TALBOT5492

Bowood ¹
Christmas Day 1845

My Dear Henry

I originally fixed to go to Brighton entirely because you wished it & I don’t know why you have taken to wandering on the coast instead of taking a comfortable house with us. However I do not intend to change my mind any more this winter & shall therefore depart on the 6^th or 7^th – and therefore pray let me know your plans – There is a large party here, but certainly not a gay one. Lady Palmerston ² always charming, stays till Saturday She pays as short visits as you do. I have consented to stay here as long as she does. I must stay one whole day in London for a Dentist, & I mean to be a Month at Brighton Lord Auckland ³ & his Sister are here & Lord Crewe, M^r Rogers, M^r Luttrell, ⁴ the Shelburnes ⁵ & Lady King & sposo –

This letter is matter of fact

Vale ⁶

We have a great deal of conversation about the late public events, ⁷ three of the principal actors on the political scene being actually here & it is very amusing, with all the anecdotes they have to tell – To day was very dark & I think you could not enjoyed [sic] Worthing much or wherever you might be. We received the Sacrament in the Chapel here by candle light

aff^ly y^rs
E F