Lady Susan (version 2) — Mrs Vernon to Lady de Courcy
Churchhill.
Let me congratulate you, my dearest Mother!
The affair which has given us so much anxiety is drawing to a happy conclusion.
Our prospect is most delightful, and since matters have now taken so favourable a turn, I am quite sorry that I ever imparted my apprehensions to you; for the pleasure of learning that the danger is over is perhaps dearly purchased by all that you have previously suffered.
I am so much agitated by delight that I can scarcely hold a pen; but am determined to send you a few short lines by James, that you may have some explanation of what must so greatly astonish you, as that Reginald should be returning to Parklands.
I was sitting about half an hour ago with Sir James in the breakfast parlour, when my brother called me out of the room.
I instantly saw that something was the matter; his complexion was raised, and he spoke with great emotion; you know his eager manner, my dear mother, when his mind is interested.
“Catherine,” said he, “I am going home to-day; I am sorry to leave you, but I must go: it is a great while since I have seen my father and mother.
I am going to send James forward with my hunters immediately; if you have any letter, therefore, he can take it.
I shall not be at home myself till Wednesday or Thursday, as I shall go through London, where I have business; but before I leave you,” he continued, speaking in a lower tone, and with still greater energy, “I must warn you of one thing—do not let Frederica Vernon be made unhappy by that Martin.
He wants to marry her; her mother promotes the match, but she cannot endure the idea of it.
Be assured that I speak from the fullest conviction of the truth of what I say; I know that Frederica is made wretched by Sir James’s continuing here.
She is a sweet girl, and deserves a better fate.
Send him away immediately; he is only a fool: but what her mother can mean, Heaven only knows!
Good bye,” he added, shaking my hand with earnestness; “I do not know when you will see me again; but remember what I tell you of Frederica; you _must_ make it your business to see justice done her.
She is an amiable girl, and has a very superior mind to what we have given her credit for.
” He then left me, and ran upstairs.
I would not try to stop him, for I knew what his feelings must be.
The nature of mine, as I listened to him, I need not attempt to describe; for a minute or two I remained in the same spot, overpowered by wonder of a most agreeable sort indeed; yet it required some consideration to be tranquilly happy.
In about ten minutes after my return to the parlour Lady Susan entered the room.
I concluded, of course, that she and Reginald had been quarrelling; and looked with anxious curiosity for a confirmation of my belief in her face.
Mistress of deceit, however, she appeared perfectly unconcerned, and after chatting on indifferent subjects for a short time, said to me, “I find from Wilson that we are going to lose Mr. De Courcy—is it true that he leaves Churchhill this morning?
” I replied that it was.
“He told us nothing of all this last night,” said she, laughing, “or even this morning at breakfast; but perhaps he did not know it himself.
Young men are often hasty in their resolutions, and not more sudden in forming than unsteady in keeping them.
I should not be surprised if he were to change his mind at last, and not go.
” She soon afterwards left the room.
I trust, however, my dear mother, that we have no reason to fear an alteration of his present plan; things have gone too far.
They must have quarrelled, and about Frederica, too.
Her calmness astonishes me.
What delight will be yours in seeing him again; in seeing him still worthy your esteem, still capable of forming your happiness!
When I next write I shall be able to tell you that Sir James is gone, Lady Susan vanquished, and Frederica at peace.
We have much to do, but it shall be done.
I am all impatience to hear how this astonishing change was effected.
I finish as I began, with the warmest congratulations.
Yours ever, &c. , CATH.
VERNON.
XXIV
