The Greatest Regency Romance Novels. Maria Edgeworth

      Fantomina

      (Eliza Haywood)

       Table of Contents

       To the Charming Mrs. Bloomer.

       To the Lovely Fantomina.

       To the All-conquering Beauplaisir.

       To the Obliging and Witty Incognita.

       In Love the Victors from the Vanquish’d fly.

      They fly that wound, and they pursue that dye.

      Waller.

      A YOUNG Lady of distinguished Birth, Beauty,Wit, and Spirit, happened to be in a Box one Night at the Playhouse; where, though there were a great Number of celebrated Toasts, she perceived several Gentlemen extremely pleased themselves with entertaining a Woman who sat in a Corner of the Pit, and, by her Air and Manner of receiving them, might easily be known to be one of those who come there for no other Purpose, than to create Acquaintance with as many as seem desirous of it. She could not help testifying her Contempt of Men, who, regardless either of the Play, or Circle, threw away their Time in such a Manner, to some Ladies that sat by her: But they, either less surprised by being more accustomed to such Sights, than she who had been bred for the most Part in the Country, or not of a Disposition to consider any Thing very deeply, took but little Notice of it. She still thought of it, however; and the longer she reflected on it, the greater was her Wonder, that Men, some of whom she knew were accounted to have Wit, should have Tastes so very depraved.—This excited a Curiosity in her to know in what Manner these Creatures were address’d:—She was young, a Stranger to the World, and consequently to the Dangers of it; and having no Body in Town, at that Time, to whom she was oblig’d to be accountable for her Actions, did in every Thing as her Inclinations or Humours render’d most agreeable to her: Therefore thought it not in the least a Fault to put in practice a little Whim which came immediately into her Head, to dress herself as near as she cou’d in the Fashion of those Women who make sale of their Favours, and set herself in the Way of being accosted as such a one, having at that Time no other Aim, than the Gratification of an innocent Curiosity.—She no sooner design’d this Frolick, than she put it in Execution; and muffling her Hoods over her Face, went the next Night into the Gallery-Box, and practising as much as she had observ’d, at that Distance, the Behaviour of that Woman, was not long before she found her Disguise had answer’d the Ends she wore it for:—A Crowd of Purchasers of all Degrees and Capacities were in a Moment gather’d about her, each endeavouring to out-bid the other, in offering her a Price for her Embraces.—She listen’d to ’em all, and was not a little diverted in her Mind at the Disappointment she shou’d give to so many, each of which thought himself secure of gaining her.—She was told by ’em all, that she was the most lovely Woman in the World; and some cry’d, Gad, she is mighty like my fine Lady Such-a-one,—naming her own Name. She was naturally vain, and receiv’d no small Pleasure in hearing herself prais’d, tho’ in the Person of another, and a suppos’d Prostitute; but she dispatch’d as soon as she cou’d all that had hitherto attack’d her, when she saw the accomplish’d Beauplaisir was making his Way thro’ the Crowd as fast as he was able, to reach the Bench she sat on. She had often seen him in the Drawing-Room, had talk’d with him; but then her Quality and reputed Virtue kept him from using her with that Freedom she now expected he wou’d do, and had discover’d something in him, which had made her often think she shou’d not be displeas’d, if he wou’d abate some Part of his Reserve.—Now was the Time to have her Wishes answer’d:—He look’d in her Face, and fancy’d, as many others had done, that she very much resembled that Lady whom she really was; but the vast Disparity there appear’d between their Characters, prevented him from entertaining even the most distant Thought that they cou’d be the same.—He address’d her at first with the usual Salutations of her pretended Profession, as, Are you engag’d, Madam?—Will you permit me to wait on you home after the Play?—By Heaven, you are