TALBOT5491

Lacock Abbey
Dec^r 24^th

My dear Henry

I am very glad you have at last found time to go to Worthing. – and I hope the air will do you a great deal of good particularly as the weather is now so fine – The brightness of the sky today was admirable, & the calm, remarkable, after the hurricane of yesterday. – After Lady Elisabeth’s ¹ message which I wrote you yesterday, ² I conjecture you will scarcely take a house at Worthing – even should the looks of the place please you – Perhaps you will let us hear from you before you tie yourself. – I have no preferance [sic] (of course) as I know neither of these places. I hope you will indulge yourself with some warm bathing – so comfortable in cold weather – And pray let me hear how you like Worthing &c &c –

Lady Elis^th is gone to Bowood ³ & I forward your letter as you desire – She told me she should come back Friday –

Y^r aff^te
Constance

I am afraid you won’t get a good mince pie tomorrow – The children ⁴ & I have just finished decorating my room – Study room and Nursery with evergreens – and we are making garlands with M^lle Dutscheck ⁵ for them to wear tomorrow. – Matilda is delighting herself with the thoughts of going to Church, to hear the music & admire the decorations – which she has often talked of in the course of the last year. –