TALBOT2886

My dear Henry,

There is a long thing carefully packed in hay & envelloped in a quantity of coarse cloths which arrived for you, last night. – I do not know yo who brought it to England but it is directed to you in Lady Valletort’s ¹ handwriting & I much suspect consists of plants of some kind – Olive trees perhaps. – I tried to ascertain what it was exactly, but could not though I pushed my finger through some of the apertures. – Were I sure that they were intended for Lacock I would send them directly to you. – but under an idea that they may be intended for M^t Edgcumbe ² I think it best to let them await your arrival in Sackville St. ³ as I conclude that after so long a journey it will make no difference to them whether they are planted immediately or not. –

You say you mean to come by the Emerald, so I suppose you will arrive towards seven or eight – pray tell me whether you will like to have some dinner ready or whether you prefer only tea & cutlets. – Do you wish the carriage to be sent to meet you anywhere? – You will not find Laura ⁴ here, as it was Tuesday that she made a point of drinking tea with me. – I shall be rather glad to see you again, & expect great improvement in your looks –

Believe me y^r affec^te

Constance

Sackville St

Monday

Henry fox Talbot Esq^re M. P.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham