TALBOT5175

Lacock Abbey
Jan 31^st

My dear Henry

I was quite touchée by your remembrance of my Birthday ¹ when absent - and I see that you thought of it even at Brighton - I have an extraordinary admiration for D^r Arnold ² - and shall read this work of his with the greatest interest - I should have liked to write to you yesterday but I must tell you what a busy day it was - It had been settled before that I was to see & admire our Cousin Louisa's ³ trousseau - which was a right thing to do - finding that it was expected of me - Accordingly it was arranged for me to take M^r & M^rs Traherne ⁴ there yesterday - and we went to lunch, admired the Trousseau - and a charming display of flowers in the Library &c - more pleasing to me than the wedding things - Afterwards we went to Sloperton ⁵ & brought M^r & M^rs Moore ⁶ away with us - Neither of them seem well - but I hope their visit will do them good - they are in good spirits notwithstanding & M^r Moore is very much pleased with your cadeau of N^o 2. which arrived safely this morning - I am pleased to see how completely the subjects contrast with the last number - and I hope you are satisfied that your choice was judicious. - We had yesterday to dinner M^r & M^rs Beckett ⁷ & M^r West Awdry ⁸ - and I assure you it was quite an agreeable little party - M^r Moore sang & every body seemed pleased -

We had a very dark sleety disagreeable day yesterday - & very cold today - with some fog - though a bright sun the early part of the day - I think if it continues cold we shall soon see you back again.

Your affectionate
Constance -

The Trahernes went this morning and the Moores stay till tomorrow. - Only think of Lady Elisabeth & Horatia ⁹ engaging themselves to dine with the Sotherons ¹⁰ tomorrow! - We were also asked. -