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Document number: 01614
Date: 14 Nov 1827
Dating: 1827?
Watermark: 1827
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: FEILDING Elisabeth Theresa, née Fox Strangways
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Collection number historic: LA27-23
Last updated: 29th December 2012

Laycock Abbey
14th November

My Dear Henry

We did not get here till 10 last night, because we stopped at Redlynch <1> & paid Nanny Longford <2> a visit, which put her into such a flurry she said! but she was so glad to see me she squeezed me almost in two, but in the midst of her flustration she found time & thoughts to enquire for you, thinking you in foreign parts. One of the horses fell down twice coming from Tunbridge, so we were obliged to come on with three! The house looked so comfortable as we walked in, we were received by a Yule fire in the Hall, which looked very feudal, as well as the nine servants who lined the steps as we came up & seemed so glad to see us, I believe they have been ennuyés à la mort <3> all this time. The whole house is as clean as in Holland, what a change since this day twelve month! when one was afraid to lay one’s hand or even one’s foot on anything for fear of dust & dirt.

It has rained all this morning so I have not been able to look out yet, which I am impatient to do, though there is plenty of amusement in doors for any body that is interested in looking about at the improvement in the rooms. You cannot say now as you used to do that nothing is finished, for many things are, & I never liked the House so much. The old Brown Gallery looks very handsome & is quite done & has warm air coming up into it nicely, & all the Stones are in requisition, for it is a very cold day.

Out of the two weeks mentioned in my yesterday’s missive, my two windows were taken, which lessens the damage considerably. I hope you received that, probably the last letter Lord B. <4> will ever frank for me. They were both so attendris <5> at parting with us, particularly with C. <6> & L. that I quite reproached my self for not having more Sensibility. They are certainly thoroughly good hearted people, & almost make me feel that it is possible to love people without liking them. Ca & H. <7> do both however, & do not feel their taste offended as I did, every moment.


Notes:

1. Redlynch, Somerset, seat of the Earls of Ilchester (Barons of Redlynch).

2. See Doc. No: 01444.

3. Bored to death.

4. Possibly Lord Burghersh. [See Doc. No: 01444].

5. Full of pity.

6. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.

7. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.