_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,