TALBOT3360

Lacock Abbey
Monday Aug. 22.

My dear Henry

I long to know how you are prospering at Bristol – what sort of a President you have got – & in short, all about the Meeting ¹ – But I can scarcely hope to hear, as I suppose every amount of your time is engaged – I cannot tell you how much we all lamented over the rain on Saturday morning – especially as you were one of the outside travellers. – I hope you did not go far before you changed places with one of your more robust companions. – M^r N I am sure looked as if nothing could possibly hurt him. – I wish I could know too whether you find Sir C Lemon’s ² servant attentive, or whether you repent of having left Cooper ³ behind – I sh^d certainly feel happier had he been with you –

This morning I am left in undisputed possession of our domains, as all my companions are gone to Bath, in quest of Piano-fortes, Druggets ⁴ &c &c – They have not chosen the best possible day for this purpose – for though the air is mild, there is rather too much of it to be quite agreeable – & the clouds seem to threaten rain –

We missed our animated party extremely, both yesterday & Saturday – even quiet one wished for them back again; but I was individually less disposed to be pleased with a return to our family party, from the simple circumstance that a person who shall be nameless was not included in the circle. –

The account of poor Lord Kerry ⁵ yesterday was a little better, though not sufficiently improved to give much comfort – L^d Ilchester ⁶ was on the eve of leaving Town for a few days, finding that he could be of no real use by remaining. – Lady Elisabeth ⁷ wrote to Louisa ⁸ yesterday to beg we might hear of his progress from some one. –

I have found on the table of my little sitting room a diminutive key of which this is the exact picture [illustration] ⁹ I suppose it belongs to M^r Wheatstone ¹⁰ – had it better be sent after him to Bristol! – It could easily be enclosed in the a frank to Sir C Lemon – or any other member you may mention – Pray do’nt forget to give us due notice of your return, & of the number of friends who come with you – I understand that M^r Vivian ¹¹ has postponed his visit for a fortnight. –

Did you receive the letter which I re-directed & forwarded to you on Saturday? –

I can send a good account of Ela. ¹² – The rest of us appeared rather subdued yesterday but I heard no complaints –

Ever dearest Henry your affectionate
Constance

H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Royal Hotel
Mall
Clifton