TALBOT5218

3 Paragon Clifton
March 31^st

My dear Henry

Your sudden return to Lacock has surprised me – but I suppose it arises from your discomfort in London – & perhaps a wish to spend a little time with Horatia ¹ before she sets out on her adventurous voyage. ²– I admire her courage, at the same time that I feel half sorry she should have set her fancy on this tour – but I hope you do not see anything rash in it – Does not Lacock seem rather strange to you without the children or me? – I do not know that I should have hurried away as I did if I had had the smallest idea of your going back there now. – I cannot at present judge of the effect of this air upon Ela ³ – it would be unreasonable perhaps to expect much improvement from these few days – & the warmth of the sun today, though delightful – was certainly very trying – I assure you I was quite broiled as I walked by the side of the children’s Donkeys. I mean to spare neither Flys ⁴ Donkeys nor Wheel chairs – for Ela is quite unable to walk much & I wish her to be out in the air as long as she can without fatigue – The day after we came (Saturday) she walked up the zig zag – and though very slowly & she rested at least ten minutes on the bench at the top – her head ached so badly afterwards that she could scarcely bear the business of going to bed – I hear that you are particularly disposed to be locomotive just now – shall you wander this way? – you know there are hot baths here – But why didn’t you a stay a little longer at Brighton? –

We are very happy here & have a very comfortable & cheerful house – whose situation I like particularly –

Your affectionate
Constance –

Will you thank Lady Elisabeth ⁵ for her letter. – I have not time to write to her today – but will tomorrow –