encumber one
+moment of your precious time by sending for her to Edward Street,
+especially as every visit is so much deducted from the grand affair of
+education, which I really wish to have attended to while she remains at
+Miss Summers’s. I want her to play and sing with some portion of taste
+and a good deal of assurance, as she has my hand and arm and a
+tolerable voice. I was so much indulged in my infant years that I was
+never obliged to attend to anything, and consequently am without the
+accomplishments which are now necessary to finish a pretty woman. Not
+that I am an advocate for the prevailing fashion of acquiring a perfect
+knowledge of all languages, arts, and sciences. It is throwing time
+away to be mistress of French, Italian, and German: music, singing, and
+drawing, &c., will gain a woman some applause, but will not add one
+lover to her list—grace and manner, after all, are of the greatest
+importance. I do not mean, therefore, that Frederica’s acquirements
+should be more than superficial, and I flatter myself that she will not
+remain long enough at school to understand anything thoroughly. I hope
+to see her the wife of Sir James within a twelvemonth. You know on what
+I ground my hope, and it is certainly a good foundation, for school
+must be very humiliating to a girl of Frederica’s age. And, by-the-by,
+you had better not invite her any more on that account, as I wish her
+to find her situation as unpleasant as possible. I am sure of Sir James
+at any time, and could make him renew his application by a line. I
+shall trouble you meanwhile to prevent his forming any other attachment
+when he comes to town. Ask him to your house occasionally, and talk to
+him of Frederica, that he may not forget her. Upon the whole, I commend
+my own conduct in this affair extremely, and regard it as a very happy
+instance of circumspection and tenderness. Some mothers would have
+insisted on their daughter’s accepting so good an offer on the first
+overture; but I could not reconcile it to myself to force Frederica
+into a marriage from which her heart revolted, and instead of adopting
+so harsh a measure merely propose to make it her own choice, by
+rendering her thoroughly uncomfortable till she does accept him—but
+enough of this tiresome girl. You may well wonder how I contrive to
+pass my time here, and for the first week it was insufferably dull.
+Now, however, we begin to mend, our party is enlarged by Mrs. Vernon’s
+brother, a handsome young man, who promises me some amusement. There is
+something about him which rather interests me, a sort of sauciness and
+familiarity which I shall teach him to correct. He is lively, and seems
+clever, and when I have inspired him with greater respect for me than
+his sister’s kind offices have implanted, he may be an agreeable flirt.
+There is exquisite pleasure in subduing an insolent spirit, in making a
+person predetermined to dislike acknowledge one’s superiority. I have
+disconcerted him already by my calm reserve, and it shall be my
+endeavour to humble the pride of these self important De Courcys still
+lower, to convince Mrs. Vernon that her sisterly cautions have been
+bestowed in vain, and to persuade Reginald that she has scandalously
+belied me. This project will serve at least to amuse me, and prevent my
+feeling so acutely this dreadful separation from you and all whom I
+love.
+
+Yours ever,
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+My dear Mother,—You must not expect Reginald back again for some time.
+He desires me to tell you that the present open weather induces him to
+accept Mr. Vernon’s invitation to prolong his stay in Sussex, that they
+may have some hunting together. He means to send for his horses
+immediately, and it is impossible to say when you may see him in Kent.
+I will not disguise my sentiments on this change from you, my dear
+mother, though I think you had better not communicate them to my
+father, whose excessive anxiety about Reginald would subject him to an
+alarm which might seriously affect his health and spirits. Lady Susan
+has certainly contrived, in the space of a fortnight, to make my
+brother like her. In short, I am persuaded that his continuing here
+beyond the time originally fixed for his return is occasioned as much
+by a degree of fascination towards her, as by the wish of hunting with
+Mr. Vernon, and of course I cannot receive that pleasure from the
+length of his visit which my brother’s company would otherwise give me.
+I am, indeed, provoked at the artifice of this unprincipled woman; what
+stronger proof of her dangerous abilities can be given than this
+perversion of Reginald’s judgment, which when he entered the house was
+so decidedly against her! In his last letter he actually gave me some
+particulars of her behaviour at Langford, such as he received from a
+gentleman who knew her perfectly well, which, if true, must raise
+abhorrence against her, and which Reginald himself was entirely
+disposed to credit. His opinion of her, I am sure, was as low as of any
+woman in England; and when he first came it was evident that he
+considered her as one entitled neither to delicacy nor respect, and
+that he felt she would be delighted with the attentions of any man
+inclined to flirt with her. Her behaviour, I confess, has been
+calculated to do away with such an idea; I have not detected the
+smallest impropriety in it—nothing of vanity, of pretension, of levity;
+and she is altogether so attractive that I should not wonder at his
+being delighted with her, had he known nothing of her previous to this
+personal acquaintance; but, against reason, against conviction, to be
+so well pleased with her, as I am sure he is, does really astonish me.
+His admiration was at first very strong, but no more than was natural,
+and I did not wonder at his being much struck by the gentleness and
+delicacy of her manners; but when he has mentioned her of late it has
+been in terms of more extraordinary praise; and yesterday he actually
+said that he could not be surprised at any effect produced on the heart
+of man by such loveliness and such abilities; and when I lamented, in
+reply, the badness of her disposition, he observed that whatever might
+have been her errors they were to be imputed to her neglected education
+and early marriage, and that she was altogether a wonderful woman. This
+tendency to excuse her conduct or to forget it, in the warmth of
+admiration, vexes me; and if I did not know that Reginald is too much
+at home at Churchhill to need an invitation for lengthening his visit,
+I should regret Mr. Vernon’s giving him any. Lady Susan’s intentions
+are of course those of absolute coquetry, or a desire of universal
+admiration; I cannot for a moment imagine that she has anything more
+serious in view; but it mortifies me to see a young man of Reginald’s
+sense duped by her at all.
+
+I am, &c.,
+CATHERINE VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+
+_Mrs. Johnson to Lady S. Vernon._
+
+
+Edward Street.
+
+
+My dearest Friend,—I congratulate you on Mr. De Courcy’s arrival, and I
+advise you by all means to marry him; his father’s estate is, we know,
+considerable, and I believe certainly entailed. Sir Reginald is very
+infirm, and not likely to stand in your way long. I hear the young man
+well spoken of; and though no one can really deserve you, my dearest
+Susan, Mr. De Courcy may be worth having. Mainwaring will storm of
+course, but you easily pacify him; besides, the most scrupulous point
+of honour could not require you to wait for _his_ emancipation. I have
+seen Sir James; he came to town for a few days last week, and called
+several times in Edward Street. I talked to him about you and your
+daughter, and he is so far from having forgotten you, that I am sure he
+would marry either of you with pleasure. I gave him hopes of
+Frederica’s relenting, and told him a great deal of her improvements. I
+scolded him for making love to Maria Mainwaring; he protested that he
+had been only in joke, and we both laughed heartily at her
+disappointment; and, in short, were very agreeable. He is as silly as
+ever.
+
+Yours faithfully,
+ALICIA.
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+
+_Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+I am much obliged to you, my dear Friend, for your advice respecting
+Mr. De Courcy, which I know was given with the full conviction of its
+expediency, though I am not quite determined on following it. I cannot
+easily resolve on anything so serious as marriage; especially as I am
+not at present in want of money, and might perhaps, till the old
+gentleman’s death, be very little benefited by the match. It is true
+that I am vain enough to believe it within my reach. I have made him
+sensible of my power, and can now enjoy the pleasure of triumphing over
+a mind prepared to dislike me, and prejudiced against all my past
+actions. His sister, too, is, I hope, convinced how little the
+ungenerous representations of anyone to the disadvantage of another
+will avail when opposed by the immediate influence of intellect and
+manner. I see plainly that she is uneasy at my progress in the good
+opinion of her brother, and conclude that nothing will be wanting on
+her part to counteract me; but having once made him doubt the justice
+of her opinion of me, I think I may defy her. It has been delightful to
+me to watch his advances towards intimacy, especially to observe his
+altered manner in consequence of my repressing by the cool dignity of
+my deportment his insolent approach to direct familiarity. My conduct
+has been equally guarded from the first, and I never behaved less like
+a coquette in the whole course of my life, though perhaps my desire of
+dominion was never more decided. I have subdued him entirely by
+sentiment and serious conversation, and made him, I may venture to say,
+at least half in love with me, without the semblance of the most
+commonplace flirtation. Mrs. Vernon’s consciousness of deserving every
+sort of revenge that it can be in my power to inflict for her
+ill-offices could alone enable her to perceive that I am actuated by
+any design in behaviour so gentle and unpretending. Let her think and
+act as she chooses, however. I have never yet found that the advice of
+a sister could prevent a young man’s being in love if he chose. We are
+advancing now to some kind of confidence, and in short are likely to be
+engaged in a sort of platonic friendship. On my side you may be sure of
+its never being more, for if I were not attached to another person as
+much as I can be to anyone, I should make a point of not bestowing my
+affection on a man who had dared to think so meanly of me. Reginald has
+a good figure and is not unworthy the praise you have heard given him,
+but is still greatly inferior to our friend at Langford. He is less
+polished, less insinuating than Mainwaring, and is comparatively
+deficient in the power of saying those delightful things which put one
+in good humour with oneself and all the world. He is quite agreeable
+enough, however, to afford me amusement, and to make many of those
+hours pass very pleasantly which would otherwise be spent in
+endeavouring to overcome my sister-in-law’s reserve, and listening to
+the insipid talk of her husband. Your account of Sir James is most
+satisfactory, and I mean to give Miss Frederica a hint of my intentions
+very soon.
+
+Yours, &c.,
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill
+
+
+I really grow quite uneasy, my dearest mother, about Reginald, from
+witnessing the very rapid increase of Lady Susan’s influence. They are
+now on terms of the most particular friendship, frequently engaged in
+long conversations together; and she has contrived by the most artful
+coquetry to subdue his judgment to her own purposes. It is impossible
+to see the intimacy between them so very soon established without some
+alarm, though I can hardly suppose that Lady Susan’s plans extend to
+marriage. I wish you could get Reginald home again on any plausible
+pretence; he is not at all disposed to leave us, and I have given him
+as many hints of my father’s precarious state of health as common
+decency will allow me to do in my own house. Her power over him must
+now be boundless, as she has entirely effaced all his former
+ill-opinion, and persuaded him not merely to forget but to justify her
+conduct. Mr. Smith’s account of her proceedings at Langford, where he
+accused her of having made Mr. Mainwaring and a young man engaged to
+Miss Mainwaring distractedly in love with her, which Reginald firmly
+believed when he came here, is now, he is persuaded, only a scandalous
+invention. He has told me so with a warmth of manner which spoke his
+regret at having believed the contrary himself. How sincerely do I
+grieve that she ever entered this house! I always looked forward to her
+coming with uneasiness; but very far was it from originating in anxiety
+for Reginald. I expected a most disagreeable companion for myself, but
+could not imagine that my brother would be in the smallest danger of
+being captivated by a woman with whose principles he was so well
+acquainted, and whose character he so heartily despised. If you can get
+him away it will be a good thing.
+
+Yours, &c.,
+CATHERINE VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+
+_Sir Reginald De Courcy to his Son._
+
+
+Parklands.
+
+
+I know that young men in general do not admit of any enquiry even from
+their nearest relations into affairs of the heart, but I hope, my dear
+Reginald, that you will be superior to such as allow nothing for a
+father’s anxiety, and think themselves privileged to refuse him their
+confidence and slight his advice. You must be sensible that as an only
+son, and the representative of an ancient family, your conduct in life
+is most interesting to your connections; and in the very important
+concern of marriage especially, there is everything at stake—your own
+happiness, that of your parents, and the credit of your name. I do not
+suppose that you would deliberately form an absolute engagement of that
+nature without acquainting your mother and myself, or at least, without
+being convinced that we should approve of your choice; but I cannot
+help fearing that you may be drawn in, by the lady who has lately
+attached you, to a marriage which the whole of your family, far and
+near, must highly reprobate. Lady Susan’s age is itself a material
+objection, but her want of character is one so much more serious, that
+the difference of even twelve years becomes in comparison of small
+amount. Were you not blinded by a sort of fascination, it would be
+ridiculous in me to repeat the instances of great misconduct on her
+side so very generally known.
+
+Her neglect of her husband, her encouragement of other men, her
+extravagance and dissipation, were so gross and notorious that no one
+could be ignorant of them at the time, nor can now have forgotten them.
+To our family she has always been represented in softened colours by
+the benevolence of Mr. Charles Vernon, and yet, in spite of his
+generous endeavours to excuse her, we know that she did, from the most
+selfish motives, take all possible pains to prevent his marriage with
+Catherine.
+
+My years and increasing infirmities make me very desirous of seeing you
+settled in the world. To the fortune of a wife, the goodness of my own
+will make me indifferent, but her family and character must be equally
+unexceptionable. When your choice is fixed so that no objection can be
+made to it, then I can promise you a ready and cheerful consent; but it
+is my duty to oppose a match which deep art only could render possible,
+and must in the end make wretched. It is possible her behaviour may
+arise only from vanity, or the wish of gaining the admiration of a man
+whom she must imagine to be particularly prejudiced against her; but it
+is more likely that she should aim at something further. She is poor,
+and may naturally seek an alliance which must be advantageous to
+herself; you know your own rights, and that it is out of my power to
+prevent your inheriting the family estate. My ability of distressing
+you during my life would be a species of revenge to which I could
+hardly stoop under any circumstances.
+
+I honestly tell you my sentiments and intentions: I do not wish to work
+on your fears, but on your sense and affection. It would destroy every
+comfort of my life to know that you were married to Lady Susan Vernon;
+it would be the death of that honest pride with which I have hitherto
+considered my son; I should blush to see him, to hear of him, to think
+of him. I may perhaps do no good but that of relieving my own mind by
+this letter, but I felt it my duty to tell you that your partiality for
+Lady Susan is no secret to your friends, and to warn you against her. I
+should be glad to hear your reasons for disbelieving Mr. Smith’s
+intelligence; you had no doubt of its authenticity a month ago. If you
+can give me your assurance of having no design beyond enjoying the
+conversation of a clever woman for a short period, and of yielding
+admiration only to her beauty and abilities, without being blinded by
+them to her faults, you will restore me to happiness; but, if you
+cannot do this, explain to me, at least, what has occasioned so great
+an alteration in your opinion of her.
+
+I am, &c., &c,
+REGINALD DE COURCY
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+
+_Lady De Courcy to Mrs. Vernon._
+
+
+Parklands.
+
+
+My dear Catherine,—Unluckily I was confined to my room when your last
+letter came, by a cold which affected my eyes so much as to prevent my
+reading it myself, so I could not refuse your father when he offered to
+read it to me, by which means he became acquainted, to my great
+vexation, with all your fears about your brother. I had intended to
+write to Reginald myself as soon as my eyes would let me, to point out,
+as well as I could, the danger of an intimate acquaintance, with so
+artful a woman as Lady Susan, to a young man of his age, and high
+expectations. I meant, moreover, to have reminded him of our being
+quite alone now, and very much in need of him to keep up our spirits
+these long winter evenings. Whether it would have done any good can
+never be settled now, but I am excessively vexed that Sir Reginald
+should know anything of a matter which we foresaw would make him so
+uneasy. He caught all your fears the moment he had read your letter,
+and I am sure he has not had the business out of his head since. He
+wrote by the same post to Reginald a long letter full of it all, and
+particularly asking an explanation of what he may have heard from Lady
+Susan to contradict the late shocking reports. His answer came this
+morning, which I shall enclose to you, as I think you will like to see
+it. I wish it was more satisfactory; but it seems written with such a
+determination to think well of Lady Susan, that his assurances as to
+marriage, &c., do not set my heart at ease. I say all I can, however,
+to satisfy your father, and he is certainly less uneasy since
+Reginald’s letter. How provoking it is, my dear Catherine, that this
+unwelcome guest of yours should not only prevent our meeting this
+Christmas, but be the occasion of so much vexation and trouble! Kiss
+the dear children for me.
+
+Your affectionate mother,
+C. DE COURCY.
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+
+_Mr. De Courcy to Sir Reginald._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+My dear Sir,—I have this moment received your letter, which has given
+me more astonishment than I ever felt before. I am to thank my sister,
+I suppose, for having represented me in such a light as to injure me in
+your opinion, and give you all this alarm. I know not why she should
+choose to make herself and her family uneasy by apprehending an event
+which no one but herself, I can affirm, would ever have thought
+possible. To impute such a design to Lady Susan would be taking from
+her every claim to that excellent understanding which her bitterest
+enemies have never denied her; and equally low must sink my pretensions
+to common sense if I am suspected of matrimonial views in my behaviour
+to her. Our difference of age must be an insuperable objection, and I
+entreat you, my dear father, to quiet your mind, and no longer harbour
+a suspicion which cannot be more injurious to your own peace than to
+our understandings. I can have no other view in remaining with Lady
+Susan, than to enjoy for a short time (as you have yourself expressed
+it) the conversation of a woman of high intellectual powers. If Mrs.
+Vernon would allow something to my affection for herself and her
+husband in the length of my visit, she would do more justice to us all;
+but my sister is unhappily prejudiced beyond the hope of conviction
+against Lady Susan. From an attachment to her husband, which in itself
+does honour to both, she cannot forgive the endeavours at preventing
+their union, which have been attributed to selfishness in Lady Susan;
+but in this case, as well as in many others, the world has most grossly
+injured that lady, by supposing the worst where the motives of her
+conduct have been doubtful. Lady Susan had heard something so
+materially to the disadvantage of my sister as to persuade her that the
+happiness of Mr. Vernon, to whom she was always much attached, would be
+wholly destroyed by the marriage. And this circumstance, while it
+explains the true motives of Lady Susan’s conduct, and removes all the
+blame which has been so lavished on her, may also convince us how
+little the general report of anyone ought to be credited; since no
+character, however upright, can escape the malevolence of slander. If
+my sister, in the security of retirement, with as little opportunity as
+inclination to do evil, could not avoid censure, we must not rashly
+condemn those who, living in the world and surrounded with temptations,
+should be accused of errors which they are known to have the power of
+committing.
+
+I blame myself severely for having so easily believed the slanderous
+tales invented by Charles Smith to the prejudice of Lady Susan, as I am
+now convinced how greatly they have traduced her. As to Mrs.
+Mainwaring’s jealousy it was totally his own invention, and his account
+of her attaching Miss Mainwaring’s lover was scarcely better founded.
+Sir James Martin had been drawn in by that young lady to pay her some
+attention; and as he is a man of fortune, it was easy to see _her_
+views extended to marriage. It is well known that Miss M. is absolutely
+on the catch for a husband, and no one therefore can pity her for
+losing, by the superior attractions of another woman, the chance of
+being able to make a worthy man completely wretched. Lady Susan was far
+from intending such a conquest, and on finding how warmly Miss
+Mainwaring resented her lover’s defection, determined, in spite of Mr.
+and Mrs. Mainwaring’s most urgent entreaties, to leave the family. I
+have reason to imagine she did receive serious proposals from Sir
+James, but her removing from Langford immediately on the discovery of
+his attachment, must acquit her on that article with any mind of common
+candour. You will, I am sure, my dear Sir, feel the truth of this, and
+will hereby learn to do justice to the character of a very injured
+woman. I know that Lady Susan in coming to Churchhill was governed only
+by the most honourable and amiable intentions; her prudence and economy
+are exemplary, her regard for Mr. Vernon equal even to _his_ deserts;
+and her wish of obtaining my sister’s good opinion merits a better
+return than it has received. As a mother she is unexceptionable; her
+solid affection for her child is shown by placing her in hands where
+her education will be properly attended to; but because she has not the
+blind and weak partiality of most mothers, she is accused of wanting
+maternal tenderness. Every person of sense, however, will know how to
+value and commend her well-directed affection, and will join me in
+wishing that Frederica Vernon may prove more worthy than she has yet
+done of her mother’s tender care. I have now, my dear father, written
+my real sentiments of Lady Susan; you will know from this letter how
+highly I admire her abilities, and esteem her character; but if you are
+not equally convinced by my full and solemn assurance that your fears
+have been most idly created, you will deeply mortify and distress me.
+
+I am, &c., &c.,
+R. DE COURCY.
+
+
+
+
+XV
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill
+
+
+My dear Mother,—I return you Reginald’s letter, and rejoice with all my
+heart that my father is made easy by it: tell him so, with my
+congratulations; but, between ourselves, I must own it has only
+convinced _me_ of my brother’s having no _present_ intention of
+marrying Lady Susan, not that he is in no danger of doing so three
+months hence. He gives a very plausible account of her behaviour at
+Langford; I wish it may be true, but his intelligence must come from
+herself, and I am less disposed to believe it than to lament the degree
+of intimacy subsisting between them, implied by the discussion of such
+a subject. I am sorry to have incurred his displeasure, but can expect
+nothing better while he is so very eager in Lady Susan’s justification.
+He is very severe against me indeed, and yet I hope I have not been
+hasty in my judgment of her. Poor woman! though I have reasons enough
+for my dislike, I cannot help pitying her at present, as she is in real
+distress, and with too much cause. She had this morning a letter from
+the lady with whom she has placed her daughter, to request that Miss
+Vernon might be immediately removed, as she had been detected in an
+attempt to run away. Why, or whither she intended to go, does not
+appear; but, as her situation seems to have been unexceptionable, it is
+a sad thing, and of course highly distressing to Lady Susan. Frederica
+must be as much as sixteen, and ought to know better; but from what her
+mother insinuates, I am afraid she is a perverse girl. She has been
+sadly neglected, however, and her mother ought to remember it. Mr.
+Vernon set off for London as soon as she had determined what should be
+done. He is, if possible, to prevail on Miss Summers to let Frederica
+continue with her; and if he cannot succeed, to bring her to Churchhill
+for the present, till some other situation can be found for her. Her
+ladyship is comforting herself meanwhile by strolling along the
+shrubbery with Reginald, calling forth all his tender feelings, I
+suppose, on this distressing occasion. She has been talking a great
+deal about it to me. She talks vastly well; I am afraid of being
+ungenerous, or I should say, _too_ well to feel so very deeply; but I
+will not look for her faults; she may be Reginald’s wife! Heaven forbid
+it! but why should I be quicker-sighted than anyone else? Mr. Vernon
+declares that he never saw deeper distress than hers, on the receipt of
+the letter; and is his judgment inferior to mine? She was very
+unwilling that Frederica should be allowed to come to Churchhill, and
+justly enough, as it seems a sort of reward to behaviour deserving very
+differently; but it was impossible to take her anywhere else, and she
+is not to remain here long. “It will be absolutely necessary,” said
+she, “as you, my dear sister, must be sensible, to treat my daughter
+with some severity while she is here; a most painful necessity, but I
+will _endeavour_ to submit to it. I am afraid I have often been too
+indulgent, but my poor Frederica’s temper could never bear opposition
+well: you must support and encourage me; you must urge the necessity of
+reproof if you see me too lenient.” All this sounds very reasonable.
+Reginald is so incensed against the poor silly girl! Surely it is not
+to Lady Susan’s credit that he should be so bitter against her
+daughter; his idea of her must be drawn from the mother’s description.
+Well, whatever may be his fate, we have the comfort of knowing that we
+have done our utmost to save him. We must commit the event to a higher
+power.
+
+Yours ever, &c.,
+CATHERINE VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XVI
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+Never, my dearest Alicia, was I so provoked in my life as by a letter
+this morning from Miss Summers. That horrid girl of mine has been
+trying to run away. I had not a notion of her being such a little devil
+before, she seemed to have all the Vernon milkiness; but on receiving
+the letter in which I declared my intention about Sir James, she
+actually attempted to elope; at least, I cannot otherwise account for
+her doing it. She meant, I suppose, to go to the Clarkes in
+Staffordshire, for she has no other acquaintances. But she shall be
+punished, she shall have him. I have sent Charles to town to make
+matters up if he can, for I do not by any means want her here. If Miss
+Summers will not keep her, you must find me out another school, unless
+we can get her married immediately. Miss S. writes word that she could
+not get the young lady to assign any cause for her extraordinary
+conduct, which confirms me in my own previous explanation of it.
+Frederica is too shy, I think, and too much in awe of me to tell tales,
+but if the mildness of her uncle should get anything out of her, I am
+not afraid. I trust I shall be able to make my story as good as hers.
+If I am vain of anything, it is of my eloquence. Consideration and
+esteem as surely follow command of language as admiration waits on
+beauty, and here I have opportunity enough for the exercise of my
+talent, as the chief of my time is spent in conversation.
+
+Reginald is never easy unless we are by ourselves, and when the weather
+is tolerable, we pace the shrubbery for hours together. I like him on
+the whole very well; he is clever and has a good deal to say, but he is
+sometimes impertinent and troublesome. There is a sort of ridiculous
+delicacy about him which requires the fullest explanation of whatever
+he may have heard to my disadvantage, and is never satisfied till he
+thinks he has ascertained the beginning and end of everything. This is
+one sort of love, but I confess it does not particularly recommend
+itself to me. I infinitely prefer the tender and liberal spirit of
+Mainwaring, which, impressed with the deepest conviction of my merit,
+is satisfied that whatever I do must be right; and look with a degree
+of contempt on the inquisitive and doubtful fancies of that heart which
+seems always debating on the reasonableness of its emotions. Mainwaring
+is indeed, beyond all compare, superior to Reginald—superior in
+everything but the power of being with me! Poor fellow! he is much
+distracted by jealousy, which I am not sorry for, as I know no better
+support of love. He has been teazing me to allow of his coming into
+this country, and lodging somewhere near _incog_.; but I forbade
+everything of the kind. Those women are inexcusable who forget what is
+due to themselves, and the opinion of the world.
+
+Yours ever,
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XVII
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+My dear Mother,—Mr. Vernon returned on Thursday night, bringing his
+niece with him. Lady Susan had received a line from him by that day’s
+post, informing her that Miss Summers had absolutely refused to allow
+of Miss Vernon’s continuance in her academy; we were therefore prepared
+for her arrival, and expected them impatiently the whole evening. They
+came while we were at tea, and I never saw any creature look so
+frightened as Frederica when she entered the room. Lady Susan, who had
+been shedding tears before, and showing great agitation at the idea of
+the meeting, received her with perfect self-command, and without
+betraying the least tenderness of spirit. She hardly spoke to her, and
+on Frederica’s bursting into tears as soon as we were seated, took her
+out of the room, and did not return for some time. When she did, her
+eyes looked very red and she was as much agitated as before. We saw no
+more of her daughter. Poor Reginald was beyond measure concerned to see
+his fair friend in such distress, and watched her with so much tender
+solicitude, that I, who occasionally caught her observing his
+countenance with exultation, was quite out of patience. This pathetic
+representation lasted the whole evening, and so ostentatious and artful
+a display has entirely convinced me that she did in fact feel nothing.
+I am more angry with her than ever since I have seen her daughter; the
+poor girl looks so unhappy that my heart aches for her. Lady Susan is
+surely too severe, for Frederica does not seem to have the sort of
+temper to make severity necessary. She looks perfectly timid, dejected,
+and penitent. She is very pretty, though not so handsome as her mother,
+nor at all like her. Her complexion is delicate, but neither so fair
+nor so blooming as Lady Susan’s, and she has quite the Vernon cast of
+countenance, the oval face and mild dark eyes, and there is peculiar
+sweetness in her look when she speaks either to her uncle or me, for as
+we behave kindly to her we have of course engaged her gratitude.
+
+Her mother has insinuated that her temper is intractable, but I never
+saw a face less indicative of any evil disposition than hers; and from
+what I can see of the behaviour of each to the other, the invariable
+severity of Lady Susan and the silent dejection of Frederica, I am led
+to believe as heretofore that the former has no real love for her
+daughter, and has never done her justice or treated her affectionately.
+I have not been able to have any conversation with my niece; she is
+shy, and I think I can see that some pains are taken to prevent her
+being much with me. Nothing satisfactory transpires as to her reason
+for running away. Her kind-hearted uncle, you may be sure, was too
+fearful of distressing her to ask many questions as they travelled. I
+wish it had been possible for me to fetch her instead of him. I think I
+should have discovered the truth in the course of a thirty-mile
+journey. The small pianoforte has been removed within these few days,
+at Lady Susan’s request, into her dressing-room, and Frederica spends
+great part of the day there, practising as it is called; but I seldom
+hear any noise when I pass that way; what she does with herself there I
+do not know. There are plenty of books, but it is not every girl who
+has been running wild the first fifteen years of her life, that can or
+will read. Poor creature! the prospect from her window is not very
+instructive, for that room overlooks the lawn, you know, with the
+shrubbery on one side, where she may see her mother walking for an hour
+together in earnest conversation with Reginald. A girl of Frederica’s
+age must be childish indeed, if such things do not strike her. Is it
+not inexcusable to give such an example to a daughter? Yet Reginald
+still thinks Lady Susan the best of mothers, and still condemns
+Frederica as a worthless girl! He is convinced that her attempt to run
+away proceeded from no justifiable cause, and had no provocation. I am
+sure I cannot say that it _had_, but while Miss Summers declares that
+Miss Vernon showed no signs of obstinacy or perverseness during her
+whole stay in Wigmore Street, till she was detected in this scheme, I
+cannot so readily credit what Lady Susan has made him, and wants to
+make me believe, that it was merely an impatience of restraint and a
+desire of escaping from the tuition of masters which brought on the
+plan of an elopement. O Reginald, how is your judgment enslaved! He
+scarcely dares even allow her to be handsome, and when I speak of her
+beauty, replies only that her eyes have no brilliancy! Sometimes he is
+sure she is deficient in understanding, and at others that her temper
+only is in fault. In short, when a person is always to deceive, it is
+impossible to be consistent. Lady Susan finds it necessary that
+Frederica should be to blame, and probably has sometimes judged it
+expedient to accuse her of ill-nature and sometimes to lament her want
+of sense. Reginald is only repeating after her ladyship.
+
+I remain, &c., &c.,
+CATHERINE VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XVIII
+
+
+_From the same to the same._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+My dear Mother,—I am very glad to find that my description of Frederica
+Vernon has interested you, for I do believe her truly deserving of your
+regard; and when I have communicated a notion which has recently struck
+me, your kind impressions in her favour will, I am sure, be heightened.
+I cannot help fancying that she is growing partial to my brother. I so
+very often see her eyes fixed on his face with a remarkable expression
+of pensive admiration. He is certainly very handsome; and yet more,
+there is an openness in his manner that must be highly prepossessing,
+and I am sure she feels it so. Thoughtful and pensive in general, her
+countenance always brightens into a smile when Reginald says anything
+amusing; and, let the subject be ever so serious that he may be
+conversing on, I am much mistaken if a syllable of his uttering escapes
+her. I want to make him sensible of all this, for we know the power of
+gratitude on such a heart as his; and could Frederica’s artless
+affection detach him from her mother, we might bless the day which
+brought her to Churchhill. I think, my dear mother, you would not
+disapprove of her as a daughter. She is extremely young, to be sure,
+has had a wretched education, and a dreadful example of levity in her
+mother; but yet I can pronounce her disposition to be excellent, and
+her natural abilities very good. Though totally without
+accomplishments, she is by no means so ignorant as one might expect to
+find her, being fond of books and spending the chief of her time in
+reading. Her mother leaves her more to herself than she did, and I have
+her with me as much as possible, and have taken great pains to overcome
+her timidity. We are very good friends, and though she never opens her
+lips before her mother, she talks enough when alone with me to make it
+clear that, if properly treated by Lady Susan, she would always appear
+to much greater advantage. There cannot be a more gentle, affectionate
+heart; or more obliging manners, when acting without restraint; and her
+little cousins are all very fond of her.
+
+Your affectionate daughter,
+C. VERNON
+
+
+
+
+XIX
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+You will be eager, I know, to hear something further of Frederica, and
+perhaps may think me negligent for not writing before. She arrived with
+her uncle last Thursday fortnight, when, of course, I lost no time in
+demanding the cause of her behaviour; and soon found myself to have
+been perfectly right in attributing it to my own letter. The prospect
+of it frightened her so thoroughly, that, with a mixture of true
+girlish perverseness and folly, she resolved on getting out of the
+house and proceeding directly by the stage to her friends, the Clarkes;
+and had really got as far as the length of two streets in her journey
+when she was fortunately missed, pursued, and overtaken. Such was the
+first distinguished exploit of Miss Frederica Vernon; and, if we
+consider that it was achieved at the tender age of sixteen, we shall
+have room for the most flattering prognostics of her future renown. I
+am excessively provoked, however, at the parade of propriety which
+prevented Miss Summers from keeping the girl; and it seems so
+extraordinary a piece of nicety, considering my daughter’s family
+connections, that I can only suppose the lady to be governed by the
+fear of never getting her money. Be that as it may, however, Frederica
+is returned on my hands; and, having nothing else to employ her, is
+busy in pursuing the plan of romance begun at Langford. She is actually
+falling in love with Reginald De Courcy! To disobey her mother by
+refusing an unexceptionable offer is not enough; her affections must
+also be given without her mother’s approbation. I never saw a girl of
+her age bid fairer to be the sport of mankind. Her feelings are
+tolerably acute, and she is so charmingly artless in their display as
+to afford the most reasonable hope of her being ridiculous, and
+despised by every man who sees her.
+
+Artlessness will never do in love matters; and that girl is born a
+simpleton who has it either by nature or affectation. I am not yet
+certain that Reginald sees what she is about, nor is it of much
+consequence. She is now an object of indifference to him, and she would
+be one of contempt were he to understand her emotions. Her beauty is
+much admired by the Vernons, but it has no effect on him. She is in
+high favour with her aunt altogether, because she is so little like
+myself, of course. She is exactly the companion for Mrs. Vernon, who
+dearly loves to be firm, and to have all the sense and all the wit of
+the conversation to herself: Frederica will never eclipse her. When she
+first came I was at some pains to prevent her seeing much of her aunt;
+but I have relaxed, as I believe I may depend on her observing the
+rules I have laid down for their discourse. But do not imagine that
+with all this lenity I have for a moment given up my plan of her
+marriage. No; I am unalterably fixed on this point, though I have not
+yet quite decided on the manner of bringing it about. I should not
+chuse to have the business brought on here, and canvassed by the wise
+heads of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon; and I cannot just now afford to go to
+town. Miss Frederica must therefore wait a little.
+
+Yours ever,
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XX
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill
+
+
+We have a very unexpected guest with us at present, my dear Mother: he
+arrived yesterday. I heard a carriage at the door, as I was sitting
+with my children while they dined; and supposing I should be wanted,
+left the nursery soon afterwards, and was half-way downstairs, when
+Frederica, as pale as ashes, came running up, and rushed by me into her
+own room. I instantly followed, and asked her what was the matter.
+“Oh!” said she, “he is come—Sir James is come, and what shall I do?”
+This was no explanation; I begged her to tell me what she meant. At
+that moment we were interrupted by a knock at the door: it was
+Reginald, who came, by Lady Susan’s direction, to call Frederica down.
+“It is Mr. De Courcy!” said she, colouring violently. “Mamma has sent
+for me; I must go.” We all three went down together; and I saw my
+brother examining the terrified face of Frederica with surprize. In the
+breakfast-room we found Lady Susan, and a young man of gentlemanlike
+appearance, whom she introduced by the name of Sir James Martin—the
+very person, as you may remember, whom it was said she had been at
+pains to detach from Miss Mainwaring; but the conquest, it seems, was
+not designed for herself, or she has since transferred it to her
+daughter; for Sir James is now desperately in love with Frederica, and
+with full encouragement from mamma. The poor girl, however, I am sure,
+dislikes him; and though his person and address are very well, he
+appears, both to Mr. Vernon and me, a very weak young man. Frederica
+looked so shy, so confused, when we entered the room, that I felt for
+her exceedingly. Lady Susan behaved with great attention to her
+visitor; and yet I thought I could perceive that she had no particular
+pleasure in seeing him. Sir James talked a great deal, and made many
+civil excuses to me for the liberty he had taken in coming to
+Churchhill—mixing more frequent laughter with his discourse than the
+subject required—said many things over and over again, and told Lady
+Susan three times that he had seen Mrs. Johnson a few evenings before.
+He now and then addressed Frederica, but more frequently her mother.
+The poor girl sat all this time without opening her lips—her eyes cast
+down, and her colour varying every instant; while Reginald observed all
+that passed in perfect silence. At length Lady Susan, weary, I believe,
+of her situation, proposed walking; and we left the two gentlemen
+together, to put on our pelisses. As we went upstairs Lady Susan begged
+permission to attend me for a few moments in my dressing-room, as she
+was anxious to speak with me in private. I led her thither accordingly,
+and as soon as the door was closed, she said: “I was never more
+surprized in my life than by Sir James’s arrival, and the suddenness of
+it requires some apology to you, my dear sister; though to _me_, as a
+mother, it is highly flattering. He is so extremely attached to my
+daughter that he could not exist longer without seeing her. Sir James
+is a young man of an amiable disposition and excellent character; a
+little too much of the rattle, perhaps, but a year or two will rectify
+_that:_ and he is in other respects so very eligible a match for
+Frederica, that I have always observed his attachment with the greatest
+pleasure; and am persuaded that you and my brother will give the
+alliance your hearty approbation. I have never before mentioned the
+likelihood of its taking place to anyone, because I thought that whilst
+Frederica continued at school it had better not be known to exist; but
+now, as I am convinced that Frederica is too old ever to submit to
+school confinement, and have, therefore, begun to consider her union
+with Sir James as not very distant, I had intended within a few days to
+acquaint yourself and Mr. Vernon with the whole business. I am sure, my
+dear sister, you will excuse my remaining silent so long, and agree
+with me that such circumstances, while they continue from any cause in
+suspense, cannot be too cautiously concealed. When you have the
+happiness of bestowing your sweet little Catherine, some years hence,
+on a man who in connection and character is alike unexceptionable, you
+will know what I feel now; though, thank Heaven, you cannot have all my
+reasons for rejoicing in such an event. Catherine will be amply
+provided for, and not, like my Frederica, indebted to a fortunate
+establishment for the comforts of life.” She concluded by demanding my
+congratulations. I gave them somewhat awkwardly, I believe; for, in
+fact, the sudden disclosure of so important a matter took from me the
+power of speaking with any clearness. She thanked me, however, most
+affectionately, for my kind concern in the welfare of herself and
+daughter; and then said: “I am not apt to deal in professions, my dear
+Mrs. Vernon, and I never had the convenient talent of affecting
+sensations foreign to my heart; and therefore I trust you will believe
+me when I declare, that much as I had heard in your praise before I
+knew you, I had no idea that I should ever love you as I now do; and I
+must further say that your friendship towards me is more particularly
+gratifying because I have reason to believe that some attempts were
+made to prejudice you against me. I only wish that they, whoever they
+are, to whom I am indebted for such kind intentions, could see the
+terms on which we now are together, and understand the real affection
+we feel for each other; but I will not detain you any longer. God bless
+you, for your goodness to me and my girl, and continue to you all your
+present happiness.” What can one say of such a woman, my dear mother?
+Such earnestness, such solemnity of expression! and yet I cannot help
+suspecting the truth of everything she says. As for Reginald, I believe
+he does not know what to make of the matter. When Sir James came, he
+appeared all astonishment and perplexity; the folly of the young man
+and the confusion of Frederica entirely engrossed him; and though a
+little private discourse with Lady Susan has since had its effect, he
+is still hurt, I am sure, at her allowing of such a man’s attentions to
+her daughter. Sir James invited himself with great composure to remain
+here a few days—hoped we would not think it odd, was aware of its being
+very impertinent, but he took the liberty of a relation; and concluded
+by wishing, with a laugh, that he might be really one very soon. Even
+Lady Susan seemed a little disconcerted by this forwardness; in her
+heart I am persuaded she sincerely wished him gone. But something must
+be done for this poor girl, if her feelings are such as both I and her
+uncle believe them to be. She must not be sacrificed to policy or
+ambition, and she must not be left to suffer from the dread of it. The
+girl whose heart can distinguish Reginald De Courcy, deserves, however
+he may slight her, a better fate than to be Sir James Martin’s wife. As
+soon as I can get her alone, I will discover the real truth; but she
+seems to wish to avoid me. I hope this does not proceed from anything
+wrong, and that I shall not find out I have thought too well of her.
+Her behaviour to Sir James certainly speaks the greatest consciousness
+and embarrassment, but I see nothing in it more like encouragement.
+Adieu, my dear mother.
+
+Yours, &c.,
+C. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XXI
+
+
+_Miss Vernon to Mr. De Courcy._
+
+
+Sir,—I hope you will excuse this liberty; I am forced upon it by the
+greatest distress, or I should be ashamed to trouble you. I am very
+miserable about Sir James Martin, and have no other way in the world of
+helping myself but by writing to you, for I am forbidden even speaking
+to my uncle and aunt on the subject; and this being the case, I am
+afraid my applying to you will appear no better than equivocation, and
+as if I attended to the letter and not the spirit of mamma’s commands.
+But if you do not take my part and persuade her to break it off, I
+shall be half distracted, for I cannot bear him. No human being but
+_you_ could have any chance of prevailing with her. If you will,
+therefore, have the unspeakably great kindness of taking my part with
+her, and persuading her to send Sir James away, I shall be more obliged
+to you than it is possible for me to express. I always disliked him
+from the first: it is not a sudden fancy, I assure you, sir; I always
+thought him silly and impertinent and disagreeable, and now he is grown
+worse than ever. I would rather work for my bread than marry him. I do
+not know how to apologize enough for this letter; I know it is taking
+so great a liberty. I am aware how dreadfully angry it will make mamma,
+but I remember the risk.
+
+I am, Sir, your most humble servant,
+F. S. V.
+
+
+
+
+XXII
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+This is insufferable! My dearest friend, I was never so enraged before,
+and must relieve myself by writing to you, who I know will enter into
+all my feelings. Who should come on Tuesday but Sir James Martin! Guess
+my astonishment, and vexation—for, as you well know, I never wished him
+to be seen at Churchhill. What a pity that you should not have known
+his intentions! Not content with coming, he actually invited himself to
+remain here a few days. I could have poisoned him! I made the best of
+it, however, and told my story with great success to Mrs. Vernon, who,
+whatever might be her real sentiments, said nothing in opposition to
+mine. I made a point also of Frederica’s behaving civilly to Sir James,
+and gave her to understand that I was absolutely determined on her
+marrying him. She said something of her misery, but that was all. I
+have for some time been more particularly resolved on the match from
+seeing the rapid increase of her affection for Reginald, and from not
+feeling secure that a knowledge of such affection might not in the end
+awaken a return. Contemptible as a regard founded only on compassion
+must make them both in my eyes, I felt by no means assured that such
+might not be the consequence. It is true that Reginald had not in any
+degree grown cool towards me; but yet he has lately mentioned Frederica
+spontaneously and unnecessarily, and once said something in praise of
+her person. _He_ was all astonishment at the appearance of my visitor,
+and at first observed Sir James with an attention which I was pleased
+to see not unmixed with jealousy; but unluckily it was impossible for
+me really to torment him, as Sir James, though extremely gallant to me,
+very soon made the whole party understand that his heart was devoted to
+my daughter. I had no great difficulty in convincing De Courcy, when we
+were alone, that I was perfectly justified, all things considered, in
+desiring the match; and the whole business seemed most comfortably
+arranged. They could none of them help perceiving that Sir James was no
+Solomon; but I had positively forbidden Frederica complaining to
+Charles Vernon or his wife, and they had therefore no pretence for
+interference; though my impertinent sister, I believe, wanted only
+opportunity for doing so. Everything, however, was going on calmly and
+quietly; and, though I counted the hours of Sir James’s stay, my mind
+was entirely satisfied with the posture of affairs. Guess, then, what I
+must feel at the sudden disturbance of all my schemes; and that, too,
+from a quarter where I had least reason to expect it. Reginald came
+this morning into my dressing-room with a very unusual solemnity of
+countenance, and after some preface informed me in so many words that
+he wished to reason with me on the impropriety and unkindness of
+allowing Sir James Martin to address my daughter contrary to her
+inclinations. I was all amazement. When I found that he was not to be
+laughed out of his design, I calmly begged an explanation, and desired
+to know by what he was impelled, and by whom commissioned, to reprimand
+me. He then told me, mixing in his speech a few insolent compliments
+and ill-timed expressions of tenderness, to which I listened with
+perfect indifference, that my daughter had acquainted him with some
+circumstances concerning herself, Sir James, and me which had given him
+great uneasiness. In short, I found that she had in the first place
+actually written to him to request his interference, and that, on
+receiving her letter, he had conversed with her on the subject of it,
+in order to understand the particulars, and to assure himself of her
+real wishes. I have not a doubt but that the girl took this opportunity
+of making downright love to him. I am convinced of it by the manner in
+which he spoke of her. Much good may such love do him! I shall ever
+despise the man who can be gratified by the passion which he never
+wished to inspire, nor solicited the avowal of. I shall always detest
+them both. He can have no true regard for me, or he would not have
+listened to her; and _she_, with her little rebellious heart and
+indelicate feelings, to throw herself into the protection of a young
+man with whom she has scarcely ever exchanged two words before! I am
+equally confounded at _her_ impudence and _his_ credulity. How dared he
+believe what she told him in my disfavour! Ought he not to have felt
+assured that I must have unanswerable motives for all that I had done?
+Where was his reliance on my sense and goodness then? Where the
+resentment which true love would have dictated against the person
+defaming me—that person, too, a chit, a child, without talent or
+education, whom he had been always taught to despise? I was calm for
+some time; but the greatest degree of forbearance may be overcome, and
+I hope I was afterwards sufficiently keen. He endeavoured, long
+endeavoured, to soften my resentment; but that woman is a fool indeed
+who, while insulted by accusation, can be worked on by compliments. At
+length he left me, as deeply provoked as myself; and he showed his
+anger more. I was quite cool, but he gave way to the most violent
+indignation; I may therefore expect it will the sooner subside, and
+perhaps his may be vanished for ever, while mine will be found still
+fresh and implacable. He is now shut up in his apartment, whither I
+heard him go on leaving mine. How unpleasant, one would think, must be
+his reflections! but some people’s feelings are incomprehensible. I
+have not yet tranquillised myself enough to see Frederica. _She_ shall
+not soon forget the occurrences of this day; she shall find that she
+has poured forth her tender tale of love in vain, and exposed herself
+for ever to the contempt of the whole world, and the severest
+resentment of her injured mother.
+
+Your affectionate
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XXIII
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+Let me congratulate you, my dearest Mother! The affair which has given
+us so much anxiety is drawing to a happy conclusion. Our prospect is
+most delightful, and since matters have now taken so favourable a turn,
+I am quite sorry that I ever imparted my apprehensions to you; for the
+pleasure of learning that the danger is over is perhaps dearly
+purchased by all that you have previously suffered. I am so much
+agitated by delight that I can scarcely hold a pen; but am determined
+to send you a few short lines by James, that you may have some
+explanation of what must so greatly astonish you, as that Reginald
+should be returning to Parklands. I was sitting about half an hour ago
+with Sir James in the breakfast parlour, when my brother called me out
+of the room. I instantly saw that something was the matter; his
+complexion was raised, and he spoke with great emotion; you know his
+eager manner, my dear mother, when his mind is interested. “Catherine,”
+said he, “I am going home to-day; I am sorry to leave you, but I must
+go: it is a great while since I have seen my father and mother. I am
+going to send James forward with my hunters immediately; if you have
+any letter, therefore, he can take it. I shall not be at home myself
+till Wednesday or Thursday, as I shall go through London, where I have
+business; but before I leave you,” he continued, speaking in a lower
+tone, and with still greater energy, “I must warn you of one thing—do
+not let Frederica Vernon be made unhappy by that Martin. He wants to
+marry her; her mother promotes the match, but she cannot endure the
+idea of it. Be assured that I speak from the fullest conviction of the
+truth of what I say; I know that Frederica is made wretched by Sir
+James’s continuing here. She is a sweet girl, and deserves a better
+fate. Send him away immediately; he is only a fool: but what her mother
+can mean, Heaven only knows! Good bye,” he added, shaking my hand with
+earnestness; “I do not know when you will see me again; but remember
+what I tell you of Frederica; you _must_ make it your business to see
+justice done her. She is an amiable girl, and has a very superior mind
+to what we have given her credit for.” He then left me, and ran
+upstairs. I would not try to stop him, for I knew what his feelings
+must be. The nature of mine, as I listened to him, I need not attempt
+to describe; for a minute or two I remained in the same spot,
+overpowered by wonder of a most agreeable sort indeed; yet it required
+some consideration to be tranquilly happy. In about ten minutes after
+my return to the parlour Lady Susan entered the room. I concluded, of
+course, that she and Reginald had been quarrelling; and looked with
+anxious curiosity for a confirmation of my belief in her face. Mistress
+of deceit, however, she appeared perfectly unconcerned, and after
+chatting on indifferent subjects for a short time, said to me, “I find
+from Wilson that we are going to lose Mr. De Courcy—is it true that he
+leaves Churchhill this morning?” I replied that it was. “He told us
+nothing of all this last night,” said she, laughing, “or even this
+morning at breakfast; but perhaps he did not know it himself. Young men
+are often hasty in their resolutions, and not more sudden in forming
+than unsteady in keeping them. I should not be surprised if he were to
+change his mind at last, and not go.” She soon afterwards left the
+room. I trust, however, my dear mother, that we have no reason to fear
+an alteration of his present plan; things have gone too far. They must
+have quarrelled, and about Frederica, too. Her calmness astonishes me.
+What delight will be yours in seeing him again; in seeing him still
+worthy your esteem, still capable of forming your happiness! When I
+next write I shall be able to tell you that Sir James is gone, Lady
+Susan vanquished, and Frederica at peace. We have much to do, but it
+shall be done. I am all impatience to hear how this astonishing change
+was effected. I finish as I began, with the warmest congratulations.
+
+Yours ever, &c.,
+CATH. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XXIV
+
+
+_From the same to the same._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+Little did I imagine, my dear Mother, when I sent off my last letter,
+that the delightful perturbation of spirits I was then in would undergo
+so speedy, so melancholy a reverse. I never can sufficiently regret
+that I wrote to you at all. Yet who could have foreseen what has
+happened? My dear mother, every hope which made me so happy only two
+hours ago has vanished. The quarrel between Lady Susan and Reginald is
+made up, and we are all as we were before. One point only is gained.
+Sir James Martin is dismissed. What are we now to look forward to? I am
+indeed disappointed; Reginald was all but gone, his horse was ordered
+and all but brought to the door; who would not have felt safe? For half
+an hour I was in momentary expectation of his departure. After I had
+sent off my letter to you, I went to Mr. Vernon, and sat with him in
+his room talking over the whole matter, and then determined to look for
+Frederica, whom I had not seen since breakfast. I met her on the
+stairs, and saw that she was crying. “My dear aunt,” said she, “he is
+going—Mr. De Courcy is going, and it is all my fault. I am afraid you
+will be very angry with me, but indeed I had no idea it would end so.”
+“My love,” I replied, “do not think it necessary to apologize to me on
+that account. I shall feel myself under an obligation to anyone who is
+the means of sending my brother home, because,” recollecting myself, “I
+know my father wants very much to see him. But what is it you have done
+to occasion all this?” She blushed deeply as she answered: “I was so
+unhappy about Sir James that I could not help—I have done something
+very wrong, I know; but you have not an idea of the misery I have been
+in: and mamma had ordered me never to speak to you or my uncle about
+it, and—” “You therefore spoke to my brother to engage his
+interference,” said I, to save her the explanation. “No, but I wrote to
+him—I did indeed, I got up this morning before it was light, and was
+two hours about it; and when my letter was done I thought I never
+should have courage to give it. After breakfast however, as I was going
+to my room, I met him in the passage, and then, as I knew that
+everything must depend on that moment, I forced myself to give it. He
+was so good as to take it immediately. I dared not look at him, and ran
+away directly. I was in such a fright I could hardly breathe. My dear
+aunt, you do not know how miserable I have been.” “Frederica” said I,
+“you ought to have told me all your distresses. You would have found in
+me a friend always ready to assist you. Do you think that your uncle or
+I should not have espoused your cause as warmly as my brother?”
+“Indeed, I did not doubt your kindness,” said she, colouring again,
+“but I thought Mr. De Courcy could do anything with my mother; but I
+was mistaken: they have had a dreadful quarrel about it, and he is
+going away. Mamma will never forgive me, and I shall be worse off than
+ever.” “No, you shall not,” I replied; “in such a point as this your
+mother’s prohibition ought not to have prevented your speaking to me on
+the subject. She has no right to make you unhappy, and she shall _not_
+do it. Your applying, however, to Reginald can be productive only of
+good to all parties. I believe it is best as it is. Depend upon it that
+you shall not be made unhappy any longer.” At that moment how great was
+my astonishment at seeing Reginald come out of Lady Susan’s
+dressing-room. My heart misgave me instantly. His confusion at seeing
+me was very evident. Frederica immediately disappeared. “Are you
+going?” I said; “you will find Mr. Vernon in his own room.” “No,
+Catherine,” he replied, “I am not going. Will you let me speak to you a
+moment?” We went into my room. “I find,” he continued, his confusion
+increasing as he spoke, “that I have been acting with my usual foolish
+impetuosity. I have entirely misunderstood Lady Susan, and was on the
+point of leaving the house under a false impression of her conduct.
+There has been some very great mistake; we have been all mistaken, I
+fancy. Frederica does not know her mother. Lady Susan means nothing but
+her good, but she will not make a friend of her. Lady Susan does not
+always know, therefore, what will make her daughter happy. Besides, I
+could have no right to interfere. Miss Vernon was mistaken in applying
+to me. In short, Catherine, everything has gone wrong, but it is now
+all happily settled. Lady Susan, I believe, wishes to speak to you
+about it, if you are at leisure.” “Certainly,” I replied, deeply
+sighing at the recital of so lame a story. I made no comments, however,
+for words would have been vain.
+
+Reginald was glad to get away, and I went to Lady Susan, curious,
+indeed, to hear her account of it. “Did I not tell you,” said she with
+a smile, “that your brother would not leave us after all?” “You did,
+indeed,” replied I very gravely; “but I flattered myself you would be
+mistaken.” “I should not have hazarded such an opinion,” returned she,
+“if it had not at that moment occurred to me that his resolution of
+going might be occasioned by a conversation in which we had been this
+morning engaged, and which had ended very much to his dissatisfaction,
+from our not rightly understanding each other’s meaning. This idea
+struck me at the moment, and I instantly determined that an accidental
+dispute, in which I might probably be as much to blame as himself,
+should not deprive you of your brother. If you remember, I left the
+room almost immediately. I was resolved to lose no time in clearing up
+those mistakes as far as I could. The case was this—Frederica had set
+herself violently against marrying Sir James.” “And can your ladyship
+wonder that she should?” cried I with some warmth; “Frederica has an
+excellent understanding, and Sir James has none.” “I am at least very
+far from regretting it, my dear sister,” said she; “on the contrary, I
+am grateful for so favourable a sign of my daughter’s sense. Sir James
+is certainly below par (his boyish manners make him appear worse); and
+had Frederica possessed the penetration and the abilities which I could
+have wished in my daughter, or had I even known her to possess as much
+as she does, I should not have been anxious for the match.” “It is odd
+that you should alone be ignorant of your daughter’s sense!” “Frederica
+never does justice to herself; her manners are shy and childish, and
+besides she is afraid of me. During her poor father’s life she was a
+spoilt child; the severity which it has since been necessary for me to
+show has alienated her affection; neither has she any of that
+brilliancy of intellect, that genius or vigour of mind which will force
+itself forward.” “Say rather that she has been unfortunate in her
+education!” “Heaven knows, my dearest Mrs. Vernon, how fully I am aware
+of that; but I would wish to forget every circumstance that might throw
+blame on the memory of one whose name is sacred with me.” Here she
+pretended to cry; I was out of patience with her. “But what,” said I,
+“was your ladyship going to tell me about your disagreement with my
+brother?” “It originated in an action of my daughter’s, which equally
+marks her want of judgment and the unfortunate dread of me I have been
+mentioning—she wrote to Mr. De Courcy.” “I know she did; you had
+forbidden her speaking to Mr. Vernon or to me on the cause of her
+distress; what could she do, therefore, but apply to my brother?” “Good
+God!” she exclaimed, “what an opinion you must have of me! Can you
+possibly suppose that I was aware of her unhappiness! that it was my
+object to make my own child miserable, and that I had forbidden her
+speaking to you on the subject from a fear of your interrupting the
+diabolical scheme? Do you think me destitute of every honest, every
+natural feeling? Am I capable of consigning _her_ to everlasting misery
+whose welfare it is my first earthly duty to promote? The idea is
+horrible!” “What, then, was your intention when you insisted on her
+silence?” “Of what use, my dear sister, could be any application to
+you, however the affair might stand? Why should I subject you to
+entreaties which I refused to attend to myself? Neither for your sake
+nor for hers, nor for my own, could such a thing be desirable. When my
+own resolution was taken I could not wish for the interference, however
+friendly, of another person. I was mistaken, it is true, but I believed
+myself right.” “But what was this mistake to which your ladyship so
+often alludes? from whence arose so astonishing a misconception of your
+daughter’s feelings? Did you not know that she disliked Sir James?” “I
+knew that he was not absolutely the man she would have chosen, but I
+was persuaded that her objections to him did not arise from any
+perception of his deficiency. You must not question me, however, my
+dear sister, too minutely on this point,” continued she, taking me
+affectionately by the hand; “I honestly own that there is something to
+conceal. Frederica makes me very unhappy! Her applying to Mr. De Courcy
+hurt me particularly.” “What is it you mean to infer,” said I, “by this
+appearance of mystery? If you think your daughter at all attached to
+Reginald, her objecting to Sir James could not less deserve to be
+attended to than if the cause of her objecting had been a consciousness
+of his folly; and why should your ladyship, at any rate, quarrel with
+my brother for an interference which, you must know, it is not in his
+nature to refuse when urged in such a manner?”
+
+“His disposition, you know, is warm, and he came to expostulate with
+me; his compassion all alive for this ill-used girl, this heroine in
+distress! We misunderstood each other: he believed me more to blame
+than I really was; I considered his interference less excusable than I
+now find it. I have a real regard for him, and was beyond expression
+mortified to find it, as I thought, so ill bestowed. We were both warm,
+and of course both to blame. His resolution of leaving Churchhill is
+consistent with his general eagerness. When I understood his intention,
+however, and at the same time began to think that we had been perhaps
+equally mistaken in each other’s meaning, I resolved to have an
+explanation before it was too late. For any member of your family I
+must always feel a degree of affection, and I own it would have
+sensibly hurt me if my acquaintance with Mr. De Courcy had ended so
+gloomily. I have now only to say further, that as I am convinced of
+Frederica’s having a reasonable dislike to Sir James, I shall instantly
+inform him that he must give up all hope of her. I reproach myself for
+having, even though innocently, made her unhappy on that score. She
+shall have all the retribution in my power to make; if she value her
+own happiness as much as I do, if she judge wisely, and command herself
+as she ought, she may now be easy. Excuse me, my dearest sister, for
+thus trespassing on your time, but I owe it to my own character; and
+after this explanation I trust I am in no danger of sinking in your
+opinion.” I could have said, “Not much, indeed!” but I left her almost
+in silence. It was the greatest stretch of forbearance I could
+practise. I could not have stopped myself had I begun. Her assurance!
+her deceit! but I will not allow myself to dwell on them; they will
+strike you sufficiently. My heart sickens within me. As soon as I was
+tolerably composed I returned to the parlour. Sir James’s carriage was
+at the door, and he, merry as usual, soon afterwards took his leave.
+How easily does her ladyship encourage or dismiss a lover! In spite of
+this release, Frederica still looks unhappy: still fearful, perhaps, of
+her mother’s anger; and though dreading my brother’s departure,
+jealous, it may be, of his staying. I see how closely she observes him
+and Lady Susan, poor girl! I have now no hope for her. There is not a
+chance of her affection being returned. He thinks very differently of
+her from what he used to do; he does her some justice, but his
+reconciliation with her mother precludes every dearer hope. Prepare, my
+dear mother, for the worst! The probability of their marrying is surely
+heightened! He is more securely hers than ever. When that wretched
+event takes place, Frederica must belong wholly to us. I am thankful
+that my last letter will precede this by so little, as every moment
+that you can be saved from feeling a joy which leads only to
+disappointment is of consequence.
+
+Yours ever, &c.,
+CATHERINE VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XXV
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+I call on you, dear Alicia, for congratulations: I am my own self, gay
+and triumphant! When I wrote to you the other day I was, in truth, in
+high irritation, and with ample cause. Nay, I know not whether I ought
+to be quite tranquil now, for I have had more trouble in restoring
+peace than I ever intended to submit to—a spirit, too, resulting from a
+fancied sense of superior integrity, which is peculiarly insolent! I
+shall not easily forgive him, I assure you. He was actually on the
+point of leaving Churchhill! I had scarcely concluded my last, when
+Wilson brought me word of it. I found, therefore, that something must
+be done; for I did not choose to leave my character at the mercy of a
+man whose passions are so violent and so revengeful. It would have been
+trifling with my reputation to allow of his departing with such an
+impression in my disfavour; in this light, condescension was necessary.
+I sent Wilson to say that I desired to speak with him before he went;
+he came immediately. The angry emotions which had marked every feature
+when we last parted were partially subdued. He seemed astonished at the
+summons, and looked as if half wishing and half fearing to be softened
+by what I might say. If my countenance expressed what I aimed at, it
+was composed and dignified; and yet, with a degree of pensiveness which
+might convince him that I was not quite happy. “I beg your pardon, sir,
+for the liberty I have taken in sending for you,” said I; “but as I
+have just learnt your intention of leaving this place to-day, I feel it
+my duty to entreat that you will not on my account shorten your visit
+here even an hour. I am perfectly aware that after what has passed
+between us it would ill suit the feelings of either to remain longer in
+the same house: so very great, so total a change from the intimacy of
+friendship must render any future intercourse the severest punishment;
+and your resolution of quitting Churchhill is undoubtedly in unison
+with our situation, and with those lively feelings which I know you to
+possess. But, at the same time, it is not for me to suffer such a
+sacrifice as it must be to leave relations to whom you are so much
+attached, and are so dear. My remaining here cannot give that pleasure
+to Mr. and Mrs. Vernon which your society must; and my visit has
+already perhaps been too long. My removal, therefore, which must, at
+any rate, take place soon, may, with perfect convenience, be hastened;
+and I make it my particular request that I may not in any way be
+instrumental in separating a family so affectionately attached to each
+other. Where I go is of no consequence to anyone; of very little to
+myself; but you are of importance to all your connections.” Here I
+concluded, and I hope you will be satisfied with my speech. Its effect
+on Reginald justifies some portion of vanity, for it was no less
+favourable than instantaneous. Oh, how delightful it was to watch the
+variations of his countenance while I spoke! to see the struggle
+between returning tenderness and the remains of displeasure. There is
+something agreeable in feelings so easily worked on; not that I envy
+him their possession, nor would, for the world, have such myself; but
+they are very convenient when one wishes to influence the passions of
+another. And yet this Reginald, whom a very few words from me softened
+at once into the utmost submission, and rendered more tractable, more
+attached, more devoted than ever, would have left me in the first angry
+swelling of his proud heart without deigning to seek an explanation.
+Humbled as he now is, I cannot forgive him such an instance of pride,
+and am doubtful whether I ought not to punish him by dismissing him at
+once after this reconciliation, or by marrying and teazing him for
+ever. But these measures are each too violent to be adopted without
+some deliberation; at present my thoughts are fluctuating between
+various schemes. I have many things to compass: I must punish
+Frederica, and pretty severely too, for her application to Reginald; I
+must punish him for receiving it so favourably, and for the rest of his
+conduct. I must torment my sister-in-law for the insolent triumph of
+her look and manner since Sir James has been dismissed; for, in
+reconciling Reginald to me, I was not able to save that ill-fated young
+man; and I must make myself amends for the humiliation to which I have
+stooped within these few days. To effect all this I have various plans.
+I have also an idea of being soon in town; and whatever may be my
+determination as to the rest, I shall probably put _that_ project in
+execution; for London will be always the fairest field of action,
+however my views may be directed; and at any rate I shall there be
+rewarded by your society, and a little dissipation, for a ten weeks’
+penance at Churchhill. I believe I owe it to my character to complete
+the match between my daughter and Sir James after having so long
+intended it. Let me know your opinion on this point. Flexibility of
+mind, a disposition easily biassed by others, is an attribute which you
+know I am not very desirous of obtaining; nor has Frederica any claim
+to the indulgence of her notions at the expense of her mother’s
+inclinations. Her idle love for Reginald, too! It is surely my duty to
+discourage such romantic nonsense. All things considered, therefore, it
+seems incumbent on me to take her to town and marry her immediately to
+Sir James. When my own will is effected contrary to his, I shall have
+some credit in being on good terms with Reginald, which at present, in
+fact, I have not; for though he is still in my power, I have given up
+the very article by which our quarrel was produced, and at best the
+honour of victory is doubtful. Send me your opinion on all these
+matters, my dear Alicia, and let me know whether you can get lodgings
+to suit me within a short distance of you.
+
+Your most attached
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XXVI
+
+
+_Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan._
+
+
+Edward Street.
+
+
+I am gratified by your reference, and this is my advice: that you come
+to town yourself, without loss of time, but that you leave Frederica
+behind. It would surely be much more to the purpose to get yourself
+well established by marrying Mr. De Courcy, than to irritate him and
+the rest of his family by making her marry Sir James. You should think
+more of yourself and less of your daughter. She is not of a disposition
+to do you credit in the world, and seems precisely in her proper place
+at Churchhill, with the Vernons. But you are fitted for society, and it
+is shameful to have you exiled from it. Leave Frederica, therefore, to
+punish herself for the plague she has given you, by indulging that
+romantic tender-heartedness which will always ensure her misery enough,
+and come to London as soon as you can. I have another reason for urging
+this: Mainwaring came to town last week, and has contrived, in spite of
+Mr. Johnson, to make opportunities of seeing me. He is absolutely
+miserable about you, and jealous to such a degree of De Courcy that it
+would be highly unadvisable for them to meet at present. And yet, if
+you do not allow him to see you here, I cannot answer for his not
+committing some great imprudence—such as going to Churchhill, for
+instance, which would be dreadful! Besides, if you take my advice, and
+resolve to marry De Courcy, it will be indispensably necessary to you
+to get Mainwaring out of the way; and you only can have influence
+enough to send him back to his wife. I have still another motive for
+your coming: Mr. Johnson leaves London next Tuesday; he is going for
+his health to Bath, where, if the waters are favourable to his
+constitution and my wishes, he will be laid up with the gout many
+weeks. During his absence we shall be able to chuse our own society,
+and to have true enjoyment. I would ask you to Edward Street, but that
+once he forced from me a kind of promise never to invite you to my
+house; nothing but my being in the utmost distress for money should
+have extorted it from me. I can get you, however, a nice drawing-room
+apartment in Upper Seymour Street, and we may be always together there
+or here; for I consider my promise to Mr. Johnson as comprehending only
+(at least in his absence) your not sleeping in the house. Poor
+Mainwaring gives me such histories of his wife’s jealousy. Silly woman
+to expect constancy from so charming a man! but she always was
+silly—intolerably so in marrying him at all, she the heiress of a large
+fortune and he without a shilling: one title, I know, she might have
+had, besides baronets. Her folly in forming the connection was so great
+that, though Mr. Johnson was her guardian, and I do not in general
+share _his_ feelings, I never can forgive her.
+
+Adieu. Yours ever,
+ALICIA.
+
+
+
+
+XXVII
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+This letter, my dear Mother, will be brought you by Reginald. His long
+visit is about to be concluded at last, but I fear the separation takes
+place too late to do us any good. She is going to London to see her
+particular friend, Mrs. Johnson. It was at first her intention that
+Frederica should accompany her, for the benefit of masters, but we
+overruled her there. Frederica was wretched in the idea of going, and I
+could not bear to have her at the mercy of her mother; not all the
+masters in London could compensate for the ruin of her comfort. I
+should have feared, too, for her health, and for everything but her
+principles—there I believe she is not to be injured by her mother, or
+her mother’s friends; but with those friends she must have mixed (a
+very bad set, I doubt not), or have been left in total solitude, and I
+can hardly tell which would have been worse for her. If she is with her
+mother, moreover, she must, alas! in all probability be with Reginald,
+and that would be the greatest evil of all. Here we shall in time be in
+peace, and our regular employments, our books and conversations, with
+exercise, the children, and every domestic pleasure in my power to
+procure her, will, I trust, gradually overcome this youthful
+attachment. I should not have a doubt of it were she slighted for any
+other woman in the world than her own mother. How long Lady Susan will
+be in town, or whether she returns here again, I know not. I could not
+be cordial in my invitation, but if she chuses to come no want of
+cordiality on my part will keep her away. I could not help asking
+Reginald if he intended being in London this winter, as soon as I found
+her ladyship’s steps would be bent thither; and though he professed
+himself quite undetermined, there was something in his look and voice
+as he spoke which contradicted his words. I have done with lamentation;
+I look upon the event as so far decided that I resign myself to it in
+despair. If he leaves you soon for London everything will be concluded.
+
+Your affectionate, &c.,
+C. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XXVIII
+
+
+_Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan._
+
+
+Edward Street.
+
+
+My dearest Friend,—I write in the greatest distress; the most
+unfortunate event has just taken place. Mr. Johnson has hit on the most
+effectual manner of plaguing us all. He had heard, I imagine, by some
+means or other, that you were soon to be in London, and immediately
+contrived to have such an attack of the gout as must at least delay his
+journey to Bath, if not wholly prevent it. I am persuaded the gout is
+brought on or kept off at pleasure; it was the same when I wanted to
+join the Hamiltons to the Lakes; and three years ago, when _I_ had a
+fancy for Bath, nothing could induce him to have a gouty symptom.
+
+I am pleased to find that my letter had so much effect on you, and that
+De Courcy is certainly your own. Let me hear from you as soon as you
+arrive, and in particular tell me what you mean to do with Mainwaring.
+It is impossible to say when I shall be able to come to you; my
+confinement must be great. It is such an abominable trick to be ill
+here instead of at Bath that I can scarcely command myself at all. At
+Bath his old aunts would have nursed him, but here it all falls upon
+me; and he bears pain with such patience that I have not the common
+excuse for losing my temper.
+
+Yours ever,
+ALICIA.
+
+
+
+
+XXIX
+
+
+_Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Upper Seymour Street.
+
+
+My dear Alicia,—There needed not this last fit of the gout to make me
+detest Mr. Johnson, but now the extent of my aversion is not to be
+estimated. To have you confined as nurse in his apartment! My dear
+Alicia, of what a mistake were you guilty in marrying a man of his age!
+just old enough to be formal, ungovernable, and to have the gout; too
+old to be agreeable, too young to die. I arrived last night about five,
+had scarcely swallowed my dinner when Mainwaring made his appearance. I
+will not dissemble what real pleasure his sight afforded me, nor how
+strongly I felt the contrast between his person and manners and those
+of Reginald, to the infinite disadvantage of the latter. For an hour or
+two I was even staggered in my resolution of marrying him, and though
+this was too idle and nonsensical an idea to remain long on my mind, I
+do not feel very eager for the conclusion of my marriage, nor look
+forward with much impatience to the time when Reginald, according to
+our agreement, is to be in town. I shall probably put off his arrival
+under some pretence or other. He must not come till Mainwaring is gone.
+I am still doubtful at times as to marrying; if the old man would die I
+might not hesitate, but a state of dependance on the caprice of Sir
+Reginald will not suit the freedom of my spirit; and if I resolve to
+wait for that event, I shall have excuse enough at present in having
+been scarcely ten months a widow. I have not given Mainwaring any hint
+of my intention, or allowed him to consider my acquaintance with
+Reginald as more than the commonest flirtation, and he is tolerably
+appeased. Adieu, till we meet; I am enchanted with my lodgings.
+
+Yours ever,
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XXX
+
+
+_Lady Susan Vernon to Mr. De Courcy._
+
+
+Upper Seymour Street.
+
+
+I have received your letter, and though I do not attempt to conceal
+that I am gratified by your impatience for the hour of meeting, I yet
+feel myself under the necessity of delaying that hour beyond the time
+originally fixed. Do not think me unkind for such an exercise of my
+power, nor accuse me of instability without first hearing my reasons.
+In the course of my journey from Churchhill I had ample leisure for
+reflection on the present state of our affairs, and every review has
+served to convince me that they require a delicacy and cautiousness of
+conduct to which we have hitherto been too little attentive. We have
+been hurried on by our feelings to a degree of precipitation which ill
+accords with the claims of our friends or the opinion of the world. We
+have been unguarded in forming this hasty engagement, but we must not
+complete the imprudence by ratifying it while there is so much reason
+to fear the connection would be opposed by those friends on whom you
+depend. It is not for us to blame any expectations on your father’s
+side of your marrying to advantage; where possessions are so extensive
+as those of your family, the wish of increasing them, if not strictly
+reasonable, is too common to excite surprize or resentment. He has a
+right to require a woman of fortune in his daughter-in-law, and I am
+sometimes quarrelling with myself for suffering you to form a
+connection so imprudent; but the influence of reason is often
+acknowledged too late by those who feel like me. I have now been but a
+few months a widow, and, however little indebted to my husband’s memory
+for any happiness derived from him during a union of some years, I
+cannot forget that the indelicacy of so early a second marriage must
+subject me to the censure of the world, and incur, what would be still
+more insupportable, the displeasure of Mr. Vernon. I might perhaps
+harden myself in time against the injustice of general reproach, but
+the loss of _his_ valued esteem I am, as you well know, ill-fitted to
+endure; and when to this may be added the consciousness of having
+injured you with your family, how am I to support myself? With feelings
+so poignant as mine, the conviction of having divided the son from his
+parents would make me, even with you, the most miserable of beings. It
+will surely, therefore, be advisable to delay our union—to delay it
+till appearances are more promising—till affairs have taken a more
+favourable turn. To assist us in such a resolution I feel that absence
+will be necessary. We must not meet. Cruel as this sentence may appear,
+the necessity of pronouncing it, which can alone reconcile it to
+myself, will be evident to you when you have considered our situation
+in the light in which I have found myself imperiously obliged to place
+it. You may be—you must be—well assured that nothing but the strongest
+conviction of duty could induce me to wound my own feelings by urging a
+lengthened separation, and of insensibility to yours you will hardly
+suspect me. Again, therefore, I say that we ought not, we must not, yet
+meet. By a removal for some months from each other we shall
+tranquillise the sisterly fears of Mrs. Vernon, who, accustomed herself
+to the enjoyment of riches, considers fortune as necessary everywhere,
+and whose sensibilities are not of a nature to comprehend ours. Let me
+hear from you soon—very soon. Tell me that you submit to my arguments,
+and do not reproach me for using such. I cannot bear reproaches: my
+spirits are not so high as to need being repressed. I must endeavour to
+seek amusement, and fortunately many of my friends are in town; amongst
+them the Mainwarings; you know how sincerely I regard both husband and
+wife.
+
+I am, very faithfully yours,
+S. VERNON
+
+
+
+
+XXXI
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Upper Seymour Street.
+
+
+My dear Friend,—That tormenting creature, Reginald, is here. My letter,
+which was intended to keep him longer in the country, has hastened him
+to town. Much as I wish him away, however, I cannot help being pleased
+with such a proof of attachment. He is devoted to me, heart and soul.
+He will carry this note himself, which is to serve as an introduction
+to you, with whom he longs to be acquainted. Allow him to spend the
+evening with you, that I may be in no danger of his returning here. I
+have told him that I am not quite well, and must be alone; and should
+he call again there might be confusion, for it is impossible to be sure
+of servants. Keep him, therefore, I entreat you, in Edward Street. You
+will not find him a heavy companion, and I allow you to flirt with him
+as much as you like. At the same time, do not forget my real interest;
+say all that you can to convince him that I shall be quite wretched if
+he remains here; you know my reasons—propriety, and so forth. I would
+urge them more myself, but that I am impatient to be rid of him, as
+Mainwaring comes within half an hour. Adieu!
+
+S. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+XXXII
+
+
+_Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan._
+
+
+Edward Street.
+
+
+My dear Creature,—I am in agonies, and know not what to do. Mr. De
+Courcy arrived just when he should not. Mrs. Mainwaring had that
+instant entered the house, and forced herself into her guardian’s
+presence, though I did not know a syllable of it till afterwards, for I
+was out when both she and Reginald came, or I should have sent him away
+at all events; but she was shut up with Mr. Johnson, while he waited in
+the drawing-room for me. She arrived yesterday in pursuit of her
+husband, but perhaps you know this already from himself. She came to
+this house to entreat my husband’s interference, and before I could be
+aware of it, everything that you could wish to be concealed was known
+to him, and unluckily she had wormed out of Mainwaring’s servant that
+he had visited you every day since your being in town, and had just
+watched him to your door herself! What could I do! Facts are such
+horrid things! All is by this time known to De Courcy, who is now alone
+with Mr. Johnson. Do not accuse me; indeed, it was impossible to
+prevent it. Mr. Johnson has for some time suspected De Courcy of
+intending to marry you, and would speak with him alone as soon as he
+knew him to be in the house. That detestable Mrs. Mainwaring, who, for
+your comfort, has fretted herself thinner and uglier than ever, is
+still here, and they have been all closeted together. What can be done?
+At any rate, I hope he will plague his wife more than ever. With
+anxious wishes,
+
+Yours faithfully,
+ALICIA.
+
+
+
+
+XXXIII
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Upper Seymour Street.
+
+
+This _éclaircissement_ is rather provoking. How unlucky that you should
+have been from home! I thought myself sure of you at seven! I am
+undismayed however. Do not torment yourself with fears on my account;
+depend on it, I can make my story good with Reginald. Mainwaring is
+just gone; he brought me the news of his wife’s arrival. Silly woman,
+what does she expect by such manoeuvres? Yet I wish she had stayed
+quietly at Langford. Reginald will be a little enraged at first, but by
+to-morrow’s dinner, everything will be well again.
+
+Adieu!
+S. V.
+
+
+
+
+XXXIV
+
+
+_Mr. De Courcy to Lady Susan._
+
+
+—— Hotel.
+
+
+I write only to bid you farewell, the spell is removed; I see you as
+you are. Since we parted yesterday, I have received from indisputable
+authority such a history of you as must bring the most mortifying
+conviction of the imposition I have been under, and the absolute
+necessity of an immediate and eternal separation from you. You cannot
+doubt to what I allude. Langford! Langford! that word will be
+sufficient. I received my information in Mr. Johnson’s house, from Mrs.
+Mainwaring herself. You know how I have loved you; you can intimately
+judge of my present feelings, but I am not so weak as to find
+indulgence in describing them to a woman who will glory in having
+excited their anguish, but whose affection they have never been able to
+gain.
+
+R. DE COURCY.
+
+
+
+
+XXXV
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mr. De Courcy._
+
+
+Upper Seymour Street.
+
+
+I will not attempt to describe my astonishment in reading the note this
+moment received from you. I am bewildered in my endeavours to form some
+rational conjecture of what Mrs. Mainwaring can have told you to
+occasion so extraordinary a change in your sentiments. Have I not
+explained everything to you with respect to myself which could bear a
+doubtful meaning, and which the ill-nature of the world had interpreted
+to my discredit? What can you now have heard to stagger your esteem for
+me? Have I ever had a concealment from you? Reginald, you agitate me
+beyond expression, I cannot suppose that the old story of Mrs.
+Mainwaring’s jealousy can be revived again, or at least be _listened_
+to again. Come to me immediately, and explain what is at present
+absolutely incomprehensible. Believe me, the single word of _Langford_
+is not of such potent intelligence as to supersede the necessity of
+more. If we _are_ to part, it will at least be handsome to take your
+personal leave—but I have little heart to jest; in truth, I am serious
+enough; for to be sunk, though but for an hour, in your esteem is a
+humiliation to which I know not how to submit. I shall count every
+minute till your arrival.
+
+S. V.
+
+
+
+
+XXXVI
+
+
+_Mr. De Courcy to Lady Susan._
+
+
+—— Hotel.
+
+
+Why would you write to me? Why do you require particulars? But, since
+it must be so, I am obliged to declare that all the accounts of your
+misconduct during the life, and since the death of Mr. Vernon, which
+had reached me, in common with the world in general, and gained my
+entire belief before I saw you, but which you, by the exertion of your
+perverted abilities, had made me resolved to disallow, have been
+unanswerably proved to me; nay more, I am assured that a connection, of
+which I had never before entertained a thought, has for some time
+existed, and still continues to exist, between you and the man whose
+family you robbed of its peace in return for the hospitality with which
+you were received into it; that you have corresponded with him ever
+since your leaving Langford; not with his wife, but with him, and that
+he now visits you every day. Can you, dare you deny it? and all this at
+the time when I was an encouraged, an accepted lover! From what have I
+not escaped! I have only to be grateful. Far from me be all complaint,
+every sigh of regret. My own folly had endangered me, my preservation I
+owe to the kindness, the integrity of another; but the unfortunate Mrs.
+Mainwaring, whose agonies while she related the past seemed to threaten
+her reason, how is _she_ to be consoled! After such a discovery as
+this, you will scarcely affect further wonder at my meaning in bidding
+you adieu. My understanding is at length restored, and teaches no less
+to abhor the artifices which had subdued me than to despise myself for
+the weakness on which their strength was founded.
+
+R. DE COURCY.
+
+
+
+
+XXXVII
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mr. De Courcy._
+
+
+Upper Seymour Street.
+
+
+I am satisfied, and will trouble you no more when these few lines are
+dismissed. The engagement which you were eager to form a fortnight ago
+is no longer compatible with your views, and I rejoice to find that the
+prudent advice of your parents has not been given in vain. Your
+restoration to peace will, I doubt not, speedily follow this act of
+filial obedience, and I flatter myself with the hope of surviving my
+share in this disappointment.
+
+S. V.
+
+
+
+
+XXXVIII
+
+
+_Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan Vernon._
+
+
+Edward Street
+
+
+I am grieved, though I cannot be astonished at your rupture with Mr. De
+Courcy; he has just informed Mr. Johnson of it by letter. He leaves
+London, he says, to-day. Be assured that I partake in all your
+feelings, and do not be angry if I say that our intercourse, even by
+letter, must soon be given up. It makes me miserable; but Mr. Johnson
+vows that if I persist in the connection, he will settle in the country
+for the rest of his life, and you know it is impossible to submit to
+such an extremity while any other alternative remains. You have heard
+of course that the Mainwarings are to part, and I am afraid Mrs. M.
+will come home to us again; but she is still so fond of her husband,
+and frets so much about him, that perhaps she may not live long. Miss
+Mainwaring is just come to town to be with her aunt, and they say that
+she declares she will have Sir James Martin before she leaves London
+again. If I were you, I would certainly get him myself. I had almost
+forgot to give you my opinion of Mr. De Courcy; I am really delighted
+with him; he is full as handsome, I think, as Mainwaring, and with such
+an open, good-humoured countenance, that one cannot help loving him at
+first sight. Mr. Johnson and he are the greatest friends in the world.
+Adieu, my dearest Susan, I wish matters did not go so perversely. That
+unlucky visit to Langford! but I dare say you did all for the best, and
+there is no defying destiny.
+
+Your sincerely attached,
+ALICIA.
+
+
+
+
+XXXIX
+
+
+_Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson._
+
+
+Upper Seymour Street.
+
+
+My dear Alicia,—I yield to the necessity which parts us. Under such
+circumstances you could not act otherwise. Our friendship cannot be
+impaired by it, and in happier times, when your situation is as
+independent as mine, it will unite us again in the same intimacy as
+ever. For this I shall impatiently wait, and meanwhile can safely
+assure you that I never was more at ease, or better satisfied with
+myself and everything about me than at the present hour. Your husband I
+abhor, Reginald I despise, and I am secure of never seeing either
+again. Have I not reason to rejoice? Mainwaring is more devoted to me
+than ever; and were we at liberty, I doubt if I could resist even
+matrimony offered by _him_. This event, if his wife live with you, it
+may be in your power to hasten. The violence of her feelings, which
+must wear her out, may be easily kept in irritation. I rely on your
+friendship for this. I am now satisfied that I never could have brought
+myself to marry Reginald, and am equally determined that Frederica
+never _shall_. To-morrow, I shall fetch her from Churchhill, and let
+Maria Mainwaring tremble for the consequence. Frederica shall be Sir
+James’s wife before she quits my house, and _she_ may whimper, and the
+Vernons may storm, I regard them not. I am tired of submitting my will
+to the caprices of others; of resigning my own judgment in deference to
+those to whom I owe no duty, and for whom I feel no respect. I have
+given up too much, have been too easily worked on, but Frederica shall
+now feel the difference. Adieu, dearest of friends; may the next gouty
+attack be more favourable! and may you always regard me as unalterably
+yours,
+
+S. VERNON
+
+
+
+
+XL
+
+
+_Lady De Courcy to Mrs. Vernon._
+
+
+My dear Catherine,—I have charming news for you, and if I had not sent
+off my letter this morning you might have been spared the vexation of
+knowing of Reginald’s being gone to London, for he is returned.
+Reginald is returned, not to ask our consent to his marrying Lady
+Susan, but to tell us they are parted for ever. He has been only an
+hour in the house, and I have not been able to learn particulars, for
+he is so very low that I have not the heart to ask questions, but I
+hope we shall soon know all. This is the most joyful hour he has ever
+given us since the day of his birth. Nothing is wanting but to have you
+here, and it is our particular wish and entreaty that you would come to
+us as soon as you can. You have owed us a visit many long weeks; I hope
+nothing will make it inconvenient to Mr. Vernon; and pray bring all my
+grand-children; and your dear niece is included, of course; I long to
+see her. It has been a sad, heavy winter hitherto, without Reginald,
+and seeing nobody from Churchhill. I never found the season so dreary
+before; but this happy meeting will make us young again. Frederica runs
+much in my thoughts, and when Reginald has recovered his usual good
+spirits (as I trust he soon will) we will try to rob him of his heart
+once more, and I am full of hopes of seeing their hands joined at no
+great distance.
+
+Your affectionate mother,
+C. DE COURCY.
+
+
+
+
+XLI
+
+
+_Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy._
+
+
+Churchhill.
+
+
+My dear Mother,—Your letter has surprized me beyond measure! Can it be
+true that they are really separated—and for ever? I should be overjoyed
+if I dared depend on it, but after all that I have seen how can one be
+secure? And Reginald really with you! My surprize is the greater
+because on Wednesday, the very day of his coming to Parklands, we had a
+most unexpected and unwelcome visit from Lady Susan, looking all
+cheerfulness and good-humour, and seeming more as if she were to marry
+him when she got to London than as if parted from him for ever. She
+stayed nearly two hours, was as affectionate and agreeable as ever, and
+not a syllable, not a hint was dropped, of any disagreement or coolness
+between them. I asked her whether she had seen my brother since his
+arrival in town; not, as you may suppose, with any doubt of the fact,
+but merely to see how she looked. She immediately answered, without any
+embarrassment, that he had been kind enough to call on her on Monday;
+but she believed he had already returned home, which I was very far
+from crediting. Your kind invitation is accepted by us with pleasure,
+and on Thursday next we and our little ones will be with you. Pray
+heaven, Reginald may not be in town again by that time! I wish we could
+bring dear Frederica too, but I am sorry to say that her mother’s
+errand hither was to fetch her away; and, miserable as it made the poor
+girl, it was impossible to detain her. I was thoroughly unwilling to
+let her go, and so was her uncle; and all that could be urged we did
+urge; but Lady Susan declared that as she was now about to fix herself
+in London for several months, she could not be easy if her daughter
+were not with her for masters, &c. Her manner, to be sure, was very
+kind and proper, and Mr. Vernon believes that Frederica will now be
+treated with affection. I wish I could think so too. The poor girl’s
+heart was almost broke at taking leave of us. I charged her to write to
+me very often, and to remember that if she were in any distress we
+should be always her friends. I took care to see her alone, that I
+might say all this, and I hope made her a little more comfortable; but
+I shall not be easy till I can go to town and judge of her situation
+myself. I wish there were a better prospect than now appears of the
+match which the conclusion of your letter declares your expectations
+of. At present, it is not very likely.
+
+Yours ever, &c.,
+C. VERNON.
+
+
+
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+This correspondence, by a meeting between some of the parties, and a
+separation between the others, could not, to the great detriment of the
+Post Office revenue, be continued any longer. Very little assistance to
+the State could be derived from the epistolary intercourse of Mrs.
+Vernon and her niece; for the former soon perceived, by the style of
+Frederica’s letters, that they were written under her mother’s
+inspection! and therefore, deferring all particular enquiry till she
+could make it personally in London, ceased writing minutely or often.
+Having learnt enough, in the meanwhile, from her open-hearted brother,
+of what had passed between him and Lady Susan to sink the latter lower
+than ever in her opinion, she was proportionably more anxious to get
+Frederica removed from such a mother, and placed under her own care;
+and, though with little hope of success, was resolved to leave nothing
+unattempted that might offer a chance of obtaining her sister-in-law’s
+consent to it. Her anxiety on the subject made her press for an early
+visit to London; and Mr. Vernon, who, as it must already have appeared,
+lived only to do whatever he was desired, soon found some accommodating
+business to call him thither. With a heart full of the matter, Mrs.
+Vernon waited on Lady Susan shortly after her arrival in town, and was
+met with such an easy and cheerful affection, as made her almost turn
+from her with horror. No remembrance of Reginald, no consciousness of
+guilt, gave one look of embarrassment; she was in excellent spirits,
+and seemed eager to show at once by every possible attention to her
+brother and sister her sense of their kindness, and her pleasure in
+their society. Frederica was no more altered than Lady Susan; the same
+restrained manners, the same timid look in the presence of her mother
+as heretofore, assured her aunt of her situation being uncomfortable,
+and confirmed her in the plan of altering it. No unkindness, however,
+on the part of Lady Susan appeared. Persecution on the subject of Sir
+James was entirely at an end; his name merely mentioned to say that he
+was not in London; and indeed, in all her conversation, she was
+solicitous only for the welfare and improvement of her daughter,
+acknowledging, in terms of grateful delight, that Frederica was now
+growing every day more and more what a parent could desire. Mrs.
+Vernon, surprized and incredulous, knew not what to suspect, and,
+without any change in her own views, only feared greater difficulty in
+accomplishing them. The first hope of anything better was derived from
+Lady Susan’s asking her whether she thought Frederica looked quite as
+well as she had done at Churchhill, as she must confess herself to have
+sometimes an anxious doubt of London’s perfectly agreeing with her.
+Mrs. Vernon, encouraging the doubt, directly proposed her niece’s
+returning with them into the country. Lady Susan was unable to express
+her sense of such kindness, yet knew not, from a variety of reasons,
+how to part with her daughter; and as, though her own plans were not
+yet wholly fixed, she trusted it would ere long be in her power to take
+Frederica into the country herself, concluded by declining entirely to
+profit by such unexampled attention. Mrs. Vernon persevered, however,
+in the offer of it, and though Lady Susan continued to resist, her
+resistance in the course of a few days seemed somewhat less formidable.
+The lucky alarm of an influenza decided what might not have been
+decided quite so soon. Lady Susan’s maternal fears were then too much
+awakened for her to think of anything but Frederica’s removal from the
+risk of infection; above all disorders in the world she most dreaded
+the influenza for her daughter’s constitution!
+
+Frederica returned to Churchhill with her uncle and aunt; and three
+weeks afterwards, Lady Susan announced her being married to Sir James
+Martin. Mrs. Vernon was then convinced of what she had only suspected
+before, that she might have spared herself all the trouble of urging a
+removal which Lady Susan had doubtless resolved on from the first.
+Frederica’s visit was nominally for six weeks, but her mother, though
+inviting her to return in one or two affectionate letters, was very
+ready to oblige the whole party by consenting to a prolongation of her
+stay, and in the course of two months ceased to write of her absence,
+and in the course of two more to write to her at all. Frederica was
+therefore fixed in the family of her uncle and aunt till such time as
+Reginald De Courcy could be talked, flattered, and finessed into an
+affection for her which, allowing leisure for the conquest of his
+attachment to her mother, for his abjuring all future attachments, and
+detesting the sex, might be reasonably looked for in the course of a
+twelvemonth. Three months might have done it in general, but Reginald’s
+feelings were no less lasting than lively. Whether Lady Susan was or
+was not happy in her second choice, I do not see how it can ever be
+ascertained; for who would take her assurance of it on either side of
+the question? The world must judge from probabilities; she had nothing
+against her but her husband, and her conscience. Sir James may seem to
+have drawn a harder lot than mere folly merited; I leave him,
+therefore, to all the pity that anybody can give him. For myself, I
+confess that _I_ can pity only Miss Mainwaring; who, coming to town,
+and putting herself to an expense in clothes which impoverished her for
+two years, on purpose to secure him, was defrauded of her due by a
+woman ten years older than herself.
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 946 ***