Grantham, Aranjuez to Fritz [no. 25] Feeling Fritz's absence, missing their mutual...

L 30/15/54/135

1779

Grantham, Aranjuez to Fritz [no. 25]

Feeling Fritz's absence, missing their mutual interest in changes and improvements when first revisiting a Sitio. Lameness much improved. Arrived at seven the previous evening, ate cutlet and asparagus. No cream or milk for breakfast as Canosa's cows hadn't arrived.

Went to the Palace. The Princess and Infantas are well and hungry.

Garden of the Island; First Round has new benches of stone, fountain cleaned, fig leaves newly gilt. Showed M. Ramel the garden. Rechteren has arrived. Grantham pretending to defy the supposed loneliness before Company arrives. Coach and harness smart. Portugal arrives tomorrow, affairs in a ridiculous state, may or may not stay. 17 April 1779

Resumed Violincello playing last night. Met the Royal Family on road from Cuerva. Walked in the Calle do la Recua. Front of Palace clear of scaffolding, supposes it will be spoilt by rails etc.. Embankment on right hand side of the Island Garden continuing and is well done, open grove between it and the long walk.

France's is a good house, looked over it with Ramel.

Portugal arrived in good mood, assume marriage on again. [Later] expected to take place around May Day. Has made a door towards the Pajes which Grantham tells him is indecent for a bachelor and dangerous for a married man.

Lameness gone. Sobral visited. Wishes to be remembered.

Lozada asked Grantham to dinner, declined, preferring his own clean and snug dinner.

Paxton wrote that the Piano Forte is ready, sending some music and printing some this season using Grantham's name. No objection if confined to title page. Instructs Fritz to give Paxton the commission for Branciforte's piano forte if not already bespoken. Would be awkward for it to come so long after the Duchess of Arcos' which is recently bespoken. They get their new house on May Day.

Kaunitz goes back tonight. Intends to live a quiet life with regular exercise.

The Penafuentes' house much missed in the evenings.

Last Pier nearly finished at the Bridge.

Met the Princess on foot. Enquired after Fritz. Thought Grantham young to have the gout, thought him only 35. Asked Fritz's age.

Visited M o's "but Master Jacky followed your advice". Returned home, played base, wrote [to Fritz] etc...

Little Negro boy belonging to Canosa, referred Grantham to someone for information about Laws and Cedula's concerning treatment [of negroes], as requested by Fritz.

Feeling loneliness, constant reminders of their time together there etc. Sunday [18 April 1779]

Portugal has found some Dressing Plate to his liking, Fritz need continue with the commission. Expecting leave from his Court tomorrow and a fresh acceptance of his offers etc..

Attended Court. Wrote to Aunts Stainforth and J. Worsley. Hs told his Aunt that Fritz is authorised to do whatever will be right and well employed.

Coach for Portugal, Fritz assisting Lord Chatham, business to continue when Portugal's Affair decided.

Worsteds to be procured by Aunt Stainforth. Fritz to reimburse her. To be sent via Bilbao to Comte de Kaunitz at Madrid in the care of Brodeires.

Ankle free from pain now. Has walked in the Garden of the Island. The Nuncio and his Abbe have been. Love to Nanny and the Parkers. 19 [April 1779]

English