164.
To his Stepmother.
Bentinck St., February 11th, 1773.
Dear Madam,
COMFORTS OF HIS NEW HOUSE.
Though I cannot applaud your punctuality in giving me one line the first night of your arrival, yet a very excellent Cheese had already informed me that you had reached Marlborough, and were not unmindful of me. I still waited from post to post till I could date my thanks from my own house in Bentinck St. After some expence of temper occasioned by the cursed delays of upholsterers, I am got into the delightfull mansion and already enjoy the long wished comforts of it. May you soon be settled as much to your satisfaction at Bath as I am in London. Sir Matthew is expected here to-morrow, but I hear nothing of Eliotts; I suppose they will come up for the winter about the beginning of May. I am so unfashionable as not to have fought a duel yet. I suppose all the Nation admire Lord B.'s behaviour.[183] I will give you one instance of his—call it what you please. L. T.'s pistol was raised, when he called out, "One moment, my Lord—Mr. Dillon, I have undertaken a commission from the French Embassador—to get him some Irish poplins—should I fall, be so good as to execute it. Your Lordship may now fire." L. B. is certainly quite out of danger, but the cure will be long and painful.
I am, Dear Madam,
Ever yours,
E. G.