Laycock Abbey
14 Decr
Dear Henry
Of course Gwynne <1> did not after your answer think of inviting more than 50 <cousins?> She was very much obliged to you for consenting, which I had given her no hopes you would. Pray ask Laporte in Burlington Arcade for my trois <2> agendas, & bring them down with you they must be come from Paris by this time. I suppose you will bring the Power of attorney <3> you mentioned. We long to see your dear face again & think you will brighten up and drive fire side. I have been very low indeed, what with my illness & the gloomy weather, & my own dispiriting reflexions.
Yrs afft
E F
I am afraid you forgot the Dutch proverb that Paint costs nothing. Quantities of things here are going to decay for want of it – The Dutch live in a climate as damp as ours, which made them find it out
Henry Talbot Esqrs
31 Sackville Street
London
Notes:
1. Mrs Gwynne (d. winter 1841/1842), lady’s maid, cook and housekeeper to Elisabeth Feilding.
2. Three.
3. See Doc. No: 03625.