At that time Lydia was in love with, and almost engaged to, Count Ercole Ferruci, a penniless Italian nobleman, who courted my pretty girl less for her beauty than for her supposed wealth.
When I suggested that Lydia should marry Vrain, she refused at first to entertain the idea; but afterwards, seeing that the man was old and weak, she thought it would be a good thing as his wife to inherit his money, and then, as his widow, to marry Ferruci.

I think, also, that the pointed dislike which Diana Vrain manifested for us both--although I am bound to say she hated Lydia more than she did me--had a great deal to do with my daughter marrying Vrain.

However, the end of it was that Lydia broke off her engagement with Ferruci--and very mad he was at losing her--and married Mark Vrain in Florence.
"After the marriage the old man, who at that time was quite infatuated with Lydia, made a will leaving her his assurance money of L20,000, but the house near Bath, and the land, he left to Diana.

I am bound to say that Lydia behaved very well in this matter, as she could have had all the money and land, but she was content with the assurance money, and did not rob Diana Vrain of her birthright.

Yet Diana hated her, and still hates her; but I ask any one who reads this confession if my dear Lyddy is not the better woman of the two?
Who dares to say that such a sweet girl is guilty of the crimes she is charged with?
"Well, the marriage took place, and we all journeyed home to Berwin Manor; but here things went from bad to worse.