TALBOT5608

2 Old Mall
Clifton ¹
Thursday evening –

My dear Henry

I left a message for you to say that I had a charming account of our Lodgings & that as I found it more convenient to come rather later, I did not bring Jones ² to escort us – as I had half promised you. – We had no difficulty whatever & arrived here before six – and have since been busily engaged with tea – & ample slices of bread & butter. – The children ³ are now at play with M^lle D. ⁴ in an adjoining Drawing room to the one in which I am writing We are very nicely lodged indeed – nothing can be better. – the rooms are very cheerful & roomy – The House is at the upper end of the Mall – looking upon the Royal Hôtel. – The only thing I regret at present is not being at home to spend this evening & tomorrow with you – I meant to have left a note for you to find when you arrived, but I was rather busy just at last – having had a very kind visit from M^r Bowerbank ⁵ – followed by a note – which I had to answer – I told him I believed M^r Montgomerie ⁶ had declined reading the Service. ⁷ ( Wright ⁸ had written thus to Price ⁹ which I thought good authority) & he said as indeed he had done before that he should be ready – & that we might depend on his services –

I desired Price to tell you that she had Salvolatile ¹⁰ in her charge & that I hoped you would take some, as you do sometimes when I am at home.

M^lle Dutscheck has had the kindest letter from M^rs Traherne ¹¹ offering her a home at Coedriglau ¹² for six months, unless (as she hopes & expects) M^lle D. makes an engagement previously. –

I think you might as well direct to me according to the above address. 2 Old Mall instead of Postoffice. – but I will enquire at the latter at any rate. –

Your affectionate
Constance –

M^r Bowerbank has won my heart: I cannot tell exactly what it is I like in him – but I do like him – and I am very glad that you agree with me. –

[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re[>
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham