TALBOT6224

Lacock Abbey

Friday May 4

My dear Henry

Perhaps you had no rain yesterday – We had a succession of heavy storms one of which was accompanied with hail. – The air is much softened since our return on Tuesday – and I hope we may have some enjoyable weather in the end <–?> but it requires much patience to wait for it – This morning was fine till 12 o’clock; and M^lle & Ros^d have been in the garden – I sh^d have done the same & gone in quest of the scarlet thorn & other beauties that you have named in your letters – but for a stiff neck & bad cold that has oppressed me for some days past – Indeed we all have colds – which is not surprising during such changeable weather. Caroline has written to know when M^lle A. & Matilda are going to her – but they cannot fix anything till their colds are somewhat better. –

I found the papers concerning the heating apparatus, on the Library table – but nobody has called to speak to me about the works, or report progress – I hear knocking; but cannot see much from below, as the partition in the stable is still standing – Wilkins is gone to Bath this morning – he said he had directions from you to go in your absence – I enclose you a letter from Charles – he seems to have re-fallen into a very slovenly style of correspondence – I have no doubt he has plenty of plants still left in his garden – and I don’t suppose any very choice things could prosper with the indifferent care which schoolboys are capable of giving. You do not tell me what was Lord Lansdowne’s advice. – I suppose it is too long to explain by letter. Do you want that likeness of M^r Moore if I can find it? –

Your affectionate

Constance