149

old one. I wont have him I declare. He saidhe should come again tomorrow & take my finalanswer, so I beleive I must get him while I can.I know the Duttons will envy me & I shall beable to chaprone Sophy & Georgiana to all the Winter Balls. But then what will be the useof that when very likely he wont let me go my-self, for I know he hates dancing & has a great idea of Women's never going from home what he hateshimself he has no idea of any other person's liking; & besides he talks a great deal has a great idea of Women'salways staying at home & such stuff. I beleiveI shant have him; I would refuse him at onceif I were certain that neither of my Sisterswould accept him, & that if they did not, he wouldnot offer to the Duttons. I cannot run such a risk,so, if he will promise to have the Carriage orderedas I like, I will have him, if not he may ridein it by himself for me. I hope you like mydetermination; I can think of nothing better;

And am your ever affec:teaffectionate

Mary Stanhope

Image for page: 149 of manuscript: blvolfirst