TALBOT5981

Lacock Abbey Tuesday

August 3^d

My dear Henry

Having written you already two scraps of accounts of us with letters which I forwarded, I think I can add but little of interest today – nothing in the way of news – but I like to tell you that I have just received your letter from Coblentz of the 29^th which I think has been a marvellously long time coming – I had been longing so much to hear of you – and to know that your journey was doing you good – you do not mention your health, so I suppose it is all right – I will not forward any more letters only this little one which looks different from those dull ones which so often arriv see <sic> lying on the breakfast table – perhaps this may make any mine <sic> better worth postage. –

I hope you will like Ems – if brilliant weather can se<t> off its scenery to advantage I think you must have that. – Here it is beautiful – with such a pleasant cool air – but there is an unaccountable shrivelled look on everything; both trees & plants, and the flowers have almost all perished – I never saw our garden go off so quick – and it is certainly not from a deficiency of plants. – Think of Aunt Matilda writing to propose visiting us on her way to Clovelly to see her niece M^rs Dalton! Her letter is filled with kind expressions towards you – & the pleasure it would give her to see Lacock &c &c. and just as she was folding her letter, Horatia is announced! judge of her surprise! – at the moment she was planning her visit here & fancying all of us at home, – extending our arms to receive her – I am waiting to hear again & hoping that she will not give it all up, in consequence of Horatia & (yourself too) being absent – I hear improving accounts of Valletort – but the rheumatism seems still to fly from one joint to another instead of leaving him – Horatia writes word that it is determined that Flora shall remain in England when the rest go abroad – & pass her time between her waitings with Lady Brownlow & Lady Suffield – Annie doesn’t like this at all. – My Brother is going on very well & can open both eyes – they hope to get home the beginning of next week. Noel is gone down to Moreton. His father is looking out for a Tutor for him, instead of sending him to Eton, which I am very glad to hear – All of us at Lacock are perfectly well –

Your affectionate

Constance. –

<address panel:>

à

Monsieur Fox Talbot

poste restante

Zurich

en Suisse

Switzerland

<pmk:>

Zurich

8

Aout

1847