TALBOT4312

Lacock Abbey
Friday July 23^d

My dear Henry

In consequence of Horatia’s ¹ letter just received I have of course given up the idea of coming to take leave of her – and have written her a farewell letter instead. – I have determined to make up a parcel & send by the 2 o’clock train – so that when the parcel makes its appearance this evening instead of myself you will know that I am not coming. – I shall be very glad to see you on Monday – for, do you know? you will have been absent a whole month – but if Lady Elisabeth ² should not be quite recovered before that day, I suppose you will not think of leaving her. –

You did indeed chuse most unfortunate weather for Oxford – after a comparatively fine week, previously – We were fortunate in escaping showers yesterday during our drive home, & today there has been no rain yet, though the clouds look as heavy & threatening as possible – The children ³ are gone out, in high spirits, to see if any alteration has taken place in their gardens during their absence. –

Everything looks in nice order, within doors – so you need not fear to come back – and I expect you will be quite delighted with the improvement. –

I have not made a separate parcel of the paper for M^r Collen ⁴ – because I thought it would make my letters travel better – & Nichole ⁵ can take it to his house. –

I enclose ⁶ a note for Duchess Street which I also wish him to take there himself – for if it is put into the post my Sister ⁷ will not be sure of getting it this evening –

Your affectionate
Constance.