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to Thomas Moore
Newstead Abbey,
Sept. 20, 1814
My dear Moore, --.
I am going to be married - that is, I am accepted, and one
usually hopes the rest will follow. My mother of the Gracchi (that
are to be), you think too strait-laced for me, although the
paragon of only children, and invested with "golden opinions of all sorts of
me," and of "most blest conditions" as Desdemona herself. Miss Milbanke is
the lady, and I have her father's invitation to proceed there in my elect
capacity, - which, however, I cannot do till I have settled some business in
London, and got a blue coat.
She is said to be an
heiress, but of that I really know nothing certainly, and shall not
enquire. But I do know, that she has talents and excellent qualities; and
you will not deny her judgment, after having refused six suitors and taken me.
Now, if you have anything to say against this, pray do;
my mind's made up, positively fixed, determined, and therefore I will listen to
reason, because now it can do no harm. Things may occur to break it off,
but I will hope not. In the meantime, I tell you (a secret, by the
by, - at least, till I know she wishes it to be public) that I have proposed and
am accepted. You need not be in a hurry to wish me joy, for one mayn't be
married for months. I am going to town tomorrow: but expect to be here, on
my way there, within a fortnight.
If this had not
happened, I should have gone to Italy. In my way down, perhaps, you will
meet me at Nottingham, and come over with me here. I need not say that
nothing will give me greater pleasure. I must, of course, reform
thoroughly; and, seriously, if I can contribute to her happiness, I shall secure
my own. She is so good a person, that - that - in short, I wish I was a
better.
Ever, etc.
BYRON
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