Sarah Chaplin

[Letter written by Sarah Chaplin to Matilda Ayrton (who later married her brother John) two ways, lines crossing at right angles. It is closed with sealing wax]

To Miss Ayrton
Mrs Stuart’s
6 Portland St
Leamington, Warwickshire

Camden Town, August 25th 1831

My dear Matilda

As you expressed a wish to hear from the town I can not allow this week to pass without writing you a few lines, though I fear it is not in my power to spin out a very long letter as London is so empty that there is nothing to be seen but omnibusses and hacks. I assure you that you in the country are quite to be envied. John returned from (?) last Thursday looking all the better from the sea air, with his hands & face tanned as brown as a gypsy. On Saturday he left town with Edward for Abingdon where they intended staying a few days, and then going to the Morlands at Haling Island, and afterwards taking the tour of the Isle of Wight. Edward returns to town the first week in September. John will not return until the 13 which I dare say you remember is my birthday. I fear he will not be able to go to Leamington as he is obliged on his return to go to (Hare Hatch?). Papa has quite recovered from the gout and is going to Norfolk next Monday week. Since you left town our learned divine (alias poet) has been ill and not able to attend his church for the two last Sundays he had inflammation in the chest from the prongs of his brace buckle being turned the wrong way and pricking him the whole day which he thought was a great bile. I asked him if he was going to Leamington but he intends to go to the Isle of Wight with the Chimberlyes the Captain is returned and d’Arblay is to marry Steven Chimberlye on Monday. They intend spending their honeymoon at Windsor which I think if one place is worse than another they have fixed upon the one, and in October he leaves his better half to go to India and she returns to her Papa and Mama again to enjoy single blessingness. I think that way of marrying would make you look even worse than when you lived upon fish, by the way I am surprised your penchant for thin people rakish looking men is not subsided, I assure you though you do laugh at bright eyes they are much the most sincere. Your Mamma and Acton came to tea last Tuesday, they are both looking very well and desired their love to you and Mrs Stuart. We called the other day upon Lady Longreve but did not see her, she is going to Ramsgate in a few days. I think she will find it very dull alone with her little girl, perhaps Mr Hunt will be induced to pay Ramsgate another visit. Charles Cochrane called last Monday and stayed with me from two o'clock till half past five this is entre nous, as it might not be approved of by people of more mature years, he was very pleasant and inquired after the amiable Matilda, he says he is learning some new songs. I suppose he thinks they will become as stale as his compliments.

[at this point the lines start running at right angles across the text above]

Signor Kermis has not yet arrived in Ireland and no one knows where he is. I think we shall one-day hear that he is a hermit and living alone in some wood, that is alone in the eyes of the world. I cannot say much for your men at Leamington if G Malin would be thought an Apollo, but as for le petit Pouch he has no occasion to go to Leamington to be thought an Adonis for where ever he is that must be the universal opinion by all connoisseurs in beauty. Mr d’Arblay has been publishing (?)Guerrier des Polonnais, it is a very beautiful composition. We have given your Mamma a copy of it from the author, he is quite Pole mad. I must say adieu for the present as we are going out but Mr d’Arblay , complained last night of being in a very weak state, complete affectation when he can eat a pound of meat for his dinner. Georgina does not return before Edward. George Malin says he thinks she will have instead of a child a coach and horses. We met (?) the other day. I could not see his face but his turnout is quite West End. Papa remembers Mr (?) very well. (?) had the living off Daddington in Norfolk. We drank tea last Monday at the Whites. Mrs White is much better but almost reduced to a skeleton. Fred was very sweet upon (?) he walked home with her at night, the girls are quite well and bark as much as usual they desired to be remembered to you. Charley is going to lend us his book. Have you received any benefit from the eau médicinale? I thought you knew that I am never too lazy to write to those I like. We have just received some anonymous verses gouging us all not forgetting d’Arblay. I suppose you will not come to town for some time. I long to see and hear you again though you are much better where you are, for just now it is very (?) devilish. Westminster Abbey is being prepared for the Coronation. I am dying to be there. I should like a seat opposite the Minor Canons. I am quite tired of writing so much trash but I thought it better than only filling one side of my paper with sense. I hope you will not forget to write soon. With kind remembrances to Mrs Stuart and united kind love to your dear self,
Believe me
My dear Matilda
Ever your most affectionate friend
Sarah Chaplin
Will you make inquiries for Papa whether Sir Thomas Hare is living at or near Leamington.