_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.,