“. . . We have had a great deal of very agreeable society, chiefly composed of the old ingredients of Grevilles, Levesons, Granvilles, Wortleys, Bentincks, &c.; but they are now all flown—the Grevilles to Welbeck, Ld. F. Leveson to Madrid, the Granvilles to other battues. . . . Lord F. Leveson’s† going to Madrid has surprised everybody—me among others who had seen them together for a length of time. People are inclined to think it a proof of perfect indifference on both sides, but at least certainly on his. The fact is that having, like few other young men, a great aversion to being idle, he applied to Canning for employment; who, when this opportunity occurred, offered it to him, and as it is a remarkably interesting expedition, Harriet‡ wd. not allow him to refuse it. He will be absent only six weeks.
“Lord F. Conyngham’s§ appointment gives great disgust, and I don’t wonder at it. Lord Alvanley calls him Canningham. The King is quite delighted with his Secretary of State, and was seen the other day at the Pavilion walking about with his arm round Canning’s neck.
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* Married Lord Howick (afterwards 3rd Earl Grey) in 1832. † Second son of 1st Duke of Sutherland, created Earl of Ellesmere in 1833, married in 1822 Harriet, daughter of Charles Greville, Esq. § Succeeded in 1824 as 2nd Marquess Conyngham. |
| 60 | THE CREEVEY PAPERS | [Ch. III. |
“Two of your friend Lady Oxford’s daughters are going to be married—Ly. Charlotte to a Mr. Bacon and Lady Fanny to a Mr. Cuthbert. The last is not so certain as the first, as somebody is to be asked for a consent, which I think it probable that most fathers, mothers and guardians would refuse. It must be a bad speculation to take a wife out of that school. Mr. Warrender* is going to marry Lady Julia Maitland at last, and Sir George is to be very magnificent. . . . Your friend, Lady Glengall, is in London, giving ecarté parties every night to the great detriment of society in general, and annoyance of the young ladies in particular. If things should go on en empirant this spring, I prophesy a meeting among that much injured race. . . . The Beau† has been staying at the Pavilion: he is in the progress of telling charming stories of the Congress. I would give my ears to hear them. He is very much recovered, but looks older and thinner from his illness. I hear thro’ a secret channel that Ly. Granville had a great deal to say in Lord Clanwilliam’s getting the situation at Berlin. Mr. Canning’s diplomatic dependents are amazed at such a thing having slipped through their fingers. It is certainly more disinterested than Lord F. C[onyngham]’s, and does him more credit in the eyes of the world. . . . Write, and tell me you are not bored to death by such a letter from a young lady.”
