XL. Lady De Courcy to Mrs. Vernon

by Jane Austen

　　My dear Catherine,--I have charming news for you, and if I had not sentoff my letter this morning you might have been spared the vexation ofknowing of Reginald's being gone to London, for he is returned. Reginald isreturned, not to ask our consent to his marrying Lady Susan, but to tell usthey are parted for ever. He has been only an hour in the house, and I havenot been able to learn particulars, for he is so very low that I have notthe heart to ask questions, but I hope we shall soon know all. This is themost joyful hour he has ever given us since the day of his birth. Nothingis wanting but to have you here, and it is our particular wish and entreatythat you would come to us as soon as you can. You have owed us a visit manylong weeks; I hope nothing will make it inconvenient to Mr. Vernon; andpray bring all my grand-children; and your dear niece is included, ofcourse; I long to see her. It has been a sad, heavy winter hitherto,without Reginald, and seeing nobody from Churchhill. I never found theseason so dreary before; but this happy meeting will make us young again.Frederica runs much in my thoughts, and when Reginald has recovered hisusual good spirits (as I trust he soon will) we will try to rob him of hisheart once more, and I am full of hopes of seeing their hands joined at nogreat distance.Your affectionate mother,C. DE COURCY