Lady Susan

Description

LADY SUSAN VERNON TO MR. VERNONLangford, Dec.MY DEAR BROTHER, -I can no longer refuse myself the pleasure of profiting by your kindinvitation when we last parted of spending some weeks with you at Churchhill, and, therefore, ifquite convenient to you and Mrs. Vernon to receive me at present, I shall hope within a few days tobe introduced to a sister whom I have so long desired to be acquainted with. My kind friends hereare most affectionately urgent with me to prolong my stay, but their hospitable and cheerfuldispositions lead them too much into society for my present situation and state of mind; and Iimpatiently 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 tosecure an interest I shall soon have need for all my fortitude, as I am on the point of separationfrom my own daughter. The long illness of her dear father prevented my paying her that attentionwhich duty and affection equally dictated, and I have too much reason to fear that the governess towhose care I consigned her was unequal to the charge. I have therefore resolved on placing her atone of the best private schools in town, where I shall have an opportunity of leaving her myself inmy way to you. I am determined, you see, not to be denied admittance at Churchhill. It wouldindeed 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. 3IILADY SUSAN VERNON TO MRS. JOHNSONLangford.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 moreagreeably than those which have just flown away. At present, nothing goes smoothly; the females ofthe family are united against me. You foretold how it would be when I first came to Langford, andMainwaring is so uncommonly pleasing that I was not without apprehensions for myself. Iremember saying to myself, as I drove to the house, "I like this man, pray Heaven no harm come ofit " But I was determined to be discreet, to bear in mind my being only four months a widow, and tobe as quiet as possible: and I have been so, my dear creature; I have admitted no one's attentions butMainwaring'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, inorder to detach him from Miss Mainwaring; but, if the world could know my motive THERE theywould honour me. I have been called an unkind mother, but it was the sacred impulse of maternalaffection, it was the advantage of my daughter that led me on; and if that daughter were not thegreatest simpleton on earth, I might have been rewarded for my exertions as I ou.