To Mrs. Temple, Pall Mall.
Silleri, April 9.
Your brother, my dear, is gone to Montreal to look out for a
settlement, and Emily to spend a fortnight at Quebec, with a lady she
knew in England, who is lately arrived from thence by New York.
I am lost without my friend, though my lover endeavors in some
degree to supply her place; he lays close siege; I know not how long I
shall be able to hold out: this fine weather is exceedingly in his
favor; the winter freezes up all the avenues to the heart; but this
sprightly April sun thaws them again amazingly. I was the cruellest
creature breathing whilst the chilly season lasted, but can answer for
nothing now the sprightly May is approaching.
I can see papa is vastly in Fitzgerald's interest; but he knows our
sex well enough to keep this to himself.
I shall, however, for decency's sake, ask his opinion on the affair
as soon as I have taken my resolution; which is the very time at which
all the world ask advice of their friends.
A letter from Emily, which I must answer: she is extremely absurd,
which your tender lovers always are.
Adieu! yours,
A. Fermor.
Sir George Clayton had left Montreal some days before your brother
arrived there; I was pleased to hear it, because, with all your
brother's good sense, and concern for Emily's honor, and Sir George's
natural coldness of temper, a quarrel between them would have been
rather difficult to have been avoided.