TALBOT385

4 The Circus, ¹
Bath.

Friday Dec^r 1^st

My dear Henry

The Wine arrived today also the receipted bill £1·· 7· 4· The Wine is unpacked compared with the Invoice and found correct. We will begin tasting when it shall have had a day to settle. Each bottle is labelled in large characters and it looks rather inviting – Today was somewhat pleasanter and milder. I took a walk to the Bakers and ordered 4 little Beckfords & some wafer biscuits which we will send you tomorrow. The bread will be in a little wooden box. the wafers in a tin d^o – both will be probably enclosed in a return hamper (by Knott) The Ironmongers not having sent those things Ela ² called today to enquire the reason – They said the delay arose from the weights having to be stamped, but they are now done – and promised for this evening – your little parcel shall be sent along with the biscuits &c &c tomorrow. [R^r?] Roberts has received your Cheque safely & sent a receipt – I am glad the form travelled safely – and that it proves to be a new kind – you should see Mrs Stainforth’s ³ whole collection.

Emily Talbot ⁴ called to see us yesterday – but she has left again today – Miss Neale was with her, and they were escorted by Mr Calvert Jones ⁵ – Emily looked bright & well. They gave a good account of Bertha ⁶ – and as soon as it is considered safe for her to travel, she will come south to London. The children were sent to Portobello – but going from thence to Margam very shortly. It seems doubtful whether the Bath Waters are doing Olive ⁷ any good. Her father insists that they must, and so she continued the course.

The ladies had not quite settled whether Miss Neale would remain with Olive – as she was getting on so well with Miss Dillwyn and M^rs Traherne ⁸ may perhaps come for a little while –

Your affectionate
Constance