TALBOT20

Lacock Abbey

Friday –

My dear Henry

Horatia ¹ transmits to me a report that you were to set off yesterday per Birmingham railway – nevertheless I chuse to write to you as usual at the Athenæum ² as I have no authentic information on the subject.

What does H. mean by poor Nicole ³? – What has happened to him? I was so glad to hear of your dining at 2 Mansfield Street last Tuesday – You would find them all very busy that evening preparatory to the Bazaar – Horatia wrote me word of the success of the first day’s sale. A thousand pounds in five shilling admissions is amazing –

I have been today with Wilkins ⁴ to the Nursery garden at Bath. – and have chosen many pretty things with which I hope you will be pleased. M^r Griffin seems to have a good collection & the emplacement of his garden is very pretty indeed One of the gates faces a gate into the Park – so that the walk from his house to the town of Bath is one of continued beauty. The Sun was broiling: but I was well repaid by the pretty things I saw. Knott ⁵ will bring the plants tomorrow & Wilkins considers they have every chance of prospering as the ground is still in a nice moist state

I was so sorry for your discomfort on Monday – and the Club band having prevented your explaining to me your wishes about the green house –

Every day brings out new flowers – and we revel in all the delights of summer. I think the Roses will very soon blow –

Your aff^te

Constance.