TALBOT2588

Laycock Abbey
Thursday 7^th

My dear Henry

I am delighted to know you have actually taken the oaths & your seat – So now you are where I have so long wished to see you. Aunt Harriet ¹ left us yesterday suddenly, to her great annoyance & ours, as she had intended staying some days longer, & perhaps meeting Caroline, & M^r F. ² only arrived Monday in the middle of dinner. He received a letter Tuesday something about Henry’s ³ settlements, & was obliged to go home to arrange it. I cannot understand what the hurry is as Henry does not intend to be married till April.

We are just returned from a long ride to Compton Basset thro Bowood ⁴ – we have had a most delicious day.

Addio caro ⁵ give my love to Constance ⁶ & do not let her forget her promise of writing to me.

Your aff^te sister
Horatia

I am concerned to hear you have put my poor double furze into a morass – may I not put it in some more congenial spot?