TALBOT5251

Lacock Abbey
Tuesday –

My dear Henry

I am perfectly astonished at all you did yesterday! – I had not the least notion you meant to travel by the quick train – you kept that strictly secret – and now I am still in the dark as to whether you thought it pleasant or otherwise. – The speed must be exactly double or nearly so – for I was forgetting to reckon the saving of time by stopping only once. – Still, with all this shortening of your journey I cannot understand how you found time to visit a house agent & write to me afterwards. –

The children ¹ have spent their Whitsuntide after the approved Lacock fashion – Can you guess how? – The long promised swing was ordered yesterday morning & put up yesterday evening. – And today they have all being [sic] swinging vigorously – The whole household have tried its merits between the hours of our walks, and expressed approbation. – Price ² assisted, & was in a more joyful mood than common. It is excellent exercise for those who move the swing and warmed me in a very short space of time. – I shall have recourse to it whenever I feel cold. – It has been pleasanter weather today than for some time past – Yesterday there was some very heavy rain about 4 o’clock –

Your affectionate
Constance –