XXXVIII. Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan Vernon

by Jane Austen

　　Edward StreetI am grieved, though I cannot be astonished at your rupture with Mr. DeCourcy; he has just informed Mr. Johnson of it by letter. He leaves London,he says, to-day. Be assured that I partake in all your feelings, and do notbe angry if I say that our intercourse, even by letter, must soon be givenup. It makes me miserable; but Mr. Johnson vows that if I persist in theconnection, he will settle in the country for the rest of his life, and youknow it is impossible to submit to such an extremity while any otheralternative remains. You have heard of course that the Mainwarings are topart, and I am afraid Mrs. M. will come home to us again; but she is stillso fond of her husband, and frets so much about him, that perhaps she maynot live long. Miss Mainwaring is just come to town to be with her aunt,and they say that she declares she will have Sir James Martin before sheleaves London again. If I were you, I would certainly get him myself. I hadalmost forgot to give you my opinion of Mr. De Courcy; I am reallydelighted with him; he is full as handsome, I think, as Mainwaring, andwith such an open, good-humoured countenance, that one cannot help lovinghim at first sight. Mr. Johnson and he are the greatest friends in theworld. Adieu, my dearest Susan, I wish matters did not go so perversely.That unlucky visit to Langford! but I dare say you did all for the best,and there is no defying destiny.Your sincerely attachedALICIA.