XXVII. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy

by Jane Austen

　　Churchhill.This letter, my dear Mother, will be brought you by Reginald. His longvisit is about to be concluded at last, but I fear the separation takesplace too late to do us any good. She is going to London to see herparticular friend, Mrs. Johnson. It was at first her intention thatFrederica should accompany her, for the benefit of masters, but weoverruled her there. Frederica was wretched in the idea of going, and Icould not bear to have her at the mercy of her mother; not all the mastersin London could compensate for the ruin of her comfort. I should havefeared, too, for her health, and for everything but her principles--thereI believe she is not to be injured by her mother, or her mother's friends;but with those friends she must have mixed (a very bad set, I doubt not),or have been left in total solitude, and I can hardly tell which would havebeen worse for her. If she is with her mother, moreover, she must, alas! inall probability be with Reginald, and that would be the greatest evil ofall. Here we shall in time be in peace, and our regular employments, ourbooks and conversations, with exercise, the children, and every domesticpleasure in my power to procure her, will, I trust, gradually overcome thisyouthful attachment. I should not have a doubt of it were she slighted forany other woman in the world than her own mother. How long Lady Susan willbe in town, or whether she returns here again, I know not. I could not becordial in my invitation, but if she chuses to come no want of cordialityon my part will keep her away. I could not help asking Reginald if heintended being in London this winter, as soon as I found her ladyship'ssteps would be bent thither; and though he professed himself quiteundetermined, there was something in his look and voice as he spoke whichcontradicted his words. I have done with lamentation; I look upon the eventas so far decided that I resign myself to it in despair. If he leaves yousoon for London everything will be concluded.Your affectionate, &c.,C. VERNON.