Part 19 (1/2)

Apparently the Duke did not feel the need of any spiritual consolation from Miss J., for she did not hear from him again for two months. Even then he only wrote because of her request that he would return a letter she had sent him, announcing the death of her guardian.

Dec. 15th, 1846.

Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his Compliments to Miss J. He a.s.sures her that whenever she has expressed a Desire to have back a paper enclosed to Him, he has invariably complied with her desire immediately on his having perused it. Letters addressed by the Duke to Miss J. have been returned to him: and he has invariably thrown them into the fire, and possibly the enclosed Letter!

CHAPTER X.

A BREATHING s.p.a.cE.

The first letter from the Duke for 1847 was not written until the year was nearly two months old.

LONDON, Feb. 22, 1847.

Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents His Compliments to Miss J.; and acknowledges the receipt of two letters from her one on Sat.u.r.day last; the other of the 21^st Ins^t this morning.

He writes only for this purpose! He declines to anything [_sic_]

further to Miss J. Being convinced that as usual any correspondence will end in his giving Her Offence, However much he may desire and endeavour to please her.

”I remarked to him in reply to this style of addressing me that I cared no more for his Field Marshals.h.i.+p than his Generals.h.i.+p,--which I dare say amused him. He was well aware of this, knowing it is written, 'If any man will be a pleaser of man then is he not the servant of Christ,' consequently however solicitous to render 'honour to whom honour,' my chief concern then as now consisted in obedience to this Divine enquiry, 'Lord, what wilt THOU have me to do?' delighting in the same accordingly.”

LONDON, May 6, 1847.

MY DEAR MISS J.,--I am very much obliged to you for the kind letter which I have this morning received without date! upon the subject of the Misfortune by which I have lately been afflicted in the loss of my Brother! [Endnote 11]

I am very sensible of your kindness in writing to me; for the consolation upon which you suggest my reflection and for your enquiry about my health! I thank you! I am by the Mercy of the Almighty quite well!

Believe me Ever Yours most faithfully

WELLINGTON.

This letter is, as Miss J. states in her Diary, ”clad in deep mourning,” or in other words, with a black seal, and written on black-edged paper.

”The Duke's next letter is dated May 11th, in which he writes--'I am very much obliged to you for your letter of the 9th. I answered the last which you wrote to me on the day I received it.'

”Having had an objection to the Notice which the Duke's letters, seal, etc., attracted I was in the habit generally of receiving them through my friend Mrs. L.'s hands however aware that the Duke preferred addressing me at my own residence which the following paragraph from his letter dated May 14th implies.”

LONDON, May 14, 1847.

MY DEAR MISS J.,--I have received your Letter dated Wednesday night.

I have directed all my Letters lately and covers to Mrs. L.

excepting one to ---- and will direct this under cover to the same Gentleman.

You feel an anxiety respecting my Welfare and write to me accordingly! for which I entertain a grateful Sense: and I am in the habit of returning My thanks; which Letters you are anxious to receive.