L30/11/236/10

Letter from Henrietta Frances Robinson to Amabel, Countess de Grey, St. James’ Square. [Typed transcript of part available]. [Vivant] Denon’s sale will take place next month; his collection of prints is supposed to be very fine. Has not yet met with any candelabras likely to suit Lady de Grey.

4 Jan 1826

From: 1832 To: 1832

Frederick and Amabel [children] are particularly well ‘…it is a pleasure to think that our object in bringing the former here is likely to answer ….. there is certainly a great lightness in the air in comparison with that of England. Comments about the French people. Writer is to be presented on the 14th and is rather dreading it, as understands it is a formidable event – gives details. Lady Granville is an admirable ambassadress. The French talk of Lady Elizabeth Stuart with great affection and reconnaissance. Lady Holland has the best society. [Assumed to refer to Elizabeth Vassall Fox, Baroness Holland] The Duke of Bedford has gone to Lyons to see his brother Lord William Russell. The Duchess is confined to her couch being afraid of a miscarriage. The Duchess of Hamilton [Susan] is exceedingly kind to the writer, who thinks her most charming. Her son and Frederick are great friends [William, later 11th Duke of Hamilton]. Lady de Grey’s kind present of £100 has been of great use to the writer’s daughters, as they have required complete sets of clothes – everyone must dress in the fashion or appear particular. House rent is more expensive than in England and it is difficult to find one to suit an English family as the French have less children and fewer servants. Went yesterday to see the annual exposition ‘Ales Arts.’ [last page torn] Dating Notes: Writer’s son Frederick died Feb 1831, daughter Amabel died 1827. Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Granville was British ambassador to France (1824–1828, 1830–1835, 1835–1841). 4 Jan was a Wednesday in 1826.

item

Robinson, Henrietta Frances,
de Grey, Amabel, 1st Countess,
Denon, Vivant,
Robinson, Frederick William,
Robinson, Amabel Elizabeth,
Stuart, Elizabeth Margaret,
Leveson-Gower, Granville, 1st Earl Granville,
Vassall-Fox, Elizabeth, Baroness Holland,
Russell, William,
Russell, John (6th Duke of Bedford),
Hamilton, Susan [Duchess of Hamilton],
Hamilton, William [11th Duke of Hamilton]

family correspondence, ILLUSTRATIONS, artist, France, clothing