Weymouth
Decr 3d –
My dear Henry
Our dancing lesson this morning proved most successful – A good deal of awkwardness was displayed of course on occasion of a first lesson, but we mean to practise diligently before the next & get the five positions &c quite perfect – I never met with a more goodnatured Master. – I think I have not written since I called on Mrs Drummond. I thought her very pleasing & lively – She says you are an old acquaintance of hers –
Last evening I drank tea with my friends the Howards, <1> & found poor Col. H. less well than usual – He is now suffering greatly from depression of spirits. Mrs & Miss Lithgow were drinking tea there also – We have still the same stormy weather but very mild – it must be much pleasanter here than in London or anywhere else – I am glad to find that your business in London is not quite finished; for every day you pass there beyond your proposed work, I consider as so much time gained by me here – Lady Elisabeth <2> writes me word that she expects to be at Melbury <3> on the 9th I heard she was to go to Lacock yesterday. –
Your affectionate
Constance –
Notes:
1. See Doc. No: 04350.
2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
3. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.