TALBOT3972

Queen Anne Street
Sunday

My dear Henry,

I am so glad I came, for I find my Sisters ¹ were all along extremely anxious for me to do so. – though they felt afraid of saying much – I can scarcely yet judge how they are – though I am pleased with them on the whole – Laura looks the most ill of the two – but they tell me they are both much better since they left Derbyshire. –That air certainly seems to disagree. – They are very glad that I brought Ela – ² & she is so quiet & good that I find her no trouble at all – She was very little tired by the journey yesterday & looks particularly well this morning – What a lovely day we had! – At Newbury we stopped to grease the carriage – which gave Ela & me time to warm ourselves – by a nice bright fire, &, the assistance of hot waters, broth &c – The Emerald drove in to dinner while we were there – & the Coachman informed Nichole, ³ that the six o’clock train (by which he was going up) would be the last, & that if we suffered him to get before us we should certainly be too late.– We therefore felt rather anxious – & excited our post boys to drive fast. – by which means we were just in time. – It was about 1/2 past 3 when we left Newbury – & after changing horses half way, we found it necessary to change again at Reading – I thought the motion of the Railroad pleasanter in the dark than it is in broad day, because the rapidity of our progress was less sensible & therefore not at all dazzling. The effect of the fires & lights is very grand certainly – I was astonished too by the number of red hot coals which dropped from the engine –

It has rained a little this morning, but the day is now brightening & I shall try to see Ce Caroline. – ⁴

My sisters send their affectionate love, with many many thanks to you for allowing me to come –

Your aff^te
Constance

I thought of you at dinner time yesterday! –

Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham