TALBOT2524

Abbotsbury Castle ¹
Dec^r 18^th

My dear Henry

I am delighted Chippenham ² is to keep two members, though I never should have expected such a piece of good fortune, particularly as Calne, ³ which I thought a more populous place has lost one; but I suppose they hadve[sic] been so plagued about that unhappy borough, that they were glad to give up any thing for the sake of a quiet life – du reste ⁴ the alterations do not seem to be great, nor could they I suppose – I have had several most persuasive letters from Aunt Harriot ⁵ to assist at their mystical Christmas festivities, & if possible we are thinking of doing so; I am only sorry of being obliged (in that case) to leave this place so soon, where we are so very happy & comfortable, & not incommoding any body, as Ly. I. ⁶ does not mean to return till after Xmas. Aunt Harriot’s letters are infinitely diverting; I can fancy I hear her speak – L^d V. ⁷ was much amused by her imploring us to go a day or two before Xmas in order to help her to make Dough Ladies, a pastime I suppose he never heard of before, or I either, though I should be ashamed to own it to my Aunt. – We went yesterday to the Decoy, & afterwards to S^t Catharine’s chapel, which L^d Valletort sketched in spite of a most violent South wester. It is much more picturesque than I had imagined. –

Lebe wohl, liebst Bruder, deine treue Freundinen und Schwester ⁸
Caroline