’tis very necessary to say something to fright him.  I am persuaded, if he was talked to in a style of that kind, he would not dare to attempt to ruin me.  I have a great inclination to write seriously to your lord about it, since I desire to determine this affair in the fairest and the clearest manner.  I am not at all afraid of making any body acquainted with it; and if I did not fear making Mr. Wortley uneasy (who is the only person from whom I would conceal it), all the transactions should have been long since enrolled in Chancery.  I have already taken care to have the broker’s depositions taken before a lawyer of reputation and merit.  I deny giving him no satisfaction; and after that offer, I think there is no man of honour that would refuse signifying to him that as ’tis all he can desire, so, if he persists in doing me an injury, he may repent it.  You know how far ’tis proper to take this method, I say nothing of the uneasiness I am under, ’tis far beyond any expression; my obligation would be proportionable to any body that would deliver me from it, and I should not think it paid by all the services of my life.”

[Twickenham, June (?), 1721.]

“Dear Sister,

“Having this occasion, I would not omit writing, though I have received no answer to my two last.  The bearer is well acquainted with my affair, though not from me, till he mentioned it to me first, having heard it from those to whom Remond had told it with all the false colours he pleased to lay on.  I shewed him the formal commission I had to employ the money, and all the broker’s testimonies taken before Delpeeke, with his certificate.  Your remonstrances have hitherto had so little effect, that R. [Remond] will neither send a letter of attorney to examine my accounts, or let me be in peace.  I received a letter from him but two posts since, in which he renews his threats except I send him the whole sum, which is as much in my power as it is to send a million.  I can easily comprehend that he may be ashamed to send a procuration, which must convince the world of all the lies he has told.  For my part, I am so willing to be rid of the plague of hearing from him, I desire no better than to restore him with all expedition the money I have in my hands; but I will not do it without a general acquittance in due form, not to have fresh demands every time he wants money.  If he thinks that he has a larger sum to receive than I offer, why does he not name a procurator to examine me?  If he is content with that sum, I only insist on the acquittance for my own safety.  I am ready to send it to him, with full license to tell as many lies as he pleases afterwards.  I am weary with troubling you with repetitions which cannot be more disagreeable to you than they are to me.  I have had, and still have, so much vexation with this execrable affair, ’tis impossible to describe it.  I had rather talk to you of any thing else, but it fills my whole head.”

Lady Mary was no coward, but when she heard that Remond intended to come to London in connection with this business, she was at first in despair However, she summoned her courage to aid, and asked Lady Mar to tell him that if he was spoiling for a fight she would do her best to indulge him.