TALBOT6545

Lacock Abbey

Sunday 26^th

My dear Henry

We all agree that it would be much more agreeable if the Shakespears could delay their visit till your return – So I am writing to suggest it to them. I received a letter this morning from M^rs Shakespear, ¹ to say that Thursday suited them much better than Tuesday – Perhaps they have been hurrying themselves to come, and perhaps the further delay may suit them still better. I will let you know her answer – Goodwin ² shall attend – to your summons – I am glad you did not want him before, as he has been very useful here. I think you will be pleased with M^r <Phillpert’s?> varnishing of the Dining room pictures – He finished yesterday. The drapery did tolerably well at last – and I think it is put on in such a manner as might easily to removed by a more competent artist whenever we happen to meet with one – Matilda ³ says she will do it, when she has learnt to paint in Oils, & design figures & drapery.

Thank you for Soyer’s Cookery ⁴ – I believe it is a very good book – and the same that M^lle Amélina ⁵ bought at Carlisle – Yesterday I received a present by the South Devon Railway. A very nice map of that part of the Crimea where the armies are encamped ⁶ – All the batteries laid down in distinctive colors – with lines showing the range of the guns – I suppose it must be from Caroline, ⁷ but there is no word of explanation – It was curious your meeting Valletort ⁸ at M. Claudet’s. ⁹ –

The weather has become very cold here during the last week – but we had very bright mornings Thursday & Friday – Monday was a very fine pleasant day. the day I was at Bath, – but it has been very cold ever since.

There will be no difficulty in getting Charles ¹⁰ from Swindon – I can send somebody from here to meet him, if I know the hour. We read in today’s paper that Miss Nitingale ¹¹ wants linen & lint – for which she appeals to the charitable public – We have been busy today preparing some –

Your affectionate

Constance –

Last Sunday & today M^r John Paley ¹² read the Prayers in our Church –