Chapter 25
Dear Duke,
It is from regard for your name, and in remembrance of my long friendship with your late father, that I venture to write upon a matter of some delicacy.
Reports have reached town concerning your recent engagement—reports of so alarming a character that I should think myself remiss were I to remain silent.
It is widely stated that Miss Ashwood, far from being the suitable connection your rank and family might justly anticipate, is a young woman of doubtful propriety, who contrived, by artful conduct, to recommend herself to your notice.
I am further given to understand that she sought your company with a perseverance scarcely compatible with modest behaviour, arranging private interviews and permitting attentions which no lady of honour would have encouraged.
There is even speculation that these manoeuvres were not without design; that, having failed in former attempts to secure an advantageous establishment, she fixed her views upon your title as her final resort.
I repeat none of this with any desire to wound, but from an earnest wish to preserve you from a connection which, if these accounts bear any truth, could not but prove injurious to your family’s reputation, and unworthy of your father’s memory.
I would therefore entreat you to consider most seriously whether the engagement ought to proceed.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
Jones