Dear Miss Bingley,
I'm sure you will forgive me for returning to the subject of our dear mutual fried, Miss Clarissa Harlowe, as I know you are anxious for news of her plight.
She has come to visit for a fortnight, having succeeding in gaining permissions from her family on the basis of removing her from Mr. Lovelace's realm of power. Her dear family was most insistent that she refuse to see him even ere. However, as our family has no quarrel with him, can he be refused? His rank and fortune are such that we cannot turn him away, much as we would have wished, knowing of his character.
And I cannot call him stupid, for he has taken advantage of that fact to gain entrance to our house and even to Clarissa; though you may be sure mamma and I care careful never to leave her to see him outside of our presence. I must confess myself, however, a little amused by his wit, and on his visits have great fun sparring with a willing partner. Mamma finds such raillery amusing, and therefore allows it.
All this, I must say, only makes me fear for Clarissa all the more; for I do believe he deliberately draws me out, knowing my enjoyment at such battles, and therefore allowing his attentions perhaps more than I ought, and through me, he has access to Clarissa, though we never leave her alone. This avails me nothing; we are simply not in a social position as to be able to refuse him.
It is for Clarissa herself that I find myself most concerned. With her family's treatment of him, she could refuse to even allow him her presence; I do believe mamma would hardly censure her for it. But she is too kind, too solicitous, to continue such discourtesy as her family has shown him. And therefore grants him liberties that I am afraid he will continue to use to his advantage—I find myself most alarmed on her behalf.
Your ever-affectionate,
Anna Howe