Dear Talbot,
A hundred thanks for your kind note. It is very flattering to me & I can not therefore regret the mistake which induced you to take the trouble to write it. – I don’t recollect word for word what I said last night to Lady Elizabeth, <1> but surely nothing of an intention to settle at Lackham, <2> of which I never heard until I read an advertisement about it the other day. I asked I believe some question about it in consequence of Ly Elizabeth’s mention of a very pretty place which is seen from your windows & Ly Elizabeth’s answer was any thing but encouragement to purchase Lackham if I had ever thought of doing so. She described it as ugly & advised me to wait for the demise of the lady who occupies the other place of which I forget the name. – If I were floating in the air with a country house I don’t know any part of England where I would anchor so willingly as in the neighbourhood of Laycock and Bowood <3> but I doubt whether I shall ever have the good fortune & honor to form a member of the Squirearchy.
Believe me Yours very sincerely
D. Baillie
Wednesday Evg 4. Aud. Sq.<4>
Notes:
1. Misspelling for Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
2. Lackham House, Wiltshire, 2 mi NW of Lacock: Awdry family home.
3. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
4. 4, Audley Square, London.