To the Viscountess Andover (16 May 1769)

Had not the Duchess of Portland written to dear Lady Andover my letter would not have been so long deferred; but though I know your ladyship’s kind partiality gives some little value to my letters, I thought as you had heard so lately it was better to delay my intelligence a little longer. Our dearest friend is very well and happy in Lord Edward Bentinck’s being come back perfectly well ; he came here last night soon after we were sat down to supper, but was obliged to return this evening in order to pay his devoirs to their Majesties. I don’t know which gave the Duchess the most pleasure - seeing him so well, or his kind and proper attention to her in coming immediately to her; to so delicate a way of thinking, as she has, every mark of a good heart, is of at least as much consequence as the health of the body.

I was very happy to hear the journey to Elford so prosperous, and that your dear little charge has found such benefit from change of air. Have you been starved with cold, or has your ladyship’s constant exercise to and from your delightful hill made you bear the cold without shrugging. Here we make most woeful complaints. The duchess has cloaks upon cloaks on herself, and fires are ordered ; then we grow too hot, and off go the cloaks ; surely the wind is now south-west ? notwithstanding all this grumbling and restlessness, we walk, we tour about the park, we feed the creatures, and feel no cold while the botanic garden is under inspection. Mr. Achard and I, who are the youthful part of the company, think the weather tolerably good, but I should think it so in Lapland, were I there with the dear friend I am now with. Unfortunately the day Mr, and Mrs. Greenvil and Miss Stapleton spent here was rain from morning till evening; but they had enough for one day's admiration within doors. To them succeeded agreeable Mrs, Boscawen and her daughter, who went away much delighted. on Saturday - and on Monday came Lord and Lady Scarsdale and Miss Curzon, they are still here, and I believe stay till Sunday or Monday; who succeeds next I don't know. I cannot wonder there are many candidates; though were I to indulge my own wicked selfishness there would be fewer, as I feel myself unsuitable now to much company. I cannot but regret dear Lady Andover's short stay  here; such is my ingratitude, that I repine at the loss of pleasures and blessings without considering how thankful I ought to be that I ever possessed them.

As for news, the papers give you all and more than is done and doing. I hope the pretty views, the melodious birds, and all the pleasing rural scenes of' the country make Miss F. Howard amends for the loss of Almacks, Ranelagh, &c., but that as soon as their beauties fade, she will return to the sprightly diversions of London and her friends there. I beg my best compliments to her.

The Duchess's love, and Miss Dewes’s respects attend dear Lady Andover.

I am your ladyship’s most affectionate and most obedient,

M. DELANY.