TALBOT5221

3 Paragon ¹

Wednesday April 2^d

My dear Henry

By Horatia’s ² letter I learn that you were to stay alone at Lacock today – and I quite reproach myself that I am not there to take care of you – you have not even a Cook to prepare you some food! – How much I wish you had come on here to fill up the time – The weather continues so fine that we get on delightfully and Ela ³ is certainly looking better than I have seen her for a long time – She played a little on the Piano today & read some French & employed herself in various ways – My bringing her here has therefore succeeded well – They were all very joyous today & yesterday in the Zoological gardens – Lady Dunraven ⁴ called while I was out – I felt rather glad to have escaped the form of receiving her – My old friends Miss Dashwoods are at home – They were surprised & pleased by my unexpected appearance.

So Horatia is really to go so soon as next Monday! ⁵ – I thought little Emily’s illness would have caused a delay – at least, if not a put off till later in the year – I hope Horatia will enjoy it as much as she expects – & I don’t see why she should not – I wish we were all going too. – I did not know it had been such an easy affair. – I have always had a longing to see Spain – Shall we go when the children are older? – I forgot to tell you when I wrote before, that I was applied to just before I left home for M^r Paley’s ⁶ Easter Dues – which I paid – & the Clerk’s fee the same as you had desired me last year. I thought I was doing right to pay it without troubling you – You

will let me know in good time, how the arrangement stands about our going to Sackville Street ⁷ & whether it will be at the end of my fortnight here –

Your affectionate

Constance –