IV. Mr. De Courcy to Mrs. Vernon

by Jane Austen

　　Parklands.My dear Sister,--I congratulate you and Mr. Vernon on being about toreceive into your family the most accomplished coquette in England. As avery distinguished flirt I have always been taught to consider her, but ithas lately fallen In my way to hear some particulars of her conduct atLangford: which prove that she does not confine herself to that sort ofhonest flirtation which satisfies most people, but aspires to the moredelicious gratification of making a whole family miserable. By herbehaviour to Mr. Mainwaring she gave jealousy and wretchedness to his wife,and by her attentions to a young man previously attached to Mr.Mainwaring's sister deprived an amiable girl of her lover.I learnt all this from Mr. Smith, now in this neighbourhood (I havedined with him, at Hurst and Wilford), who is just come from Langford wherehe was a fortnight with her ladyship, and who is therefore well qualifiedto make the communication.What a woman she must be! I long to see her, and shall certainly acceptyour kind invitation, that I may form some idea of those bewitching powerswhich can do so much--engaging at the same time, and in the same house, theaffections of two men, who were neither of them at liberty to bestow them--and all this without the charm of youth! I am glad to find Miss Vernondoes not accompany her mother to Churchhill, as she has not even manners torecommend her; and, according to Mr. Smith's account, is equally dull andproud. Where pride and stupidity unite there can be no dissimulation worthynotice, and Miss Vernon shall be consigned to unrelenting contempt; but byall that I can gather Lady Susan possesses a degree of captivating deceitwhich it must be pleasing to witness and detect. I shall be with you verysoon, and am ever,Your affectionate brother,R. DE COURCY.