XX. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy

by Jane Austen

　　ChurchhillWe have a very unexpected guest with us at present, my dear Mother: hearrived yesterday. I heard a carriage at the door, as I was sitting with mychildren while they dined; and supposing I should be wanted, left thenursery soon afterwards, and was half-way downstairs, when Frederica, aspale as ashes, came running up, and rushed by me into her own room. Iinstantly followed, and asked her what was the matter. "Oh!" said she, "heis come--Sir James is come, and what shall I do?" This was no explanation;I begged her to tell me what she meant. At that moment we were interruptedby a knock at the door: it was Reginald, who came, by Lady Susan'sdirection, to call Frederica down. "It is Mr. De Courcy! " said she,colouring violently. "Mamma has sent for me; I must go." We all three wentdown together; and I saw my brother examining the terrified face ofFrederica with surprize. In the breakfast-room we found Lady Susan, and ayoung man of gentlemanlike appearance, whom she introduced by the name ofSir James Martin--the very person, as you may remember, whom it was saidshe had been at pains to detach from Miss Mainwaring; but the conquest, itseems, was not designed for herself, or she has since transferred it to herdaughter; for Sir James is now desperately in love with Frederica, and withfull encouragement from mamma. The poor girl, however, I am sure, dislikeshim; and though his person and address are very well, he appears, both toMr. Vernon and me, a very weak young man. Frederica looked so shy, soconfused, when we entered the room, that I felt for her exceedingly. LadySusan behaved with great attention to her visitor; and yet I thought Icould perceive that she had no particular pleasure in seeing him. Sir Jamestalked a great deal, and made many civil excuses to me for the liberty hehad taken in coming to Churchhill--mixing more frequent laughter with hisdiscourse than the subject required--said many things over and over again,and told Lady Susan three times that he had seen Mrs. Johnson a fewevenings before. He now and then addressed Frederica, but more frequentlyher mother. The poor girl sat all this time without opening her lips--hereyes cast down, and her colour varying every instant; while Reginaldobserved all that passed in perfect silence. At length Lady Susan, weary, Ibelieve, of her situation, proposed walking; and we left the two gentlementogether, to put on our pelisses. As we went upstairs Lady Susan beggedpermission to attend me for a few moments in my dressing-room, as she wasanxious to speak with me in private. I led her thither accordingly, and assoon as the door was closed, she said: "I was never more surprized in mylife than by Sir James's arrival, and the suddenness of it requires someapology to you, my dear sister; though to me, as a mother, it is highlyflattering. He is so extremely attached to my daughter that he could notexist longer without seeing her. Sir James is a young man of an amiabledisposition and excellent character; a little too much of the rattle,perhaps, but a year or two will rectify that: and he is in other respectsso very eligible a match for Frederica, that I have always observed hisattachment with the greatest pleasure; and am persuaded that you and mybrother will give the alliance your hearty approbation. I have neverbefore mentioned the likelihood of its taking place to anyone, because Ithought that whilst Frederica continued at school it had better not beknown to exist; but now, as I am convinced that Frederica is too old everto submit to school confinement, and have, therefore, begun to consider herunion with Sir James as not very distant, I had intended within a few daysto acquaint yourself and Mr. Vernon with the whole business. I am sure, mydear sister, you will excuse my remaining silent so long, and agree with methat such circumstances, while they continue from any cause in suspense,cannot be too cautiously concealed. When you have the happiness ofbestowing your sweet little Catherine, some years hence, on a man who inconnection and character is alike unexceptionable, you will know what Ifeel now; though, thank Heaven, you cannot have all my reasons forrejoicing in such an event. Catherine will be amply provided for, and not,like my Frederica, indebted to a fortunate establishment for the comfortsof life." She concluded by demanding my congratulations. I gave themsomewhat awkwardly, I believe; for, in fact, the sudden disclosure of soimportant a matter took from me the power of speaking with any clearness,She thanked me, however, most affectionately, for my kind concern in thewelfare of herself and daughter; and then said: "I am not apt to deal inprofessions, my dear Mrs. Vernon, and I never had the convenient talent ofaffecting sensations foreign to my heart; and therefore I trust you willbelieve me when I declare, that much as I had heard in your praise before Iknew you, I had no idea that I should ever love you as I now do; and I mustfurther say that your friendship towards me is more particularly gratifyingbecause I have reason to believe that some attempts were made to prejudiceyou against me. I only wish that they, whoever they are, to whom I amindebted for such kind intentions, could see the terms on which we now aretogether, and understand the real affection we feel for each other; but Iwill not detain you any longer. God bless you, for your goodness to me andmy girl, and continue to you all your present happiness." What can one sayof such a woman, my dear mother? Such earnestness such solemnity ofexpression! and yet I cannot help suspecting the truth of everything shesays. As for Reginald, I believe he does not know what to make of thematter. When Sir James came, he appeared all astonishment and perplexity;the folly of the young man and the confusion of Frederica entirelyengrossed him; and though a little private discourse with Lady Susan hassince had its effect, he is still hurt, I am sure, at her allowing of sucha man's attentions to her daughter. Sir James invited himself with greatcomposure to remain here a few days--hoped we would not think it odd, wasaware of its being very impertinent, but he took the liberty of a relation;and concluded by wishing, with a laugh, that he might be really one verysoon. Even Lady Susan seemed a little disconcerted by this forwardness; inher heart I am persuaded she sincerely wished him gone. But something mustbe done for this poor girl, if her feelings are such as both I and heruncle believe them to be. She must not be sacrificed to policy or ambition,and she must not be left to suffer from the dread of it. The girl whoseheart can distinguish Reginald De Courcy, deserves, however he may slighther, a better fate than to be Sir James Martin's wife. As soon as I can gether alone, I will discover the real truth; but she seems to wish to avoidme. I hope this does not proceed from anything wrong, and that I shall notfind out I have thought too well of her. Her behaviour to Sir Jamescertainly speaks the greatest consciousness and embarrassment, but I seenothing in it more like encouragement. Adieu, my dear mother.Yours, &c.,C. VERNON.