TALBOT2465

Abbotsbury ¹
Saturday

My dearest Henry

I was exceedingly touchée ² by your letter – thank you for giving me that first proof of confidence – Need I say how I pray for your happiness my dear brother, how I wish you joy with all my heart I have longed for many years to see you happily married – I wish I knew her ³ better – I only remember thinking her very pretty that day at Laycock but I am certain as she has charmed you that she must be very amiable & I am quite disposed to love her & receive her as another sister. I obeyed your injunctions & did not breathe a word of it, though I naturally longed to talk to Papa about it – & was obliged to keep my feelings to myself & appear unconcerned. I do wish I could have seen you here & express to you all I never can by letter – God bless you

your very aff^te sister
Horatia

Is it not odd that you & I should be uncle & aunt. I do so long to see my little nephew ⁴ – I hear he is very fat & robust – Pray write to me again when you have a moment to spare & tell me more

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
31 Sackville St
Piccadilly
London