TALBOT5895

Lacock Abbey

Sunday –

My dear Henry –

I was so surprised to get a put-off from you this morning when we were all packed up & ready for a start tomorrow: – How very strange that people should keep their houses in such a damp state! – but such being the case, we shall like to wait till it is quite dry – therefore we will not move before Wednesday and not then unless we hear either from yourself or Evans ¹ that all is ready & dry. She is without an upper housemaid I find though I desired her to engage one as quickly as possible – and she fancied M^r Sotheron’s ² housekeeper would know of plenty.

Pray do not go into the house yourself before it is quite dry & comfortable – it would be a sad risk particularly in this very cold weather. –

The East wind has set in here with severity – & I suppose it is at least as bad in London.

Poor Lord M^t Edgcumbe ³ is suffering from it – & is again much worse – on Friday, Caroline ⁴ writes word, that he complained of great weakness in addition to the pain – and was in very low spirits about himself – yesterday he passed rather a more quiet day up to the hour of post – It is fortunate C’s waiting ⁵ was put off till April, as she could not leave him now – and before that time I hope there will be a decided change – She bids me tell you that the Prince of Wales ⁶ is very good –

I had a letter from Aunt Mary ⁷ today enclosing a present of Irish work. She gives a pretty good account of all except Cousin Mary ⁸ – who eats nothing but walks as usual –

Horatia ⁹ came back yesterday – we keep her tomorrow I hope.

Your affectionate

Constance.