III. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy

by Jane Austen

　　Churchhill.My dear Mother,--I am very sorry to tell you that it will not be in ourpower to keep our promise of spending our Christmas with you; and we areprevented that happiness by a circumstance which is not likely to make usany amends. Lady Susan, in a letter to her brother-in-law, has declared herintention of visiting us almost immediately; and as such a visit is in allprobability merely an affair of convenience, it is impossible to conjectureits length. I was by no means prepared for such an event, nor can I nowaccount for her ladyship's conduct; Langford appeared so exactly the placefor her in every respect, as well from the elegant and expensive style ofliving there, as from her particular attachment to Mr. Mainwaring, that Iwas very far from expecting so speedy a distinction, though I alwaysimagined from her increasing friendship for us since her husband's deaththat we should, at some future period, be obliged to receive her. Mr.Vernon, I think, was a great deal too kind to her when he was inStaffordshire; her behaviour to him, independent of her general character,has been so inexcusably artful and ungenerous since our marriage was firstin agitation that no one less amiable and mild than himself could haveoverlooked it all; and though, as his brother's widow, and in narrowcircumstances, it was proper to render her pecuniary assistance, I cannothelp thinking his pressing invitation to her to visit us at Churchhillperfectly unnecessary. Disposed, however, as he always is to think thebest of everyone, her display of grief, and professions of regret, andgeneral resolutions of prudence, were sufficient to soften his heart andmake him really confide in her sincerity; but, as for myself, I am stillunconvinced, and plausibly as her ladyship has now written, I cannot makeup my mind till I better understand her real meaning in coming to us. Youmay guess, therefore, my dear madam, with what feelings I look forward toher arrival. She will have occasion for all those attractive powers forwhich she is celebrated to gain any share of my regard; and I shallcertainly endeavour to guard myself against their influence, if notaccompanied by something more substantial. She expresses a most eagerdesire of being acquainted with me, and makes very gracious mention of mychildren but I am not quite weak enough to suppose a woman who has behavedwith inattention, if not with unkindness, to her own child, should beattached to any of mine. Miss Vernon is to be placed at a school in Londonbefore her mother comes to us which I am glad of, for her sake and my own.It must be to her advantage to be separated from her mother, and a girl ofsixteen who has received so wretched an education, could not be a verydesirable companion here. Reginald has long wished, I know, to see thecaptivating Lady Susan, and we shall depend on his joining our party soon.I am glad to hear that my father continues so well; and am, with best love,&c.,CATHERINE VERNON.