We have been in daily hope for a long time, I must call it, of hearing
that the happy knot was tied. My Lord has been very much out of order:
and yet nothing would serve him, but he would himself write an answer to
your letter. It was the only opportunity he should ever have, perhaps,
to throw in a little good advice to you, with the hope of its being of
any signification; and he has been several hours in a day, as his gout
would let him, busied in it. It wants now only his last revisal. He
hopes it will have the greater weight with you, as it appear all in his
own hand-writing.
Indeed, Mr. Lovelace, his worthy heart is wrapt up in you. I wish you
loved yourself but half as well. But I believe too, that if all the
family loved you less, you would love yourself more.
His Lordship has been very busy, at the times he could not write, in
consulting Pritchard about those estates which he proposes to transfer to
you on the happy occasion, that he may answer your letter in the most
acceptable manner; and show, by effects, how kindly he takes your
invitation. I assure you he is mighty proud of it.
As for myself, I am not at all well, and have not been for some weeks
past, with my old stomach-disorder. I had certainly else before now have
done myself the honour you wonder I have not done myself. Lady Betty,
who would have accompanied me, (for we have laid it all out,) has been
exceedingly busy in her law-affair; her antagonist, who is actually on
the spot, having been making proposals for an accommodation. But you may
assure yourself, that when our dear relation-elect shall be entered upon
the new habitation you tell me of, we will do ourselves the honour of
visiting her; and if any delay arises from the dear lady's want of
courage, (which considering her man, let me tell you, may very well be,)
we will endeavour to inspire her with it, and be sponsors for you;--for,
cousin, I believe you have need to be christened over again before you
are entitled to so great a blessing. What think you?
Just now, my Lord tells me, he will dispatch a man on purpose with his
letter to-morrow: so I needed not to have written. But now I have, let
it go; and by Empson, who sets out directly on his return to town.
My best compliments, and sister's, to the most deserving lady in the
world [you will need no other direction to the person meant] conclude me
Your affectionate cousin and servant,
CHARL. MONTAGUE.
***
Thou seest how seasonably this letter comes. I hope my Lord will write
nothing but what I may show to my beloved. I have actually sent her up
this letter of Charlotte's, and hope for happy effects from it.