TALBOT5111

Lacock Abbey
Tuesday October 29 –

My dear Henry

I wrote to you on Friday 25 as soon as I received your letter from Edinburgh – & directed to the Black Swan – York – This morning I have yours from Kelso – On the same day which you say was foggy, it was particularly bright here – though I recollect there was some blue haze in the distance. – We are so glad that you have been successful at Abbotsford & Dryburgh Abbey – and we think the latter part of your tour has made amends for disappointments at the beginning – I think you will scarcely manage to arrive before the Damers – nor will they delay you much if you chuse to keep out of their way. Tomorrow Lady Elisabeth and Horatia ¹ are going to Bowood ² – to meet Lady Holland ³ &c &c – and stay till Saturday – If it is possible, Lady E. will put our visitors off till the next day, to give time for settling their rooms &c comfortably – otherwise the whole responsibility will fall upon me – but it is uncertain which day they may fix – Lady Holland had almost made a resolution of coming over here today – indeed I believe she went to the length of ordering post horses as being safer than Lady Lansdowne’s ⁴ – but she grew fainthearted at last & gave it up – I am nearly half sorry for I felt curious to see her. – Friday next is the Shelburne’s wedding day – to celebrate which the Servants at Bowood have a Ball instead of the usual one at Christmas – when Lady Shelburne will be gone to London –

I expect & hope to see you looking well when you come spite of all uncomfortable Inns – do please! –

Matilda ⁵ sends her love & wants you to come back directly –

Your affectionate
Constance –