To Captain Fitzgerald.
Bellfield, Sept. 13.
I congratulate you, my dear friend, on your safe arrival, and on
your marriage.
You have got the start of me in happiness; I love you, however, too
sincerely to envy you.
Emily has promised me her hand, as soon as some little family
affairs are settled, which I flatter myself will not take above another
week.
When she gave me this promise, she begged me to allow her to return
to Berkshire till our marriage took place; I felt the propriety of
this step, and therefore would not oppose it: she pleaded having some
business also to settle with her relation there.
My mother has given back the deed of settlement of my estate, and
accepted of an assignment on my half pay: she is greatly a loser; but
she insisted on making me happy, with such an air of tenderness, that I
could not deny her that satisfaction.
I shall keep some land in my own hands, and farm; which will enable
me to have a post chaise for Emily, and my mother, who will be a good
deal with us; and a constant decent table for a friend.
Emily is to superintend the dairy and garden; she has a passion for
flowers, with which I am extremely pleased, as it will be to her a
continual source of pleasure.
I feel such delight in the idea of making her happy, that I think
nothing a trifle which can be in the least degree pleasing to her.