Laycock Abbey
Thursday 7th
My dear Henry
I am delighted to know you have actually taken the oaths & your seat – So now you are where I have so long wished to see you. Aunt Harriet <1> left us yesterday suddenly, to her great annoyance & ours, as she had intended staying some days longer, & perhaps meeting Caroline, & Mr F. <2> only arrived Monday in the middle of dinner. He received a letter Tuesday something about Henry’s <3> settlements, & was obliged to go home to arrange it. I cannot understand what the hurry is as Henry does not intend to be married till April.
We are just returned from a long ride to Compton Basset thro Bowood <4> – we have had a most delicious day.
Addio caro <5> give my love to Constance <6> & do not let her forget her promise of writing to me.
Your affte sister
Horatia
Notes:
1. Lady Harriet Frampton, née Fox Strangways (d. 1844) .
2. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister and James Frampton (1769–1855), High Sheriff.
3. Henry Frampton (1804-1879).
4. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
5. Goodbye dear.
6. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.