XXXVIII

Lady Susan

by Jane Austen

XXXVIII, LADY SUSAN by Jane Austen


MRS. JOHNSON TO LADY SUSAN VERNON


Edward Street


I am grieved, though I cannot be astonished at your rupture with Mr. De
Courcy; 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 not
be angry if I say that our intercourse, even by letter, must soon be given
up. It makes me miserable; but Mr. Johnson vows that if I persist in the
connection, he will settle in the country for the rest of his life, and you
know it is impossible to submit to such an extremity while any other
alternative remains. You have heard of course that the Mainwarings are to
part, and I am afraid Mrs. M. will come home to us again; but she is still
so fond of her husband, and frets so much about him, that perhaps she may
not 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 she
leaves London again. If I were you, I would certainly get him myself. I had
almost forgot to give you my opinion of Mr. De Courcy; I am really
delighted with him; he is full as handsome, I think, as Mainwaring, and
with such an open, good-humoured countenance, that one cannot help loving
him at first sight. Mr. Johnson and he are the greatest friends in the
world. 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 attached

ALICIA.