"October 14. 1814.
"An' there were any thing in marriage that would make a difference
between my friends and me, particularly in your case, I would 'none
on't.' My agent sets off for Durham next week, and I shall follow
him, taking Newstead and you in my way. I certainly did not address
Miss Milbanke with these views, but it is likely she may prove a
considerable _parti_. All her father can give, or leave her, he
will; and from her childless uncle, Lord Wentworth, whose barony,
it is supposed, will devolve on Ly. Milbanke (her sister), she has
expectations. But these will depend upon his own disposition, which
seems very partial towards her. She is an only child, and Sir R.'s
estates, though dipped by electioneering, are considerable. Part of
them are settled on her; but whether _that_ will be _dowered_ now,
I do not know,--though, from what has been intimated to me, it
probably will. The lawyers are to settle this among them, and I am
getting my property into matrimonial array, and myself ready for
the journey to Seaham, which I must make in a week or ten days.
"I certainly did not dream that she was attached to me, which it
seems she has been for some time. I also thought her of a very cold
disposition, in which I was also mistaken--it is a long story, and
I won't trouble you with it. As to her virtues, &c. &c. you will
hear enough of them (for she is a kind of _pattern_ in the north),
without my running into a display on the subject. It is well that
_one_ of us is of such fame, since there is sad deficit in the
_morale_ of that article upon my part,--all owing to my 'bitch of a
star,' as Captain Tranchemont says of his planet.
"Don't think you have not said enough of me in your article on T *
*; what more could or need be said?
"Your long-delayed and expected work--I suppose you will take
fright at 'The Lord of the Isles' and Scott now. You must do as you
like,--I have said my say. You ought to fear comparison with none,
and any one would stare, who heard you were so tremulous,--though,
after all, I believe it is the surest sign of talent. Good morning.
I hope we shall meet soon, but I will write again, and perhaps you
will meet me at Nottingham. Pray say so.
"P.S. If this union is productive, you shall name the first
fruits."
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