Churchhill.
My dear Mother,--I am very sorry to tell you that it will not be in our power to keep our promise of spending our Christmas with you; and we are prevented that happiness by a circumstance which is not likely to make us any amends. Lady Susan, in a letter to her brother-in-law, has declared her intention of visiting us almost immediately; and as such a visit is in all probability merely an affair of convenience, it is impossible to conjecture its length. I was by no means prepared for such an event, nor can I now account for her ladyship's conduct; Langford appeared so exactly the place for her in every respect, as well from the elegant and expensive style of living there, as from her particular attachment to Mr. Mainwaring, that I was very far from expecting so speedy a distinction, though I always imagined from her increasing friendship for us since her husband's death that we should, at some future period, be obliged to receive her. Mr. Vernon, I think, was a great deal too kind to her when he was in Staffordshire; her behaviour to him, independent of her general character, has been so inexcusably artful and ungenerous since our marriage was first in agitation that no one less amiable and mild than himself could have overlooked it all; and though, as his brother's widow, and in narrow circumstances, it was proper to render her pecuniary assistance, I cannot help thinking his pressing invitation to her to visit us at Churchhill perfectly unnecessary. Disposed, however, as he always is to think the best of everyone, her display of grief, and professions of regret, and general resolutions of prudence, were sufficient to soften his heart and make him really confide in her sincerity; but, as for myself, I am still unconvinced, and plausibly as her ladyship has now written, I cannot make up my mind till I better understand her real meaning in coming to us. You may guess, therefore, my dear madam, with what feelings I look forward to her arrival. She will have occasion for all those attractive powers for which she is celebrated to gain any share of my regard; and I shall certainly endeavour to guard myself against their influence, if not accompanied by something more substantial. She expresses a most eager desire of being acquainted with me, and makes very gracious mention of my children but I am not quite weak enough to suppose a woman who has behaved with inattention, if not with unkindness, to her own child, should be attached to any of mine. Miss Vernon is to be placed at a school in London before her mother comes to us which I am glad of, for her sake and my own. It must be to her advantage to be separated from her mother, and a girl of sixteen who has received so wretched an education, could not be a very desirable companion here. Reginald has long wished, I know, to see the captivating Lady Susan, and we shall depend on his joining our party soon. I am glad to hear that my father continues so well; and am, with best love, &c.,
CATHERINE VERNON.
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I. Lady Susan Vernon to Mr. Vernon
II. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
III. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy
IV. Mr. De Courcy to Mrs. Vernon
V. Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson
VI. Mrs. Vernon to Mr. De Courcy
VII. Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson
VIII. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy
IX. Mrs. Johnson to Lady S. Vernon
X. Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson
XI. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy
XII. Sir Reginald De Courcy to His Son
XIII. Lady De Courcy to Mrs. Vernon
XIV. Mr. De Courcy to Sir Reginald
XV. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy
XVI. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
XVII. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy
XVIII. From The Same to The Same
XIX. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
XX. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy
XXI. Miss Vernon to Mr. De Courcy
XXII. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
XXIII. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy
XXIV. From The Same to The Same
XXV. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
XXVI. Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan
XXVII. Mrs. Vernon to Lady De Courcy
XXVIII. Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan
XXIX. Lady Susan Vernon to Mrs. Johnson
XXX. Lady Susan Vernon to Mr. De Courcy
XXXI. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
XXXII. Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan
XXXIII. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
XXXIV. Mr. De Courcy to Lady Susan
XXXV. Lady Susan to Mr. De Courcy
XXXVI. Mr. De Courcy to Lady Susan
XXXVII. Lady Susan to Mr. De Courcy
XXXVIII. Mrs. Johnson to Lady Susan Vernon
XXXIX. Lady Susan to Mrs. Johnson
XL. Lady De Courcy to Mrs. Vernon