Letter from Her Grace the Duchess of Leicester, Lady Amelia Durand
Rosemont, Lincolnshire
To Lydia Barrow, Stonemeadow House, Avoncliff
My dear Lydia,
I write with excellent news. I have managed, with great difficulty and no small amount of expense, to contract a very desirable alliance for you. I am sure you know that it is of paramount importance that your future be settled so dearest Louisa may look forward to her own happiness soon. Louisa has always been so very fond of you, and she insists that the elder should be married before the younger, which is, of course, the proper way to do things.
You have always been a difficult child, but I trust that you see the advantages of a match arranged by myself. This man is decent and willing. Given your circumstances, it is generous of him
