Jane Austen

Lady Susan Jane Austen

You were mistaken, my dear Alicia, in supposing me fixed at this place for the rest of the winter: it grieves me to say how greatly you were mistaken, for I have seldom spent three months moreagreeably than those which have just flown away. At present, nothing goes smoothly; the females ofthe family are united against me. You foretold how it would be when I first came to Langford, andMainwaring is so uncommonly pleasing that I was not without apprehensions for myself. Iremember saying to myself, as I drove to the house, "I like this man, pray Heaven no harm come ofit!" But I was determined to be discreet, to bear in mind my being only four months a widow, and tobe as quiet as possible: and I have been so, my dear creature; I have admitted no one's attentions butMainwaring's. I have avoided all general flirtation whatever; I have distinguished no creature besides, of all the numbers resorting hither, except Sir James Martin, on whom I bestowed a little notice, inorder to detach him from Miss Mainwaring; but, if the world could know my motive THERE theywould honour me. I have been called an unkind mother, but it was the sacred impulse of maternalaffection, it was the advantage of my daughter that led me on; and if that daughter were not thegreatest simpleton on earth, I might have been rewarded for my exertions as I ough