A Brief Correspondance

LETTER 11

Miss Catherine Gordon to Miss Margaret Bingham2

My dear Margaret,3

I must profess my deepest regret at your departure so suddenly from town. I had hoped for at least one week more in your exceptional society. You know that I have never greatly cared for balls; but I am not unfond of them with your clever quizzing; I know not if I shant parish.4

I shall take to reading even more, without you. I have had finished Camilla and find myself distressed at such a portrait. There is in my possession now a certain novel called Mary: A Fiction, and I should like very much to read it in shortest order.5

I shall long for your next letter.6

Your dearest friend,7

C.G.8

LETTER 29

Miss Bingham to Miss Gordon10

Dearest Catherine, you would not believe the audacity one finds in the gentlemen here. My father’s sister had the hopes of pairing me with a lieutenant (the militia is stationed quite near). She made sure that we danced the first two dances (them I usually reserve for sitting out with you) together. He could speak only of the polish on his boots and the brass of his buttons. Is not that the most dull? What glory in a red coat!11

I could only long for your sophisticated conversation. You have never bored me with where you get your finest muslin and how really it is rather poor and not as good as Lady Such-a-one’s. The yellow ribbons, though, went charmingly with your darling brown curls upswept so.12

Your devoted &c.13

M. Bingham14

P.S. Do tell me how you like your new acquisition. Perhaps I will find it at Johnson’s.15

LETTER 716

Miss Catherine Gordon to Mrs Gordon17

My dear Mother,18

I thank you for your concern over my spirits. The proposal was rather a surprise and I am glad you are delighted. Mr Williams is highly eligible and a woman could indeed do much with such a sum as 8,000 pound a year. His estate is likewise quite charming and I am certain he manages it admirably and justly. My sisters are surly in high spirits as well. Please give them my regards. I shall soon write to dear Margaret; she is sure to be as delicately surprised as you and I were.19

Yours affectionately,20

Catherine21

LETTER 822

Miss Gordon to Miss Bingham23

I have the most alarming news. My mother has written me—that is, she has congratulated me—dear Margaret, Mr Williams has proposed to me. But of course I can see it all as I look back upon it now. Do not you recall his glances when you and I sat out the first two dances at his ball?24

I suppose his prospects should please me. What woman would not jump at 8,000 pound and such a beautiful estate as the March Estate? My sisters will, of course, benefit from such a union as well. There is much the wife of Mr Williams could do to influence their position in society that Miss Gordon cannot.25

He had escorted his sister to the Darling’s home, for she and I have become friends—she is no substitute for you, however—and under that pretence, he endeavoured to speak with me alone. All of the education of his class was lost upon him. I led him to the drawing room and he gesticulated more than he articulated as he justified his claim on my affections. I did not tell him who has true claim, but I did say, “Sir,”—with swoons and sighs appropriate—“this is such a grave honour, I dare not—ah, sir, I dare not speak without most fervent consideration. Please, sir, I do beg your indulgence for a week only.” The week is barely begun, but I shall apply to him for one extra week, citing some vague feminine inconstancy or other. In the mean time, I eagerly await your guidance, my dearest Margaret.26

Yours, &c.27

C.G.28

LETTER 929

Miss Bingham to Miss Gordon30

This news comes as somewhat of a surprise, Catherine. I congratulate you on procuring yourself such a husband. Perhaps I shall need to court the lieutenant with the brass after all. Mr Williams’s estate is not one to be taken lightly. Large and with a pond for fishing and a marvellous forest for his hunting pleasure; and the hills are marvellous for taking strolls and admiring the cottages below. Of course you must not pass up this opportunity—indeed, as you said, what woman would not long for such a chance?31

His countenance is not outrightly unpleasant. He is young, and with time, his education will suit him more. You will see.32

M.B.33

LETTER 1034

Miss Gordon to Miss Bingham35

The coolness in your previous letter distresses me some. Do not you have some argument against my marriage? He and my mother both wait anxiously for my response and state of affairs. Can not we go to Llangollen? We could live out our days in Wales, or perhaps go to Spain, as Mary and Ann do.36

I pen this note in haste, hoping that I might receive a response before I must reply to him.37

C.G.38

LETTER 1439

Mrs Williams to Miss Bingham40

I write you now as Mrs Williams—I have done as you suggested; my family’s honour is quite intact and my sisters will have their chance in society. Your friendship has been so uplifting and I am obliged to you for your advice.41

C. Williams42