TALBOT348

Cowes
July 3^d –

Dear M^r Talbot

I am sorry Emily’s ¹ last letters have not contain’d quite so good a report of dear Constance, ² as either your letter or her former ones. To be sure the sudden changes in the weather were very trying, still I fear she is not shaking off her uncomfortable feelings in a way that I hoped she would have done – of the little Ela ³ nothing can be more charming than E’s report, & I rather think when she returns to us, she will leave Baby with almost as much regret as she does Mamma.

Emily enquires whether there is a steamer from Southampton after 3 o’clock, – there is now a third at 5. – which whenever she returns will I hope render it more convenient. perhaps she would tell you we have been trying to persuade M^r M– ⁴ (to save you all trouble & Constance the loss of your society) to fetch Emily – making you & Constance a short visit which I am sure he wo^d enjoy – excessively – but we cannot prevail – so we must abandon it – we would at all events meet her at Southampton so that you sh^d not have the trouble of crossing except you could stay in comfort for a night or two. could we be further useful? we are quite ignorant of the line of communication between Southampton & Lacock in regard to coaches – by which you probably would return after having escorted Emily. – Has Lady Elisabeth ⁵ yet arranged her plans & is there any chance of her return? – We have as yet seen nothing of the south coast of the Island reserving the trip till Emily joins us. – We had a beautiful day for going on board the Pique yesterday, which we accomplished with great ease. –

I have not see anything like a nursery garden in this neighbourhood, which is a loss at this season of the year. I do I rather envy you your beautiful roses, tho’ I have no doubt Constance & Emily will fully appreciate them – We have again most enjoyable weather & Cowes is filling fast. – only think of M^r Mellish ⁶ having got the chicken pox! M^rs Chambers ⁷ write Laura ⁸ word she was uneasy about him as he was very unwell, & what was the matter with him they could not tell for some time, – how very juvenile.

Believe me ever Yours most Truly
S. Mundy

H. F. Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham