TALBOT5833

Lacock Abbey
Wednesday –

My dear Henry

I am delighted to hear from you at last – and am very glad that you enjoyed your excursion to the Lake of Ullswater. I had heard from Horatia ¹ that it was supposed you went out of Town on Thursday – and from a letter from Hallam ² on Sunday I learnt that it was really true. – I therefore determined not to write again to the Athenæum ³ or forward letters till I heard of your return. – I have rejoiced in the cool weather for your sake. – here we have thought it chilly – We admire your Botanical specimens extremely – Mathilda ⁴ has put some of the Menyanthes in water, in hopes of restoring it to perfect beauty. The bird’s eye cowslips remind me of the Erinus Alpinus –

Hallam wrote to me on Sat – to say that Henneman ⁵ fancied coming to Lacock more than Tunbridge Wells or any place without friends – so I answered by return of post that he was welcome – and he came down on Monday – His Wife ⁶ met him the same day from Hilperton: and after the agitation of the first meeting was past they became very happy – and he is evidently gaining strength & improving in looks daily –

I sent the Mason’s & carpenters bills which you asked me for; and I have also the Estimate for the proposed repairing of the old greenhouse & intermediate new one which I will not forward unless you wish it –

M^lle A ⁷ is suffering from one of her severe bilious attacks – & in bed these 2 days – M^r Kenrick ⁸ is attending her –

All the Chicks ⁹ are as well as usual – but Matilda is not in her best looks –

I have a pleasant letter from Harriot ¹⁰ dated Biarritz a small watering place within a few miles of Bayonne – They are to return to England next month. –

Your affectionate
Constance.

Horatia talks of coming down tomorrow. –