Lady Susan - Jane Austen

MR VERNON FROM LADY SUSAN VERNON
Langford, December
My dear brother, I can no longer refuse the pleasure of availing myself of your kind invitation when we last parted from spending a few weeks with you at Churchhill, and therefore, if it is quite convenient for you and Mrs Vernon to receive me at this time, I hope in a few days to be introduced to a sister whom I have long wished to meet. My kind friends here are most affectionately urgent towards me to prolong my stay, but their hospitable and cheerful disposition leads them too much towards society for my present condition and state of mind; and I look forward to the hour when I shall be admitted into your pleasant retirement
.
As I am on the point of separating from my own daughter, I long to be communicated to your dear little children, in whose hearts I shall soon be so eager to secure an interest which I shall need with all my fortitude. The protracted illness of her dear father has prevented me from giving her the attention which duty and love equally command, and I have much reason to fear that the governess to whose care I have committed her is not equal to blame. I have therefore resolved to place him in one of the best private schools in the city, where I shall have the opportunity of leaving him to you myself in my path. As you can see, I am determined not to be refused admission to Churchhill. It would indeed give me the most painful sensations to know that it is not in your power to admit me.
Your most obliging and affectionate sister,
S. VERNON.