My dear Henry.
Before I left Lacock, thinking it possible that either you or I or perhaps both would bring a horse or two more, I consulted Gale <1> about moving a partition & so making a 2 stall stable out of the one adjoining the one we use – he will explain to you in 2 minutes what occurred to me – & if you approve it may be done, as he told me in 3 days & for a couple of pounds – I am curious to know if it is the Horse you had from Dorchester which you have brought, or another– I conclude it is one to your fancy you have got & I am heartily glad of it – I am sure nothing would be so good for your health as horse exercise – I fear Brighton was dull at best my sister <2> writes me a sad account of the society. I proceed Friday or Saturday into <Bullansby?> & hope to be at Home early in January. how I wish I were there now!! It is unmixed pain to me going to Burley <3> – for I cannot think <illegible deletion> the effort I shall have to make, will be rewarded by its giving an iota of pleasure to any creature – more of this some day – I was glad to find from the Lawyer that I shall not lose by my £2000 legacy as I had begun to expect –
God bless you
C. F
Middleton
16 Decr
Tuesday
Notes:
1. Probably John Gale, carpenter at Lacock.
2. Augusta Sophia Hicks, née Feilding, sister of WHFT’s step-father.
3. Burley, Stamford.