TALBOT5144

Lacock Abbey
Tuesday –

My dear Henry

Caroline ¹ set off quite comfortably today & little Ernestine ² appeared perfectly well. – The weather cleared up so charmingly that I think she must have had a very pleasant journey. – I long to hear how the Miss Macdonalds ³ kept up their courage through their travels. I hope you cheered them by your presence in the course of the evening – & I dare say they ministered to your comfort by making tea for you – It never happened I believe to either you or me before, to pass an evening as we did the last – you with your two fair companions, & me I with Caroline.

I gathered a large bouquet for C this morning – Roses Magnolias & Myrtle – very creditable to our garden at this late season – C says she can get no flowers at Windsor –

I am sorry you were obliged to hurry away yesterday & lose such a good piece of her visit – for she comes so rarely –

Three letters came for you today which I will forward by this evening’s post –

Our chicks ⁴ have been very happy with Charlie ⁵ – and very much pleased with Caroline’s kindness – they were especially delighted to play over some of the duetts [sic] and pianoforte-exercises to her yesterday – which she listened to so long that we could scarcely get ready for dinner. –

One more piece of Music M^lle D. ⁶ wishes them to have – she has written it down on the enclosed paper – Will you allow Jones ⁷ to get it one day & bring it down with him? –

Your affectionate
Constance.