He, who loved her excessively, too
much so perhaps, reprimanded her, nevertheless, and pointed out
to her the disadvantage in an open struggle with me. Madame de
Brionne was enjoined to secrecy, but that did not prevent her from
confiding the affair to the dowager duchesse d'Aiguillon.
This latter was a lady of most superior merit, uniting to much
wit more solid acquirements. She spoke English like a native.
Her death, which happened in 1772, was a great misfortune to her
son, to whom she gave the most excellent counsel. She told my
adventure to her daughter-in-law, who, excessively ambitious, saw,
without any pain, the increasing attachment of her husband for
me. I must tell you, in a parenthesis, that I always lived on the
best terms with her, and that, in my disgrace, her friendship did
not weaken. I must do her this justice. All my
have not been equally faithful towards me.
These two ladies knowing this occurrence, the duc d'Aiguillon was
not long kept in ignorance that something had happened. He came
in haste to see me, and inquired what it was. But he asked in vain,
I would not tell him. My secrecy hurt him, and on his return home
he wrote to me. As I have great pleasure in telling you all that
recalls this amiable gentleman to my mind, I will transcribe his
letter, which will give you an opportunity of judging of the turn
of his mind.
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