L30/15/54/119

From 2nd Baron Grantham to Fritz (Frederick) [no.9]:

Feb 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

Received his no.6, Waddilove received Fritz's to him. Wrote to Nanny. Will enquire about the lining of the water storage vessels, water served in large earthenware blue and white jars, cleaner than the tin pot Fritz spied out at D'Eyke's at Paris. Monmorin's Watch must be plain with a striking bell like Fritz's. Softened flesh brushes for Madame Arissa will do. Wishes he could have heard Fritz hold forth at Mr. Aislabie's. Happy at Fritz's looking well but frightened by his describing himself as an "Object". Grantham is told he looks well, is losing his hair but his queue [ponytail] is as it was. Waddilove has never grumbled about the transport expenses for Roisnante [horse]. Dined with Sir Michael Murt[?] at the Pardo with Monsignor and the Cobachuelistas. The Masseranos dined at Grantham's with Fabré. "It is thought that Monmorin obsequiates these". Madame Ramel is younger than she appears, exceedingly fat, not handsome but has an open countenance, fine teeth, easy and well behaved. Husband polity and well liked. Grantham to invite her to his. The King of Spain took his Carnival diversions in the woods on Saturday. Canora notified them all there was no dinner at the Pardo and about 30 people dined at France's. Trial cover of his dishes arrived, neat and handsome. Dined at home today with Ramel, his brother and Heland, Lozada, Kaunitz, Lacy, Nuncio, Zenowieff, Resteren, Munro and Levetzow. Invited no ladies. Monmorin had the Benevente and two Princesses Masseran, it was mal aporte and trite. The Ramels are to dine soon. She means to stay at home at night, not known who will go there though. Mr. Ramel showed Grantham the Swedish habit, black and orange like the peasant's dresses in Saynetes. The flaps of the jacket lap over formally. The brother wears the white bandage on his arm which was the signal of the Revolution. Sparre is well provided for la bas. Portugal is in sad dumps. The Terrecillas has miscarried without his ever knowing she was with child. He wants a Deset. Zenowieff goes about like a schoolboy with a pocketful of marbles. Madame Gazou is married to the French Embassador's maitre d'hotel. Munro has turned an old Vicuna coat, looks shabby. Rumoured that Catolica is sent for to be Cavallerizo mayor, if true will give great Offence. The Princess is not yet dining out, eating better than she could though, supplied with good teeth. 14 February 1779 Has been walking out regularly, good weather. Ball at the Beneventes' it being Sa. Fausbina's Day. Gala Coach; possible sale of it to Masserano, details of transaction so far. Has suggested prize of about 40,000 Rls. Masserano talking of paying by a draught on Ventades. Coach cost £365 in London, at the present exchange this is 36,017 [Rls.]. At Paris the velvet was 3880, Garow's bill, fringe etc...; 6835, transport; 3348. Asks 400 guineas in London and 40,000 Rls in Spain. If the sale goes ahead add £100 to the money and dispose of his debts in London. These are; to Os___y [Ossory] £100 plus 102 guineas, to C____D £300 equalling £526. Will also pay off Munro. Say nothing about the business. Four of his eight dishes will make 7 covers, one made for trial is eight. Need not part yet with all the dishes. Gazola surprisingly well. Love to Nanny and the Parkers. "Say what you will....she [niece Parker] is your favourite". 15 February [1779].

item

Waddilove,
Monmorin,
Arissa,
Aislabie,
Masserano,
Fabre,
Ramel,
Heland,
Lozada,
Kaunitz,
Lacy,
Nuncio,
Zenowieff,
Munro,
Gazou,
Portugal,
Munro,
Benevente

clothing, coach