Cannot you, without naming me as an adviser, who am hated by the family,
contrive a way to let Mrs. Harlowe know, that in an accidental
conversation with me, you had been assured that my beloved friend pines
after a reconciliation with her relations? That she has hitherto, in
hopes of it, refused to enter into any obligation that shall be in the
least a hinderance [sic] to it: that she would fain avoid giving Mr.
Lovelace a right to make her family uneasy in relation to her
grandfather's estate: that all she wishes for still is to be indulged in
her choice of a single life, and, on that condition, would make her
father's pleasure her's with regard to that estate: that Mr. Lovelace is
continually pressing her to marry him; and all his friends likewise: but
that I am sure she has so little liking to the man, because of his faulty
morals, and of the antipathy of her relations to him, that if she had any
hope given her of a reconciliation, she would forego all thoughts of him,
and put herself into her father's protection. But that their resolution
must be speedy; for otherwise she would find herself obliged to give way
to his pressing entreaties; and it might then be out of her power to
prevent disagreeable litigations.
I do assure you, Mrs. Norton, upon my honour, that our dearest friend
knows nothing of this procedure of mine: and therefore it is proper to
acquaint you, in confidence, with my grounds for it.--These are they:
She had desired me to let Mr. Hickman drop hints to the above effect to
her uncle Harlowe; but indirectly, as from himself, lest, if the
application should not be attended with success, and Mr. Lovelace (who
already takes it ill that he has so little of her favour) come to know
it, she may be deprived of every protection, and be perhaps subjected to
great inconveniencies from so haughty a spirit.
Having this authority from her, and being very solicitous about the
success of the application, I thought, that if the weight of so good a
wife, mother, and sister, as Mrs. Harlowe is known to be, were thrown
into the same scale with that of Mr. John Harlowe (supposing he could be
engaged) it could hardly fail of making a due impression.
Mr. Hickman will see Mr. John Harlowe to-morrow: by that time you may see
Mrs. Harlowe. If Mr. Hickman finds the old gentleman favourable, he will
tell him, that you will have seen Mrs. Harlowe upon the same account; and
will advise him to join in consultation with her how best to proceed to
melt the most obdurate heart in the world.
This is the fair state of the matter, and my true motive for writing to
you. I leave all, therefore, to your discretion; and most heartily wish
success to it; being of opinion that Mr. Lovelace cannot possibly deserve
our admirable friend: nor indeed know I the man who does.
Pray acquaint me by a line of the result of your interposition. If it
prove not such as may be reasonably hoped for, our dear friend shall know
nothing of this step from me; and pray let her not from you. For, in
that case, it would only give deeper grief to a heart already too much
afflicted. I am, dear and worthy Mrs. Norton,
Your true friend,
ANNA HOWE.