[this is written on the same sheet as a note from Lady Elisabeth - see Doc. No: 03416]
Laycock Abbey
31st Decr
My dear Henry
I am very glad you at last decided to go to Brighton, as Cousin Harriet <1> seemed quite vexed in spirit at hearing you had changed your mind; I think you will égayer <2> them; & you have not lost anything here, as there is to be no ball at Bowood <3> on Miss Vernon’s <4> account, & Kerry <5> is not well enough to be allowed to dance, although he is better on the whole. We passed Christmas there very pleasantly; Mary Fox was there with her brother Henry<6> who is agreeable, Mr Spring Rice <7> & Mr Hallam <8>. The Abbey looked remarkably nice & comfortable the day we arrived, even after all the grand places we had just seen, & the blazing fires cheered us after our cold journey in the dark & snow. – Job & the poney are returned safe & in good health; Papa <9> says it is the prettiest he ever saw. –
We have not yet seen Mr Moore <10>; they are living at present near Sloperton, <11> & are entirely engaged, (at least Mrs M.) in building.
I am very anxious to see Mr Hopper’s <12> plans & ideas. – Pray write me word how Louisa <13> is, & let us know when you are coming. –
Addio carissimo fratello mio, ti auguro un felicissimo capo d’anno, con tanti tanti altri, e mi rassegno colla dovuta stima, <14>
la di lei devotissima ed umilissima serva <15>
Carolina Feilding <16>
Calne <18> January first 1830 Lansdowne <19>
Henry Talbot Esq
Post office
Brighton
Notes:
1. Probably Harriot Georgiana Mundy, née Frampton (1806-1886), WHFT’s cousin & sister-in-law.
2. Cheer them up.
3. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
4. The aunt of Lord Lansdowne. [See Doc. No: 01919].
5. William Thomas Fitzmaurice, Earl of Kerry (1811–1836), MP.
6. Lady Mary Elizabeth Fox (1806-1891) and Henry Edward Fox, 4th Baron Holland of Holland and 4th Baron Holland of Foxley (1802-1859).
7. Thomas Spring Rice (1790–1866).
8. Henry Hallam (1777–1859), historian.
9. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
10. Thomas Moore (1780–1852), Irish poet, and his wife Elizabeth (Bessie) Moore, née Dyke (1783–1865).
11. Sloperton Cottage, Wiltshire, 1 mi E of Lacock: home of Thomas Moore, the Irish poet.
12. Thomas Hopper (1776–1856), architect & surveyor, London. [See Doc. No: 01776].
13. Louisa Howard, née Fitzmaurice (d. 1906), daughter of Lady Louisa Emma Fitzmaurice.
14. Goodbye my dearest brother, I wish you a happy new year, with many more, and I conclude with due respect.
15. Your most devoted and humble servant.
16. Caroline Feilding.
17. This was a ballad, 'Sir Edward: a True Story', sent by WHFT to his other half-sister, Horatia, the week before. See Doc. No: 01921.
18. Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock.
19. Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (1780–1863), MP, WHFT’s uncle.