TALBOT3107

Lacock Abbey
July 14^th

My dear Henry

I hope tomorrow’s post will bring me some account of yourself & of Emily ¹ – I long to know how you got to Southampton – whether my Mother ² met you there, in short all about it – I felt very lonesome indeed all Monday after you were gone – the day appeared so unusually long, & besides I was so tired after my sleepless night that I could scarcely do anything at all. – However I have made up for that by sleeping charmingly the last two nights, & I feel wonderfully invigorated in consequence. – Yesterday I drove to Sloperton ³ & took Ela ⁴ with me – she behaved like an angel; & though we had to wait (I should think at least a quarter of an hour) for M^rs Moore ⁵ who was out in her Donkey carriage she did not betray the smallest symptom of impatience. M^r Moore ⁶ noticed her uncommonly & admired her eyes, in return for which she put on some of her prettiest smiles. – I was not successful in engaging M^rs Moore to accompany me to Devizes – she would have been too happy to go but unluckily has a visitor staying with her – You must not forget to tell me whether you wish the carriage to meet you anywhere on Saturday. – I hope Fanny ⁷ takes good care of you & makes you comfortable – pray do not hurry home again till you have quite finished everything. – Have you seen Harriot? ⁸ – I had a letter from her this morning to say she should not come till Tuesday at any rate, & perhaps not then – but she will write again. – I hope you got Caroline’s ⁹ letter that I forwarded to you yesterday. – The Cholera seems to be bad at Toulon ¹⁰ from the accounts in today’s newspaper poor Lady Elisabeth! ¹¹ I wish it may frighten her just enough to make her insist on coming home to us – how delightful that would be! –

Please not to forget to bring my carriage muffkin that was left either in the entrance hall or the diningroom & a seed cake for the edification of the Baker – & perhaps you might think it adviseable to bring me a few visiting cards from Warwick’s in Regent St – they struck some off for me last year (plain M^rs Talbot) & I have only 2 or 3 of them left. –

Ela enjoyed her drive so much yesterday that I think of taking her out with me again today if the wind drops towards five o’clock. – It is sadly blowing & gloomy today, but not unpleasant. – I have been walking amongst the flowers this morning & I am glad to say they do not appear much beaten down by the wind. –

Adieu dearest Henry pray take care of yourself –

Ela sends her best love to her Papa & hopes he will soon come back again to play with her arms – She has been on my knee just now, looking as lovely & rosy as possible – M^rs Moore told me that the things at the Nonsuch sale went very high indeed & the Orange-trees were all bought by a gardener except one – that is secured for you – she does not know yet whether it is one of the best or not –

Y^r affectionate
Constance.

Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
31. Sackville Street
London