XIX. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson

by Jane Austen

　　Churchhill.You will be eager, I know, to hear something further of Frederica, andperhaps may think me negligent for not writing before. She arrived with heruncle last Thursday fortnight, when, of course, I lost no time in demandingthe cause of her behaviour; and soon found myself to have been perfectlyright in attributing it to my own letter. The prospect of it frightened herso thoroughly, that, with a mixture of true girlish perverseness and folly,she resolved on getting out of the house and proceeding directly by thestage to her friends, the Clarkes; and had really got as far as the lengthof two streets in her journey when she was fortunately missed, pursued, andovertaken. Such was the first distinguished exploit of Miss FredericaVernon; and, if we consider that it was achieved at the tender age ofsixteen, we shall have room for the most flattering prognostics of herfuture renown. I am excessively provoked, however, at the parade ofpropriety which prevented Miss Summers from keeping the girl; and it seemsso extraordinary a piece of nicety, considering my daughter's familyconnections, that I can only suppose the lady to be governed by the fear ofnever getting her money. Be that as it may, however, Frederica is returnedon my hands; and, having nothing else to employ her, is busy in pursuingthe plan of romance begun at Langford. She is actually falling in love withReginald De Courcy! To disobey her mother by refusing an unexceptionableoffer is not enough; her affections must also be given without her mother'sapprobation. I never saw a girl of her age bid fairer to be the sport ofmankind. Her feelings are tolerably acute, and she is so charmingly artlessin their display as to afford the most reasonable hope of her beingridiculous, and despised by every man who sees her.Artlessness will never do in love matters; and that girl is born asimpleton who has it either by nature or affectation. I am not yet certainthat Reginald sees what she is about, nor is it of much consequence. She isnow an object of indifference to him, and she would be one of contempt werehe to understand her emotions. Her beauty is much admired by the Vernons,but it has no effect on him. She is in high favour with her auntaltogether, because she is so little like myself, of course. She is exactlythe companion for Mrs. Vernon, who dearly loves to be firm, and to haveall the sense and all the wit of the conversation to herself: Fredericawill never eclipse her. When she first came I was at some pains to preventher seeing much of her aunt; but I have relaxed, as I believe I may dependon her observing the rules I have laid down for their discourse. But do notimagine that with all this lenity I have for a moment given up my plan ofher marriage. No; I am unalterably fixed on this point, though I have notyet quite decided on the manner of bringing it about. I should not chuse tohave the business brought on here, and canvassed by the wise heads of Mr.and Mrs. Vernon; and I cannot just now afford to go to town. Miss Fredericamust therefore wait a little.Yours ever,S. VERNON.