TALBOT4915

Wednesday 27 –

My dear Henry

I think we found Antonio ¹ a good sort of man, very obliging – & of a mild disposition – but not very brilliant or useful as a house servant – I feel some regard for him as an old servant – but I think you ought to enquire how he has conducted himself in his last service – as he may have fallen into bad ways – If you don’t engage him perhaps we might be fortunate enough to secure the one who went abroad with the Nicholls ² last year & who has spent the winter with them since at Merthyrmawr ³ – His name is Scheichelbach–⁴ He was courrier [sic] to my Cousins the Dowdeswells ⁵ – afterwards to the Estcourts ⁶ & then my Brother ⁷ – & all have spoken most highly of him in every way – I am told that M^r Nicholl wished to have made him his butler but that he preferred his own life of Courrier – From all accounts he is worth 20 Antonios. Marian ⁸ arrived yesterday in excellent time & looking better than I expected, though miserably thin. – It is very fortunate the weather is become so mild – it will ensure her twice as much good from the change of air – M^rs Moore has been paying me a little visit but went home early today to meet M^r Moore ⁹ –

No further news from Mount Edgcumbe ¹⁰ –

Your affectionate
Constance.