Letter XXIV

Summary

From Mrs. B. to Lady DAVERS.

My dear Lady,

We are just return’d from accompanying the worthy Miss Darnford as far as Bedford, in her Way home, where her Papa and Mamma met her in a Coach and Four. Sir Simon put on his pleasant Airs, and schooled Mr. B. for persuading his Daughter to stay so long from him; me for putting her upon asking to stay longer; and Miss for being persuaded by us.

I think he is worse than ever, in his way of Talk, and for my Rebukes to him; for he ran on a deal of Stuff about me, and my late Circumstance; and would have it, that I am so much improv’d, that I ought to make a Court’sy to Mr. B. once an Hour. He said, when I was angry at him, and his Lady blam’d him, that it was all pure Revenge for my Letter a, and for keeping Miss so long from him.

We tarry’d two Days together at Bedford; for we knew not how to part; and then we took a most affectionate Leave of each other.

We struck out of the Road a little, to make a Visit to the dear House, where we tarry’d one Night; and next Morning, before any body could come to congratulate us, (designing to be incog.) we proceeded on our Journey to London, and found my dearest, dear Boy, in charming Health.

What a new Pleasure has God Almighty's Goodness bestow’d upon me; which, after every little Absence, rises upon me, in a true maternal Tenderness, every Step I move toward the dear little Blessing!—Yet, sometimes, I think your dear Brother is not so fond of him, as I wish him to be. He says, ‘tis time enough for him to mind him, when he can return his Notice, and be grateful!——A negligent Word, i’n't it, Madam?— Considering—

My dear Father came to Town, to accompany my good Mother down to Kent, and they set out three or four Days after your Ladyship left us. It is impossible to describe the Joy with which his worthy Heart overflow’d, when he congratulated us on the happy Event.