To Colonel Rivers, Bellfield, Rutland.
London, Oct. 8.
You are very cruel, my dear Rivers, to tantalize me with your
pictures of happiness.
Notwithstanding this spite, I am sorry I must break in on your
groupe of friends; but it is absolutely necessary for Bell and my
father to return immediately to town, in order to settle some family
business, previous to my purchase of the majority.
Indeed, I am not very fond of letting Bell stay long amongst you;
for she gives me such an account of your attention and complaisance to
Mrs. Rivers, that I am afraid she will think me a careless fellow when
we meet again.
You seem in the high road, not only to spoil your own wife, but mine
too; which it is certainly my affair to prevent.
Say every thing for me to the ladies of your family.
Adieu! Your affectionate
J. Fitzgerald.