TALBOT12

Weymouth
Tuesday Decr. 14^th

My dear Henry

Your letter this morning has quite decided me that it is best to go home as we had at first settled. – I have been turning it over & over in my mind, till I am perfectly satisfied that this is best – and I have just been announcing to both Bennett & Price ¹ that they must prepare for an early removal to Lacock – Will you therefore be so good as to give the order for my new grate? – The very thought of this new grate fills my mind with ideas of comfort. – What shall we do about Melbury? ² – Will you like to go there, & if so will you or shall I write to know whether they can receive us or not? – So near Christmas it may perhaps be inconvenient, but it would be very pleasant I think to be included in the Christmas party – Lady Mary & Lady Elisabeth being there –³

Thanks for the little book contained in your other letter.

What a stormy county meeting they seem to have had in Wiltshire! Are you not very thankful that you escaped everything of the kind! – I mean last year when you were Sheriff - ⁴ I am going to dine today with Col & M^rs Howard – to meet only 2 other ladies – They would take no refusal on account of want of dress &c &c –

I can make an excellent report of the children today – though Matilda complained sadly of the cold during this morning’s walk –⁵ I was out with them myself & did indeed find the wind very cold, though the Sun shone brightly – Do you think you will do wisely to travel down in the night, if the cold weather lasts?

I hope you will recollect to prepare the checques [sic] by dating them in London, as I suggested. –

Your affectionate
Constance –

I write to Lady Elisabeth by this post to announce our approaching return to Lacock –