[fragment]
Driver on the top of all – I dare say it looked very picturesque, though not exactly courtly.
This time I was punctual, & setting off at 2, got to Brighton at 4 – So now you know my surprising Adventures.
I have no time now to make any remarks upon your bad news, except that perhaps it might be as well if you, or Mamma,<1> were to tell Flora? <2>
I must also say I am disappointed you are not coming here– We stay till next Thursday – & Mrs Gent is anxiously expecting Mamma’s answer to her letter about houses.
I wish you had, or would even now directly, answer my question abt what [illegible] wd like for a wedding present – Because there are many pretty things to be had here; particularly at Silvani’s & Ambrosoni’s.<3>
If she wd care about anything of that sort, Trinkets, old China, Dresden figures – so please tell me by return of Post what you know.
Is not this nice paper? It is called cream –
The fish baskets never came to Mt E <4> I have been writing to you instead of lying down & must now dress
Ever dearest yrs very affly
Caroline
In waiting: Miss Kerr, (Emily Murray for 2 days,) now Miss Paget, Ld Ormande, Coll Buckley & Wylde.
Notes:
1. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m. Talbot (1773 - 12 March 1846), WHFT's mother.
2. Flora Isabella Clementina Macdonald (1822-1899), Maid of Honor and Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria.
3. Alexander Silvani, Brighton, Dealer in English and Foreign Fancy Goods on Commission. Charles Ambrosoni, Brighton, Goldsmith & Silversmith.
4. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.