'Tis not a heroick pose, but 'twould be more usefull

I am feeling in exceeding good humour the next morn as I turn once more to the matter of my correspondence.

Comes in Hector and says that there is a message just come from Mr Q-.

I take it and open it somewhat precipitate.

O, says I and begin to smile. Mr Q-, the dear fellow, confides to me that the bishop has taken notice that the present Lord B- attempt’d to commit bigamy, and then murder when it was discover’d upon him, and only his confinement as a dangerous madman prevent’d his prosecution in the matter. He has thus remov’d him from his living and, Mr Q- apprehends, goes about with the ecclesiastickal measures proper in such a situation.

And, says I, has transpir’d that 'tis a living within the gift of the Marquess of B-, and as the present Marquess himself does not have the capacity to undertake the matter, being incarcerate in that fine madhouse in Sussex, Mr Q- says that he and Lady B- will be about appointing an incumbent. I must quite immediate write to them both advancing the interest of the fine learn’d young fellow that is at present curate.

I will, I say, have a little note for Timothy to take to Lincoln’s Inn as soon as maybe, and will write to 'tother Lady B- at somewhat greater length.

Sure I do not know whether Chancery will have to have its say in this matter, but do I go promote the claims of the Reverend Mr L- I confide that they will be adviz’d by Mr Q- and Belinda. 'Tis a most gratifying matter.

It encourages me while I go through the other letters that I must give my attention to.

At length I go stretch myself backwards in my chair, then ope the secret drawer in which I keep the miniature of my adorable sweet treasure and look at it. But sure she grows so much 'twixt every time I see her that I would be entire greedy and desire many, many pictures of my little darling in all her moods: even when she goes show temper and pouts.

But sure I will not sit and brood. I will go walk a little in the Park.

I do not brood but I go puzzle over do I know any that might advize Marcello: sure I know some several that go about making agricultural improvements upon their estates, but none of them cultivate vines, save perchance in hot-houses or upon decorative arbours, or olives, or keep goats (save that Belinda keeps a few goats as their company is most soothing to highstrung race-horses). Tho’ I daresay there is matter to do with wheat that would be common to both parts.

I find myself most greatly missing the opportunity to open this matter to Sandy, that would surely have some knowledge of the matter.

Timothy says to me that there is a lady in that open carriage there endeavours to attract My Ladyship’s attention. I rouse myself from my agrarian meditations and see that 'tis the dear Contessa.

Why, thinks I, how apposite is this, for I daresay she knows of many savants in Italy that consider these matters.

I therefore go greet her and am persuad’d to come sit next to her as she drives about to take the air. Timothy gets up behind and we drive off.

Dearest Lady B-, she says, did I not know that Reynaldo was still quite entire besott’d with that handsome creature, Lady Z-, I would suppose him in love with you, for he will go praise you quite extremely. Tho indeed, she gives me a nudge, 'tis your wisdom and your understanding of the heart that he will go eulogize –

Sure, says I, that makes an agreeable change from those that go descant upon my bubbies. But indeed, 'twas just that I was able to soothe some fears he had concerning Lady Z-'s feelings towards him.

Oho, says she, that would most certain be what it was, for he now goes about most excessive chearfull, whereas 'tis not long ago that he was quite entire in the mopes, would scarce be distract’d by a race-meeting or a driving contest or an invitation to a bachelor-party in the country. But now he is entirely jovial and goes about in company as he was wont, and I daresay drinks many toasts to his fair love.

O, indeed, says I, I confide that that will be entire the case.

I was even, she says, in some fears that he might take a whim to return to Naples, which would be a thing of the greatest imprudence. But I am like to think that Lady Z- is metal more attractive: 'tis indeed a great relief to me.

But, dear Contessa, says I, is all entire well now with Reynaldo, I am most delight’d to see you for I had a matter open’d to me by the fellow that looks after the late Marquess’s estate, that is mind’d to undertake agricultural improvements -

O, cries the Contessa, would that Reynaldo would give his mind to anything of such practickal usefullness! Sure I go around on my visits about this country and see what fine yields there are, and the excellence of the livestock, and while I daresay the rainfall here has somewhat to do with the matter, there are many that will go discourse of the improvements they have put in hand and that the land yields more than in the time of their father &C&C.

I laugh and say that I was some short while since at Lord P-'s and indeed he will tell any that will stand still and not make their escape before he begins about his excellent fine cows, and how he goes improve the breed, and the amounts of exceeding fine milk that they give far more than previous &C.

The Contessa also laughs and says, that may be tedious but 'tis not a discourse upon manure.

But, says I, I confide that not all the measures that may be put under hand in this country, with its own particular crops & herds, could be readily apply’d to the lands near Naples.

Why, says the Contessa, there are a few fellows in various parts of Italy that go consider how agriculture might be improv’d tho’ 'tis a daunting struggle, 'twixt landlords that would not sully their hands with knowing anything of the matter, and peasants that are superstitious and backward and too busy scraping a bare living to think of how matters might be better. But indeed, did one set up some place where such notions might be undertaken and observ’d, I confide there would be much interest.

Sure, she goes on, 'twould be a great work, and a deal more use than crying out revolutionary slogans.

We look at one another with great affection. 'Tis not, says I, an affecting heroick pose, such as would look exceeding well in a painting, or perchance on stage, but 'tis a deal more usefull.

She sighs and says she is bidden to what will she dares say be an exceeding dreary affair at the Embassy, and must go prepare herself, but 'tis ever extreme delightfull to see me. She will go think upon this matter and send me the directions of the savants that consider the business.

'Tis most exceeding kind of you, says I.

You are a good friend to my poor oppresst countrymen, says she, giving me a kiss, just as your dear late husband was.

When we have more leisure for the matter, says I, I would quite long to hear your reminiscences of the dear Marquess (for I do not collect that we have ever talkt on the subject).

Timothy hands me down from the carriage very elegant.

I go walk about a little more – sure I confide I have done a good afternoon’s work that I did not expect I should get in hand until Society was return’d to Town – and then rides up to me Major W-, that is accompany’d by another fellow, somewhat younger than himself.

He dismounts Lady B-! Enchant’d! Permit me to introduce Captain C-, of the –th: knew one another at the Cape when he was but a second lieutenant. Only yesterday discover’d that he was in Town, and has late been with his regiment in Nova Scotia, at Halifax.

Captain C- bows very civil over my hand and says ‘tis an entire privilege to meet Lady B-. He is an agreeable-looking young fellow.

I ask how he likes Nova Scotia.

O, says he, tho’ 'tis exceeding cold in winter 'tis by no means as severe as Major W- finds in Upper Canada, and the summers are very warm. Halifax is an excellent fine town with a most magnificent harbour. He is in some mind to sell out and go settle in those parts, there is some excellent farming country, or perchance he might raise horses.

Major W- remarks sighing that really, there is very little action at present, unless one condescend’d to join the Hon Company’s forces.

(Sure I find it a little peculiar to wish for wars and battles, but indeed, 'tis their occupation, and I daresay 'tis with them as 'twould be for one for my former occupation did all become of Lord D-'s strict views, so that one would go cry Fie upon this quiet life, I want work!.)

I ask Captain C- how long he remains in England and he sighs a little and says he was invalid’d home after a severe bout of fever, and these wretch’d quacks go mutter over him and will not write him down recover’d and fit for service yet.

Major W- interjects that he has invit’d Captain C- to accompany him on his visit to his coz’s estate – 'twill be a deal more healthfull and beneficial to the spirits than being solitary in Town.

I remark that I go visit Sir B- and Lady W- myself but not for some while yet, I daresay Major W- will be depart’d for the frozen realms by then.

We exchange a few more civil words and then they both bow over my hand and we take our leave very civil.