in which, to say
the least, your conduct was violent. 'Tis an ill use to put good wine
to--that to which you applied good Mr. Van den Bosch's. Sure, before an
old man, young ones should be more respectful. I do not deny that Wm.'s
language and behaviour are often irritating. I know he has often tried
my temper, and that within the 24 hours.

"Ah! why should we not all live happily together? You know, cousin,
I have ever professed a sincere regard for you--that I am a sincere
admirer of the admirable young lady to whom you are engaged, and to whom
I offer my most cordial compliments and remembrances. I would live in
harmony with all my family where 'tis possible--the more because I hope
to introduce to it a Countess of Castlewood.

"At my mature age, 'tis not uncommon for a man to choose a young wife.
My Lydia (you will divine that I am happy in being able to call mine the
elegant Miss Van den Bosch) will naturally survive me. After soothing
my declining years, I shall not be jealous if at their close she
should select some happy man to succeed me; though I shall envy him the
possession of so much perfection and beauty. Though of a noble Dutch
family, her rank, the dear girl declares, is not equal to mine, which
she confesses that she is pleased to share. I, on the other hand, shall
not be sorry to see descendants to my house, and to have it, through my
Lady Castlewood's means, restored to something of the splendour which it
knew before two or three improvident predecessors impaired it. My Lydia,
who is by my side, sends you and the charming Lambert family her warmest
remembrances.

"The marriage will take place very speedily here. May I hope to see you
at church? My brother will not be present to quarrel with you. When
I and dear Lydia announced the match to him yesterday, he took the
intelligence in bad part, uttered language that I know he will one day
regret, and is at present on a visit to some neighbours. The Dowager
Lady Castlewood retains the house at Kensington; we having our own
establishment, where you will ever be welcomed, dear cousin, by your
affectionate humble servant, CASTLEWOOD."

From the London Magazine of November 1759:

"Saturday, October 13th, married, at his seat, Castlewood, Hants, the
Right Honourable Eugene, Earl of Castlewood, to the beautiful Miss Van
den Bosch, of Virginia. 70,000 pounds."

CHAPTER LXXII. (From the Warrington MS.) In which My Lady is on the Top
of the Ladder