TALBOT2108

[this is written on the same sheet as a note from Lady Elisabeth - see ]

Laycock Abbey
31^st Dec^r

My dear Henry

I am very glad you at last decided to go to Brighton, as Cousin Harriet ¹ seemed quite vexed in spirit at hearing you had changed your mind; I think you will égayer ² them; & you have not lost anything here, as there is to be no ball at Bowood ³ on Miss Vernon’s ⁴ account, & Kerry ⁵ is not well enough to be allowed to dance, although he is better on the whole. We passed Christmas there very pleasantly; Mary Fox was there with her brother Henry⁶ who is agreeable, M^r Spring Rice ⁷ & M^r Hallam ⁸. The Abbey looked remarkably nice & comfortable the day we arrived, even after all the grand places we had just seen, & the blazing fires cheered us after our cold journey in the dark & snow. – Job & the poney are returned safe & in good health; Papa ⁹ says it is the prettiest he ever saw. –

We have not yet seen M^r Moore ¹⁰; they are living at present near Sloperton, ¹¹ & are entirely engaged, (at least M^rs M.) in building.

I am very anxious to see M^r Hopper’s ¹² plans & ideas. – Pray write me word how Louisa ¹³ is, & let us know when you are coming. –

Addio carissimo fratello mio, ti auguro un felicissimo capo d’anno, con tanti tanti altri, e mi rassegno colla dovuta stima, ¹⁴

la di lei devotissima ed umilissima serva ¹⁵
Carolina Feilding ¹⁶

We both liked Sir Edwin ¹⁷ very much, & are extremely anxious to know his fate. Pray do not keep us in suspense.

Calne ¹⁸ January first 1830 Lansdowne ¹⁹
Henry Talbot Esq
Post office
Brighton