TALBOT2266

Melbury ¹
Dec^r 11^th 1831

My dearest Henry

I am much obliged for all your nice letters, particularly the last, & instead of complaining with Charry ² that they are a woeful falling off, I shall rejoice on the contrary at their improvements far as regards length at least. – Nanny Longford ³ took great care of us & enquired tenderly after all the family, begging me to tell Mamma ⁴ that the saloon was not in the least altered since the last thirty years. Tell Mamma we left her the rest of the wedding cake she sent us. – We had a very prosperous journey from Redlynch ⁵ & absolutely flew the last stage – it is certainly very pleasant travelling in a post chaise with four horses, soit dit en passant.-⁶

Uncle Harry ⁷ went to Abbotsbury ⁸ Wednesday, but we found here little Caroline & Elbelle ⁹ looking very flourishing, & delighted to see me as usual; more than usual. – She says that when she sees me alone, she shall never be able to imagine me any thing but Caroline Feilding Still – Tell Mamma with my love I am a great deal better, & in case I do not get quite well, which I see no reason to suppose, I have always Elbelle ¹⁰ to consult while here. L^d V. ¹¹ is so good & careful of me you cannot think; he desires me to say every thing most kind to all at Laycock Abbey. It is a very stormy day, but nothing can prevent the view looking as beautiful as usual, at least to my eyes – the house is deliciously comfortable, but the drawing room having been newly furnished, does not look quite itself –

Addio fratello mio caro ¹² write to me again soon, & give my love to all –

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline Valletort

Tell Mamma I am quite well –

1831 Dorchester Dec^r eleven Valletort
Henry Fox Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham