TALBOT4946

Lacock Abbey
Tuesday Feb 20 –

My dear Henry

I send you a letter of Horatia’s ¹ to read – it contains all that I have heard since you went to London – I dare say that we shall see them back towards the middle of next week – Will you like your own room when you return or the Confessional? – I hope the visit to M^t Edgcumbe ² (whenever they go) may prove more successful than those in Wales – How sad that Lady Elisabeth ³ should have been confined to the house nearly all the time! –

I went to Sloperton ⁴ on Friday & was grieved to find M^rs Moore ⁵ only just recovering from Influenza & M^r Moore ⁶ laid up with it – He had been so ill the week before that they both were alarmed thinking from the pain & soreness which he suffered that it must be inflammation – He is not much better now – & yesterday M^rs Moore sent to ask for a little Seakale for him – She is anxious for him to be able to go to London to recover his nerves which are so much affected – The fireworks ⁷ made no shew from our windows & not much more I believe on the spot – but the bonfire looked well & the night was favorable – & the people pleased. –

Uncle John’s Wedding cake ⁸ is just arrived –

All of us ⁹ are well – & Charles regaining his good looks rapidly. We have had some wild blowy weather since you went – but very pleasant on the whole. M^rs Moore supplied me with the 3 last numbers of Chuzzlewit ¹⁰ – also the Vicar of Wakefield. ¹¹ – With these & Luther ¹² I am deeply engaged through my solitary evenings – & in the mornings I am assisting the children in various little preparations for certain birthdays – I hope you will be at home before Matilda’s ¹³ – particularly as you have a set of tea things under your care – which are intended for her –

Your affectionate
Constance –