Saturday, July 21, 1821

1821

July

Saturday 21

7 1/4

1 1/2

Went downstairs at 8 3/4 – Took the 1st number of Egan’s Life in London, but not able to read more than a page or 2 – Spent the morning talking to Harriet – about Louisa, Eliza, education etc. Harriet’s dislike to Lou because she endeavoured to persuade her she was not the woman of Steph’s choice and other grating and mortifying particulars.  Consulted me about her girls learning Latin.  I inclined to the contrary.  Don’t think it answers in general.  I am no rule to judge by, having so decided a natural turn that way and having a certain peculiarity of character that makes it my greatest happiness –

Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmid (he brought up a protestant though nephew to the great Jew Stockbroker of this name), and their relative Miss Assar, and the owner of the place where they have just been living, Weston, 10 or 12 miles from here.  A Mrs. Henry Powis dined here at 5, and staid till about 10 1/2 – He (Mr. Goldsmid) was a cornet in the 19th lancers a few years ago – now 24 and his wife 23, married 6 years since – Made himself very agreeable.  Shewed us several tricks with cards, and did them very well – She in a bad state of health and looks rather interesting but does not seem to have much in her –

Steph is a member of the archery association – strung and unstrung his bow (50 pounds weight) with some difficulty – Mrs. Goldsmid is a member also (for there are lady members); her bow 30 lbs. pounds weight.

Fine day – Hottish – A little rain in the evening.  Meant not to have written to Mariana, but changed my mind 1/2 hour before post time (2) and wrote a couple of pages, which, as it happened, Mr. Lawton Senior called and took – Came upstairs at 11 1/2 – Wrote the above of today – Thinking of π [Mariana].  They believe her happy now–

WYAS Finding Number SH:7/ML/E/5/0045