Somerset & Argyll

[Alistair Campbell]

Somerset,
I hope the off-season has been treating you and your family well. I must commend your acquisition of Stourhead. I have not had a chance to visit the estate, but by all reports it is a beautiful home with handsome acreage about it.

I have recently returned to England, and have assumed the role and responsibilities of Argyll. Our fathers were often aligned in Parliament, though my understanding is that neither of us entirely hold the same positions that they did on political matters. There is still quite some until the next session begins, but as this will be my first session in the Lords, I thought I could prey upon your legendarily good nature and beg advice from you. If our positions align, as our fathers' did, even better.

Best wishes to you and your family.

[Archibald Seymour]

Argyll,

You are a year too late to send your praises, dear boy! You must come to the countryside and experience it for yourself. It is a shame that you missed my birthday shindig last year, but I am sure I can have a bottle of something fine sent to celebrate such a visit.

Yes, jolly good show and congratulations on the succession! How do you take to it? I do not remember your father, if I am to be honest, but I recall something or other about the title. Argyll must come with its own quaint estates, am I right? To the matter of fathers and those no longer with us, I would press that my views hardly align with my fathers. He was an intelligent and sharp man, but a brute to the very end. God bless him, however, for without his stewardship the bank would not be so forgiving to me.

I would happily act the guide if that is what you wish, though I would be the first to confess that my place in parliament is barely a joy and more akin to a working job! Mostly I like to rile the tempers of those who piss me off, or who currently sit in the main seat or what have you. Did you ever hear about Wood? Well, I like to think that I stood against every proposal just because the man was an utter naysayer unworthy of his position. But I digress, we better talk of this all in person.

Tell me, Argyll, where do your loyalties lie?

Best wishes to you, dear boy!
Archibald Seymour, Duke of Somerset

[Alistair Campbell]

Somerset,

I've only just recently returned after some five years away. There is no end to things I am late to, or gossip I have missed out on. I certainly am endeavoring to acquaint myself with all the happenings and goings-on, but our coutrymen are a busy lot! Such an invitation is an honor to receive, of course. Would it be agreeable for me to visit after the holidays? I do not wish to intrude upon such an important time to spend with your family.

Thank you for your congratulations. There is quite a lot more paperwork to it than I ever believed, but that aside it is tolerable. I can hardly complain for the responsibilities that come with it, given the many boons it grants in turn. Argyll does have quite a few wonderful hunting lodges and similar retreats. If you enjoy hunting, I would be happy to invite you north when it is most agreeable for our schedules.

I am relieved to find that your views do not align with the old guard. I myself of am a far less conservative bend than my father, which I suspect will be quite the surprise to the Lords. I think disagreement is a healthy thing, especially when it comes to the formation of laws and the direction in which the country moves. I also should very much like to see how close to apoplexy you can drive some of our less personable peers.

I look forward to being able to discuss such matters in person! God keep you 'til then.
Alistair Campbell, Duke of Argyll

[Archibald Seymour]

Argyll, Dear Boy
Where did you go on your travels? I am sure you are curious, but the truth of my own matter is that I never was given the chance to travel before I was married (the first time), which is quite striking compared to everyone’s way in life. Still, perhaps one day I will be inspired. Do try, old boy, tell me where and what you saw! Women? Great Passions? I bet a handsome man like you wouldn’t let the world go by without it, I’m sure.

I will have a coach sent to the nearest station when you decide to come. I have some guests staying and I will personally be keeping to the country till the opening of the season and Parliament, but do not feel that you are intruding for the house is big enough to keep us all in comfort. Do you know of the late Baron Carrington’s family? Well, they are here and as long as you are on your best behaviour for the children (four of mine, two of theirs) then all will be quite well.

Ah, yes I do enjoy the hunt as any good man does! I would be grateful for the invitation one day, and we may take the horses out a day or so after your arrival! We have kept game for the very reason that we release into the woods and trails around the land.

You must challenge the popular, my boy! It is the only way forward. Why? Because otherwise we are doomed to follow suit. Look, I have never claimed to be a fanatical supporter of Wood or the others who lick his boots, but you must know that I keep my friends close. And I think together, with our shared weight, we may turn the tide of what is to be expected. Look, we’ll talk about politics in person, I would rather hear it by ear than read of it when I could simply open the papers to do so.

I look forward to your visit!

Archibald Seymour, Duke of Somerset