My dear Talbot
I cannot after so long an absence detach myself from the Party, which meets in this house tomorrow, or excuse myself from attending the first Ball at Devizes. I must therefore beg you to express to Lord & Lady Lansdowne, <1> if I am not so fortunate to see them this morning, my regret that I cannot have the Pleasure of accepting the Invitation, they are so good to send me, for their Ball.
I made a few sketches which serve to remind me of the spots I have visited, but will hardly convey any just idea to an eye that has not looked on the original; such as they are however, I will bring them.
Yours very truly
T. H. S. Bucknall Estcourt
New Park.
Wednesday.
Henry Fox [Talbot]<2> Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Notes:
1. Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (1780–1863), MP, WHFT’s uncle; and his wife, Louisa Emma Petty Fitzmaurice, née Fox Strangways, Marchioness of Lansdowne (1785-1851), Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, 1837-1838; WHFT's aunt.
2. Text obscured by seal.