I introduced him to her, and left her to improve the impression: ’tis well I was married in time; a nabob is a dangerous rival.
Lucy looked lovely, but in another style; she was a sultana in all the pride of imperial beauty: her charms awed, but Emily’s invited; her look spoke resistless command, Emily’s soft persuasion.
There were many fine women; but I will own to you, I had, as to beauty, no eyes but for Emily.
We are going this morning to see Burleigh: when we return, I shall announce Colonel Willmott to Emily, and introduce them properly to each other; they are to go in the same chaise; she at present only knows him as a friend of mine, and he her as his belle paisanne.
Adieu! I am summoned.
Your faithful
Ed. Rivers.
I should have told you, I acquainted Colonel Willmott with my sister’s marriage before I took him to Temple-house, and found an opportunity of introducing him to Temple unobserved.
Emily is the only one here to whom he is a stranger: I will caution him not to mention to her his past generous design in my favor. Adieu!
LETTER CCXIX.223.
To Mrs. Fitzgerald.
Temple-house, Thursday morning.