After dinner, the Earl of G---- and Lady Gertrude desired a conference
with Sir Charles and Lady L----. They were not long absent, when Sir
Charles came in, and carried out Miss Grandison to them. Lord G----'s
complexion varied often.
Sir Charles left them together, and joined us. We were standing; and he
singled me out--I hope, madam, said he, that Charlotte may be prevailed
upon for Tuesday next: but I will not urge it further.
I thought that he was framing himself to say something particular to me,
when Lady L---- came in, and desired him and me to step to her sister,
who had retired from the Earl and Lady Gertrude, by consent.
Ah, my Harriet! said she, pity me, my dear!--Debasement is the child of
pride!--Then turning to Sir Charles, I acknowledge myself overcome, said
she, by your earnestness, as you are so soon to leave us; and by the
importunities of the Earl of G----, Lady Gertrude, and my sister--
Unprepared in mind, in clothes, I am resolved to oblige the best of
brothers. Do you, sir, dispose of me as you think fit.
My sister consents, sir, said Lady L----, for next Tuesday.
Cheerfully, I hope. If Charlotte balances whether, if she took more
time, she should have Lord G---- at all, let her take it. Lord L----, in
my absence, will be to her all that I wish to be, when she shall
determine.
I balance not, sir: but I thought to have had a month's time, at least,
to look about me, and having treated Lord G---- too flippantly, to give
him by degrees some fairer prospects of happiness with me, than hitherto
he has had.
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