L30/15/53/3

From Mary Robinson (Lady Grantham), Putney Heath to Frederick Robinson:

1787

From: 1787 To: 1787

Francezaux [appears to be spelt Franceson in later letters] is as likely to suit as any one [he is La Pierre's friend]. Mr. Fonnereau, La Pierre and Mr. L'Anglais all mentioned in the arrangements. Two uncertainties about Francezaux are that he doesn't seem to have been Maitre de Hotel, unless he was at Duchess of Bridgewaters, also that he has never lived anywhere with children etc.... Baldock has been offered a position with Lady Grantham again, no reply to this as yet, had she ever been used to the kitchen would have offered her Housekeeper. Obliged for the account of the Estate requested, smaller than expected; Rocliffe estate mortgage not included, rent of Newby is though not likely to be let. Tod is quite rich, worth £200, asks F. Robinson to manage it as she is not intending to ask for any of it. Wants £50 a year to make up the remainder of £300 for a scheme after next January, assumes pension cannot produce more than £50 a year. Asks his opinion [scheme not specified]. Obliged for his constant information about Newby, concurs with works continuing there; park fences, thinning plantations, Park draining, finishing the back road from Renton Gate to the House. Enquires about state of Gallery. Tom, Fred and Phil go on as usual, description of their antics and education. Fable of Fontaine mentioned. Happy to have any of F. Robinson's ideas upon their management. Prolongation of Parliament, thought not to sit long or have much brought on. Reported that the armaments will cost less than originally thought, good chance to escape much taxing. More troops to be sent to the East and West Indies, doesn't know what's happening to the armaments. Richard Worsley wrote asking what is happening with Fleet, direct reply to Plymouth. Glad he is pleased with Captain Pole and that he is reconciled with Mrs. Stainforth, he has written to her since she sent the ten pounds F. Robinson desired. Lady Grantham wishes to give him five guineas as she did his brother the previous year. No mention of the Waddiloves or Weddels, do the latter talk of coming to London next Winter? Mrs. Allanson worse, still not well enough to come to Town, her illness has something to do with her neck. Lost Prints, doesn't know where they are, no print sellers etc. About Whitehall recently. He is right to bring to Town such drawings at Newby. Tom shoes have arrived and fit, please pay the Bill. 8 November 1787 Still wishes him to speak to Francezaux [Franceson?], particularly on the subject of his choosing to be with Children. Will see him herself when she's in London. Thought of offering less than 50 guineas in wages but may leave it at that on condition he finds his own Tea in the Winter. Baldock does not choose to go into Service again, therefore entreats Mrs. Robinson to help in finding another Housekeeper to manage expences and marketing. La Pierre wishes to take that part off his friend [Francezaux/ceson], agrees as a Woman can do it just if she's not above it, thought they were these days but he thinks not. Cookmaid thought to leave when La Pierre. Will bring the Boys Wednesday morning for an hour if convenient. P.S. La Pierre will speak to his sister-in-law about a Housekeeper, trusts Mrs. Robinson's choice more. 24 November.

item

La Pierre,
Fonnereau,
Bridgewater,
Baldock,
Grantham,
Robinson, Thomas,
Robinson, Frederick,
Robinson, Philip,
Worsley, Richard,
Pole,
Stainforth,
Waddilove,
Weddel,
Allanson