TALBOT5947

Lacock Abbey
Tuesday May 10^th

My dear Henry

M^r Jennings ¹ called here today T to ask in M^r Sotheron’s ² name for the loan of your large Barn on Whit Monday for the annual Club dinner. – They dined last year in the space before the Shool [sic] house covered in like a tent – but M^r Sotheron was much annoyed on that occasion by individuals not belonging to the Club – creeping under the Canvass & obtruding themselves, – in an unbecoming & troublesome manner – M^r Sotheron talked of having it in his own Barn on Bowden hill ³ – but this was voted objectionable on account of the walk being fatiguing – and especially inconvenient because the dinner is provided by the Red Lion ⁴ – and perhaps the viands might grow cold while being carried from the kitchen to the dining room – The idea of your Barn was suggested (I imagine) by M^r Jennings – & approved by M^r Sotheron if not in any way disagreeable to you – The doors to the garden would of course be strictly closed & the Police are to attend. –

An early answer is requested that they may make other arrangements in case of your refusal. –

I will look for the seeds you mention ⁵ as well as the other packet which I imagine I shall find in your Library but though you talked of giving them to me I do not recollect your putting anything of the kind into my hand – Charles ⁶ will be enchanted to sow the Lupins – for he is exceedingly fond of gardening and I hope it will be fair enough tomorrow to set to work – today it rains – but yesterday we had a charming expedition planned by Wright ⁷ – He took the children & me in Horatia’s ⁸ carriage (open) all through Bowden Park & Spye Park ⁹ – and we gathered quantities of Cowslips Bluebells &Orchises – with a few other sorts of wild flowers – The weather was beautiful & we all enjoyed it extremely. –

I shall be so glad if you can manage to go to the Alps as you say.

Horatia & Miss Gallwey ¹⁰ talk of going up to London together on Monday – they will help to sell at the Bazaar. L^d M^t E. ¹¹ continues better.

your affectionate
Constance.