Left St. Leonard’s at 10 ― & at 11 ― Hastings.

A fine day. Mrs. Napier & her children. Genl. & Mrs. Campbell.

At Ashford by 12.30. ― carriage sent by Lady Goldsmid ― & drive to Surrenden Dering, a charming large house in a lovely place. Lady G. & Sir F. & a Miss Goldsmid, very beautiful.

Lunch. Drive with Lady & Miss G. ― very pleasant. Walk in grounds with Miss G. & talk of Miss Emily B.’s book ― which we agree upon completely. Miss G. is evidently delightful in manner, intellect, & disposition.

A Miss Rowan ˇ[& a Miss Jekyll] ― & dinner: all pleasant. A nephew also  one Elim? &

Shewed nonsense drawings ―― gt. laughter. Sang a good deal: & Lady G. played.

Altogether, happier than for many a day.

[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]