Dover
2 Novr
Dear Henry
I write to tell you I am to be in London tomorrow night to meet Ly I. <1> & afterwards I believe go to meet Harry <2> at Bowood <3> at least after seeing her I mean to propose it to Louisa <4> if I find no other plans ready made for me – I hope you will be at Laycock this month pray let me know soon – I have brought a live Dianthus (if it is not dead of seasickness) from the Val di Gondo.
Yr Affte
W F S
Henry F. Talbot Esq
31 Sackville Street
London
Post office <5>
Edingburgh [sic]
Notes:
1. Juliana Maria Strangways, née Digby (d. 1842).
2. Henry Stephen Fox Strangways, 3rd Earl of Ilchester (1787–1858).
3. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
4. Louisa Emma Petty Fitzmaurice, née Fox Strangways, Marchioness of Lansdowne (1785-1851), wife of Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne; Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, 1837-1838; WHFT's aunt.
5. Readdressed in another hand.