TALBOT4862

Marle Hill ¹
½ past eight –

My dear Henry

Nothing could be more prosperous than our journey – & no difficulty whatever presented itself at Cirencester – The terminus was thronged with Coaches and Omnibuses – but I was determined to get something else if possible – so I walked quietly to the end of the Station while William ² was busy collecting the boxes – & I presently saw a man standing alone, & looking something like an hostler – He immediately ran off in pursuit of another man belonging to the Inn who said I could have any carriages I wished – so we agreed to his terms of posting at 15^d a mile had our luggage placed on trucks & we then followed it to the Inn close by – We had 2 nice s double flys half open; for the weather had cleared very much by that time – Marian ³ & I & the three eldest ⁴ went in the first & our 5 maids with Charlie ⁵ in the 2^d escorted by William – We kept together all the way & had a very pleasant drive to Cheltenham – The children were a little tired at last but we got through it altogether much better than usual – Marian was 40m. behind time at Swindon, owing they said, to the heavy wind – and this delay made our arrival here as late as a quarter past five – I am told the post does not go out till ten – so I hope this letter will be forwarded – Marian is quite knocked up with her journey & gone to lie down – The children are fast asleep except Charlie who will not settle – We received a very warm welcome –

Your affectionate
Constance –

[envelope]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham