Part 9 (1/2)
The Duke was extremely concerned that Miss J. was displeased. But he considered it best not to aggravate the Offence by writing again. If he had ventured to approach Miss J., or had written to her; he might have been accused of _daring presumption_. But he purposely avoided both; in order not to give fresh grounds for Irritation.
The Duke is exceedingly concerned that Miss J. should consider that she has reason to complain of Him.
He thinks that upon reflection she will be opinion [_sic_] that she has no reason to be offended.
Miss J. does not mention what ground she had for supposing the Duke to be in possession of a lock of her hair. He had bestowed one of his upon her, and it is only natural to surmise that she had given one of hers in return. The matter was apparently smoothed over, as there is no cessation of letters.
LONDON, April 27, 1837.
The Duke of Wellington presents his Comp^ts to Miss J. and is very sensible of the kindness of her expressions on the loss which a part of His family has recently sustained.
The Duke is much concerned to learn that Miss J. still thinks that she has cause to be displeased with the Duke.
The Duke trusts that Reflection and time will convince her; that no such cause [_sic_]. The Duke a.s.sures her, Miss J., that he is not sensible that he has given her such cause; by anything that he has said written done or omitted.
”In a letter dated April 29th the duke writes 'He is very grateful for the interest which Miss J. has been pleased to express about the health of the Duke's brother. The Newspapers were misinformed. The Duke's brother has not been seriously indisposed. His niece however has lost her daughter which is the misfortune to which the Duke imagined that Miss J. had referred.'”
LONDON, May 1, 1837.
The Duke of Wellington presents His Comp^ts to Miss J. He returns many thanks for Her Note. The Duke will make enquiries respecting that of the 22^nd addressed by the Duke to Miss J. which she had not received in due course.
It is wonderful that there should be so little delay and so few mistakes in an establishment of this Description. But the few that do occur should render letter writers cautious not to write in a moment of Irritation; that which would not be written if time were taken for reflection.
Some coolness followed this letter. The Duke wrote once again saying, ”He does not know what to do to please her.” Miss J. adds, ”Which it was quite impossible he could do while in and of 'the world.'”
A silence of over three months followed this latest tiff. Miss J., as usual, re-opened the correspondence. The Duke's reply was not cordial:--
LONDON, August 14, 1837.
The Duke of Wellington presents His Comp^ts to Miss J. He returns His thanks for her Letter of the 13^th.
The Duke is going out of town; and he intends to go to Walmer Castle in a few days.
The Duke a.s.sures Miss J. that he has not published an Intention of giving what is called a grand Dinner at Walmer Castle.
In general he would recommend to Miss J. not to believe one Word that she reads respecting the Duke of Wellington.
LONDON, August 16, 1837.
The Duke of Wellington presents his Comp^ts to Miss J. He returns His thanks for Her letter of the 15^th.
The Duke is much concerned that Miss J. should have had the trouble of writing a second time upon the subject of misrepresentation in the Newspapers. They are really not deserving of Notice.
”The next letter from the Duke is dated Aug. 16th, with which I see a copy of a letter referring to a parcel containing Tracts, etc.
for his acceptance, from which I copy as follows--'Miss J. trusts the accompanying Tracts may not be considered an intrusion, but received and perused with the prayerful consideration they deserve as not from man but from That G.o.d Who has put it into her heart to send them; relying on His own gracious Word which runs thus, ”My Word shall not return unto ME void but it shall accomplish that which I please and shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”--Miss J. begs to be excused giving her address, being desirous to avoid all observation etc. but if on her return to Town it should be the will of G.o.d that she should make His Grace acquainted with her abode, wherever that may be, (respecting which there is at present great uncertainty,) she will then give him an opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of the parcel and its consequences, hoping they may be of a gratifying nature; that is, beneficial to His Great Soul which Miss J. is still desirous to behold robed in the only Robe of righteousness that can render it safe for Eternity.'