_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.