CHAPTER LXXXI

COUNTRY HOUSE VISITS

[Sidenote: 1865. Jan. 2.]

Re-established myself at Bishopstoke. Prepared for hunting and jobbed horses.

[Sidenote: Jan. 3.]

With the Hambledon meet, West End; found in Allington Wood. Sharp but short run, the greater part to myself.

[Sidenote: Jan. 4.]

Rode “Balloon” with the Hursley meet, Farlay Down; found two foxes. A long day, and no run. Willie Standish driving me home from Hursley.

[Sidenote: Thursday, Jan. 5.]

Letter from Knollys with kind invitation to Sandringham for Saturday next till Thursday following. By steamer to Hythe; shot with Charlie Scott, and put up at Beaulieu. Everything in the rough, but so comfortable. Shooting not much. Simpson, Clinton, and Morrit. Posted to station, and by rail to London. Put up at Bristol Hotel, Cockspur Street.

[Sidenote: Sandringham, Saturday, Jan. 7.]

By 10.57 train from Shoreditch. Arrived at Dersingham 3.20; carriage to meet us. Prince most kind. Dinner, whist, loo, etc.

[Sidenote: Sunday, Jan. 8.]

Party here--Woodward, the librarian from Windsor; Frederick Leighton, artist; George Grey and Lady Morton in waiting; Miss Knollys, etc.; Lord Hamilton. To morning church. The Prince gave me a gold pin. The young Prince’s birthday: one year old, fine little fellow. Walked to see Brereton.

[Sidenote: Sandringham, Jan. 9.]

George Grey and I to meet Villebois hounds--H. Seymour, Mrs. Dugdale Astley, Hammonds, etc. No scent, back early. Prince and self planted first apple and pear trees in new kitchen garden. Duchess of Cambridge arrived, attended by Lady Somerset and Purvis, also Lord Harris and Helps.

[Sidenote: Jan. 10.]

We went, some nine guns, partridge-shooting, with over thirty beaters to drive. The wind high, and birds fast for me. Great function was the hot luncheon in a barn. Sat next the Princess at dinner: the most charming of all Princesses.

[Sidenote: Jan. 11.]

Hounds met near. A large party from Sandringham, Lord Harris, P. Feilding, and self being mounted as well as the staff, Princess driving Duchess of Cambridge. Mrs. Dugdale Astley, Mrs. Villebois, and others out. Fox killed; bad scent.

[Sidenote: Dewlish, Jan. 12.]

Lord Harris and self took leave of their kind Royal Highnesses. At Lynn station joined by Lord George Bentinck. In London by 3.50. Had time for chop at club. By train to Dorchester. Midnight before I got to Dewlish, Field-Marshal Sir J. Michel, G.C.B.

[Sidenote: Jan. 13.]

Owing to Lord Ilchester’s death our visit to Minterne postponed. Horses had, however, arrived there. Large party in house, Radcliffe’s hounds meeting near. Rode “Canteen.” Dry, cold, snow on ground; bad scent. Lost first fox; short run with second.

[Sidenote: Dewlish, Jan. 15.]

To morning service. In the clergyman found an old friend at the Cape in 1828. He then in army, son of old Blair who kept the hounds.

[Sidenote: Jan. 16.]

To a near meet with Radcliffe’s hounds. Michel, his daughter Rachel, very pretty, and Miss Kelyar, also pretty, with us. Two scrambling races; one fox killed, another to a drain. Much taken out of “Balloon.”

[Sidenote: Jan. 17.]

With Lady Michel to Dorchester. Train to Poole. Bus to Bournemouth to look after quarters on Colin’s account. Fanny Albemarle and P. Cust kind and obliging. Took lodgings and returned to dine.

[Sidenote: Jan. 18.]

Was to have hunted with Digby, Vale of White Horse. Fancied frost too sharp.

[Sidenote: Jan. 19.]

Although a sharp frost, went out with Michel to meet Radcliffe’s hounds. Heard that the Vale had had a good run yesterday! Have greatly enjoyed visit to Dewlish, so kind and good to everybody.

[Sidenote: Jan. 20.]

As there was no Minterne visit, horses had to return to Bishopstoke. Rode one of them to Dorchester station, wife and Colin following, where I had taken lodgings.

[Sidenote: Jan. 21.]

Found niece Augusta North here with her children. Dined with P. Cust and Fanny Albemarle, meeting Tom Pasley, Lord Winchilsea with pretty wife, late F. Rice, Cust’s son-in-law and daughter, the Kennedys, a Mr. Hay and wife: agreeable party.

[Sidenote: Jan. 22.]

Bitter cold; church reported High Pusey. Let wife go alone.

[Sidenote: Jan. 23.]

By rail to Bishopstoke; cottage snug and comfortable, but dull without the wife and kid.

[Sidenote: Jan. 25.]

Snow, and barometer falling. Dined with the Dean. Felt my way home with a bull’s-eye lantern--pelting rain!

[Sidenote: Jan. 28.]

Preferred walking to station to having horse roughed. Train to Christchurch. Bus to Bournemouth.

[Sidenote: Jan. 30.]

By bus to Christchurch and train to Bishopstoke. George Deane called with invite for me to shoot with Chamberlayne.

[Sidenote: Feb. 2.]

Wife and Colin came by 3 P.M., looking all the better, and most welcome, as I had enough of being alone.

[Sidenote: Bishopstoke, Feb. 3.]

This morning’s post brought further information with regard to the Straits Settlements.

At 2.40 telegram from Prince of Wales, stating that they would be passing at 3, and proposing we should bring our boy to the station to meet their Royal Highnesses. Obeyed command and enjoyed a too short interview.

[Sidenote: Feb. 4.]

Meet of Hambledon at Marwell; wife and Colin there. Killed one fox, and a fast but short run after another. Henry West arrived by train to dinner. Atkins sent us some excellent snipe.

[Sidenote: Feb. 5.]

H. West and I to morning church. Sister Caroline staying at Rectory: there since Thursday. Visit from Standish, bringing Harry Stephenson from the _Bombay_.

[Sidenote: Feb. 6.]

Willie Standish having given Henry a mount, meet at Crab Wood; we drove to Hursley--best run of the season. Lamed “Balloon” by falling into a road--a drift of snow tripping him on landing,--a badly-cut knee. Walked to Winchester; horse from Tubbs; led “Balloon” home.

[Sidenote: Feb. 8.]

Meet at Hambledon at George Deane’s. Carried Colin up to see meet. Rode “Canteen,” sending Dawson on Tubbs’ mare to Cams. Dennison from Portsmouth came in for cherry brandy.

[Sidenote: Feb. 9.]

Vet. Retford to see horses; mare still stiff and lame; “Balloon,” ugly wound, but doing well.

[Sidenote: Feb. 10.]

Repeated visit to Bishopstoke; all well at home, but felt that I had no business to absent myself on my selfish amusement of hunting.

[Sidenote: Feb. 11.]

By train to Gosport. On board _Victory_. Court-martial on loss of _Bombay_. No end of friends. Visited young Garnier at Mrs. Knight’s school. Lunched with Fred and Mrs. Hutton. At Cams; found Elliot Yorkes.

[Sidenote: Feb. 13.]

Frost and no hunting.

[Sidenote: Feb. 14.]

H. Delmé with Pat Blake and Elliot Yorke to see Fred Radcliffe and his “Fair Rosamond” at Gosport.

[Sidenote: Feb. 25.]

Sold “Canteen” to W. C. Alexander for £150. Sent to Tubbs for a mount. Meet at Warmford. Breakfast with Eccles, having picked up Chapman and George Deane. Tubbs’ brute, a gray, fell with me into a lane; difficulty in getting home; a talk when there; got letters from Alexander returning “Canteen” for a whistler; don’t believe it, having only lately bought him of F. Delmé Radcliffe, for more than I could well afford.

[Sidenote: Feb. 27.]

Glad to have secured house in London. Letter from Alexander, who is a gentleman, taking my word in preference to the Vet.’s; sent me a cheque for £150, which I returned. Captain Grimston offered me £30 for “Balloon,” which I declined.

[Sidenote: Feb. 28.]

“Canteen” returned this morning. Standish called, kindly offering to take care of “Balloon” until sold, which I accepted. He also took Dick King and the mare.

[Sidenote: Mar. 4.]

Found wife and Colin at Leinster Gardens. Lunched 15 Cadogan Place. Called on Miss Burdett-Coutts and Rajah Brooke, also on Albemarle, his wife and Charteris.

[Sidenote: Mar. 7.]

Navy Club dinner; Mundy in chair. Rajah Brooke guest; about thirty present. Walked with Rajah to call on Miss Burdett-Coutts.

[Sidenote: Mar. 8.]

Moved into No. 40 Connaught Square.

[Sidenote: Mar. 11.]

Declined a mount kindly offered by Henry West with the old Berkeley: great temptation though! Dined with Henry Eyre in Berkeley Square, meeting Le Marchant, Dacres, and others.

[Sidenote: London, Mar. 13.]

At club found letter--W. Standish’s cheque for £35 for “Balloon.” Good beast in good hands. Made calls on Lord Palmerston and Admiral Rous. Declined Lord Campbell’s kind offer of house room.

[Sidenote: Mar. 14.]

Ballot at club among about thirty candidates. Bowyear elected. Dined with Thorolds; meeting pleasant; party as usual.

[Sidenote: Mar. 15.]

Governorship of Singapore engrossing my thoughts. Went to Houses of Parliament: introduced to W. H. Read’s friend Clerke Seymour.

[Sidenote: Mar. 16.]

Saw Duke of Somerset’s secretary; intimated to him to communicate that when applied to by Cardwell His Grace should not throw cold water on my appointment. Hope I may get it.

[Sidenote: Mar. 17.]

Saw Blackwood at Colonial Office; talk about Straits Settlements; don’t think I shall get it.

[Sidenote: Mar. 18.]

[Sidenote: Mar. 20.]

Major Lord D’Arcy Osborn rather a fancy for “Canteen,” although not for his price, £75. Made sundry calls. Sir George Seymour ill in bed. Letter from Lord D’Arcy Osborn, offering £75 for “Canteen,” and to call at my club on the morrow.

[Sidenote: Mar. 21.]

Lord D’Arcy and brother came to club and agreed to take my horse. Dinner at Navy Club, Shrewsbury in the chair. Afterwards to Pratt’s.

[Sidenote: Mar. 22.]

Attended levée.

[Sidenote: Mar. 23.]

Called on and had a chat with Rokeby. Dined with sister Mary, going afterwards to wandering minstrels at Lord Gerald Fitzgerald’s.

* * * * *

Kept journal irregularly at this time.

[Sidenote: May 4.]

My sweet May born this day.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: June 27.]

Death of Mrs. Selwyn prevented Tom Whichcote coming to us for the Bibury and Stockbridge Races. Edward Russell and George Fitzroy came, but no races for poor E. R. The wife not strong, but she appeared at dinner.

[Sidenote: June 28.]

George Fitzroy and I to Romsey: shunted there for an hour, but in time for the first race. Bibury Day, and broiling hot.

[Sidenote: June 29.]

Got on with less delay at Romsey. The usual Stockbridge race weather. Heavy rain. Picked up Henry Fitzroy and brought him back to dinner.

[Sidenote: June 30.]

Friend Edward Russell took his departure--good fellow. George Fitzroy and I to races; did no good. Henry went home from the course.

[Sidenote: July 6.]

Started for 3.15 P.M. train, but no possibility of getting to Woolmer before 9 P.M. Left portmanteau at Liss; walked from Liphook; changed into Archie’s clothes.

[Sidenote: Woolmer, July 7.]

Lovely place this Woolmer!--Powerscourt, H. Stephenson, Salvin, a great naturalist, with cormorants to catch fish, Colonel Hagarth and wife. Had an amusing afternoon’s sport with the birds: no end of trout.

[Sidenote: July 8.]

More bother to get across Hants than to go to Bath. At 8.40 started in dogcart to Liphook, by rail _viâ_ Havant; got home in four hours.

[Sidenote: July 11.]

Archie Macdonald, Sheriff for the County, came with Keppel Stephenson and his chaplain, Rev. Randolph Keppel Stephenson, had a bed at the Dean’s.

[Sidenote: July 12.]

Lent wife’s carriage to Dean to vote for Bonham Carter. We all dined with the Dean in great force at result of election.

[Sidenote: Norfolk, July 17.]

At Swaffham met Lord Hastings, who took me on to Melton Constable. Canvassed with Mrs. Dugdale Astley.

[Sidenote: July 18.]

On Hastings drag, four grays, to poll at Keepham.

[Sidenote: July 19.]

With Gurdon and Sons to nomination at Swaffham. Got Bury to propose Gurdon. After lunch to Quidenham with Bury.

[Sidenote: July 22.]

Voted for Gurdon and Jones at Thetford. By express to London. By 1.10 P.M. train to Winchester. Voted for Mildmay. Something to vote in Thetford and Winchester same day.

[Sidenote: Sept. 11.]

Train from Bishopstoke through London. Joined Col. C. Baillie in fly to Wentworth Woodhouse, meeting George and Mrs. Fitzwilliam, Sir James and Lady Mary Wilde, Count Havonet, Fawkes, Teesdale, Colonels Charles and William Baillie.

[Sidenote: Bishopstoke, Sept. 29.]

Received intimation from Clerk of the Peace of the Lord-Lieutenant, Winchester, having signed my commission as a magistrate of the county!

[Sidenote: Oct. 5.]

Had a meeting of ratepayers in vestry to consider the inefficient state of drainage. Atkins and Co. too strong for us: nothing decided on. No hope, unless cholera lays hold of one of them.

[Sidenote: Oct. 10.]

Having taken a six months’ season ticket, went up. Returned by 5 P.M. train. Cæsarewitch won by Salpinetes: a fiver on him at 6 to 1.

[Sidenote: Oct. 14.]

In dogcart to Southampton to buy Colin a pair of gloves. Met George Day. On by King for something more of Salpinetes, Day, late one of my Mids, winning over £5000!

[Sidenote: Oct. 16.]

To Winchester to take the oaths as Justice of the Peace. By train to London; attended Board of Anglo-Greek Co.; much bother by Count Mataxa.

[Sidenote: Oct. 18.]

Dined with the Dean, for which purpose we borrowed his brougham. Sad intelligence of Lord Palmerston’s death reached by telegraph.

[Sidenote: Oct. 19.]

Colonel Randolph came down to look over cottage and stables. Stopped luncheon and took no notice of Colin! Drove wife into Winchester. Went over Tubbs’ stud.

[Sidenote: Oct. 21.]

Drove dogcart into Southampton. Toys for the dear wife’s boy, 6s. 2d.!

[Sidenote: Oct. 22.]

George Lennox came into church, and whispered he was coming to lunch afterwards. He borrowed a half-crown of me, intending to stop for the communion service; but after the sermon he slipped the coin back into my hand, saying, “That fellow has so bored me, I am unfit to stay to the sacrament”!

[Sidenote: Oct. 28.]

By train to Winchester. Attended for first time as magistrate. Special sessions.

[Sidenote: Oct. 30.]

Made a partial clearance in the cellar. Several articles brought to light. Pair of clam shells for the Cummings.

[Sidenote: Oct. 31.]

By early train to London; on returning, stepping out before train had stopped at Bishopstoke, fell, striking back against handle of a wheelbarrow. Pain very great. Home and to bed.

[Sidenote: Nov. 1.]

Tenants coming in, obliged to clear out. Unable to accompany wife and children to Bournemouth; was kindly taken in by Cummings. At once to bed, being in some pain and under impression that ribs were broken. Examined by Dr. Goldston; severe contusion, muscles bruised. Arnica applied, etc. Time and patience!

[Sidenote: Nov. 7.]

Took Charles Pilkington with me in dogcart to the opening of Albert Infirmary, Bishop’s Waltham. Prince Arthur, Princesses Helena and Louisa. Luncheon by Helps. Everything well done. Prayer by Bishop of Winchester. Concert in old Palace.

[Sidenote: Bournemouth, Nov. 12.]

To afternoon service. Do not approve of High Church practice. Why one is, on going to church to pray, to be inflicted for half-an-hour with the catechism of children, I do not understand.

[Sidenote: Sunday, Nov. 26.]

To morning service; a little too much High Church. Seven parsons in the holiest place!

[Sidenote: Nov. 27.]

Arrived from London late in the evening at Brinsley Sheridan’s place, Frampton Court.

[Sidenote: Frampton Court, Nov. 28.]

As pretty a day’s shooting as one could wish. Five guns, of which George Bentinck was the best. B. Sheridan, Lord Archibald St. Maur, Lord Henry Thynne, and self made the number. There are few houses where guests are made to feel so welcome as at Frampton Court.

[Sidenote: Nov. 29.]

Same guns, with the exception of Lord H. Thynne, who hunted. All rabbits found in patches of gorse on side of hill on the Downs. Party at Frampton Court--Lord Harry and Lady Elrica Thynne, Mr. Lowe, George Bentinck, Mrs. Phipps, Mr. and Mrs. Col. Digby, Lady Gifford, Mr. and Mrs. Marker, E. Digby’s daughter. Dinners excellent, wines ditto. Ditto conversation in smoking-room later!

[Sidenote: Nov. 30.]

Another, the great day’s shooting; same five guns; no prettier shooting. Two woodcocks; one to my gun.

[Sidenote: Dec. 2.]

Mounted by Lord H. Thynne on a four-year old; kicking at starting. Short run with Lord Poltimore’s hounds. Home by 3.30 to catch train to Christchurch. Happy to get back to the “buzzom” of my family.

[Sidenote: Bournemouth, Dec. 3.]

My darling boy’s birthday; three years, and indeed a fine specimen.

[Sidenote: Dec. 4.]

Glad to get wife out; a fly to Fane’s, where I shot. Guns, Colonel Fergusson-Davies, Melville, a young Fane, Colonel Fane, and I. Cheery house to be in.

[Sidenote: Dec. 5.]

Mislaid portmanteau and missed my dinner, very much, with the dear old Dean at Winchester.

[Sidenote: Dec. 7.]

With Sheriff (Archie Macdonald) to meet Judge at station. Party to dinner at Deanery.

[Sidenote: Dec. 8.]

Sworn in as foreman of the Grand Jury: novel position, got through with assistance of Curzon. Dinner at the Dean’s; large party, chiefly clergy. Well-fed, jolly lot.

[Sidenote: Dec. 10.]

All the churches under influence of Mr. Bennett, of too much notoriety. “What can do.” Hard upon those who like to worship and pray to the Almighty in a quiet way.

[Sidenote: Dec. 14.]

Took my boy for walk in afternoon. What a companion is a small child when it’s your own! Crape round hat for Mrs. Wodehouse and King Leopold.

[Sidenote: Dec. 16.]

Albemarle-Custs arrived safe after their perilous voyage in a saloon carriage from London.

[Sidenote: Dec. 17.]

Enjoyed a morning walk with Colin on the beach; although wrong, preferred it to High Church with no place for my hat!

[Sidenote: Dec. 21.]

A walk with my boy; so companionable. The wife coming out, we dined with Cust-Albemarle.

[Sidenote: Dec. 23.]

By train from Shoreditch. Took charge of Louisa Eyre as far as Harling Road. Dunmore for company. Did not get to Holkham until 8.20 P.M. Picked up Burys _en route_. Family gathering. Dunmore engaged to Gertrude.

[Sidenote: Holkham, Dec. 24.]

Party, besides family, Burys, Dunmore, Powerscourts, W. Coke, S. Stephenson, Powell, Tridcroft, Caulfield, Porter.

[Sidenote: Dec. 25.]

To morning service. How difficult it is to fall in with a good preacher, especially when an extempore, with beard and moustache! Whist in evening.

[Sidenote: Dec. 26.]

Shooting to-day--outskirts; twelve guns. Best of the shooting kept for the Prince. My bag 25 hares, 2 rabbits, 2 pheasants. Jolly party in the house. Henry Seymour and wife arrived.

[Sidenote: Dec. 27.]

Walk with Seymour.

[Sidenote: Dec. 28.]

Shooting to-day, same guns nearly; more driving than shooting. Seymours left. Gurdons came.

[Sidenote: Dec. 29.]

Walk with B. Gurdon: he all the talk. Blind man’s buff in afternoon. Knocked my old head against chimney-piece--much to its inconvenience. Dance after dinner in statue gallery; whist also. Bury fallen on by Powerscourt, damaged ribs.

[Sidenote: Quidenham, Dec. 30.]

With Sophy Bury after luncheon to Wells--by train to Quidenham; kindly welcomed. Louisa Charteris there, Bury children nice.

[Sidenote: Dec. 31.]

The old year going out in a storm. Went to church.

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