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26 July 1880 — Motcombe House, nr. Shaftesbury, Dorset | |
Monday. 26th [July 1880]. We were disappointed at finding it was pouring with rain when we got up as we had made a plan to drive over to Henstridge. I amused myself with looking over Theo’s old lace & then at her jewels & she took us down to the strong room & shewed us the famous sapphire left her by her father. We lunched at 1 & as there was a break in the weather we determined to go over to Henstridge. Merthyr had gone over to Wincanton to a Magistrate’s meeting & was to meet us there. Lady W. Theo. Henry & I & 2 dogs set off in the barouche to drive over 10 miles. It poured harder than ever en route. We got there abt 3.15. We found that Lady Rivers was there. She had agreed to meet Theo there & had been undaunted by the rain. When she was gone came a Mr Knatchbull Huguesson & then we went over the house & stables. We had to climb in by the windows as the passages were not completed. We were surprised to see how large the house had grown—nearly doubled & much improved by gables added to it—but the rooms are low– We had to visit Merthyr’s hunters in their summer boxes & then came in—as it was pouring all the time—to tea—& then set off home to Motcombe– Theo: returned with Merthyr so we were only us 2 & the old lady in the barouche. We got back just in time to dress for dinner. Afterwards Merthyr & I sang all the eveng till bed time. | |
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