TALBOT216

[written on the same sheet as a note from Lady Elisabeth - see ]

My dear Henry –

As you are likely to be a few days longer from Home than I expected, I may as well write you my opinion, that if you intend to have Blore ¹ down to Lacock or any other architect for their [illegible deletion] ideas, it is high Time you should do so – it will take him some days to make his plans, & you many more to decide which you prefer, then to have the contract made, &c &c – by the first week in March the work ought to be in hand – This of course on the supposition that you intend to go on this year, for which [illegible deletion] there is no passing necessity –

You may leave it all as it is for another twelvemonth or – you may proceed with the room so as to make it habitable, or – you may finish the south Front exteriorly doing nothing to the interior of the new room, whichever you like – my own feeling – if you do anything at all – is to finish all the mason work of the south Front – that done – creepers, Trees, Flowers, Terrace &c &c might all go on steadily & uninterruptedly, & we could perfectly well do without inhabiting the new room for another year. The Thermometer is at 23 in Amandier & Carolines ² room with the largest fire they can make – & 17 in the garden & in my room which is warmest water froze last night in the Jug.

God bless you
C.F.

25 Saturday

W. H. Fox Talbot Esq^re
at Lady Mildmays ³
Winchester