TALBOT6636

Lacock Abbey

June 2^d

My dear Henry

It was truly unlucky that your tiresome business carried you away yesterday when we were coming back to cheer you after your fortnight’s solitude –. We had a pleasant drive home at 5 o’clock – and on arriving, rushed into the garden to see the pro-gress everything had made – The weather was bright, but cold. – the temperature of the houses pleasanter than the external air – We were enchanted with the display of calceolarias especially – I observed you had cleared many things away in the small conservatory – it was too much crowded. – We did not go into the great Conservatory – in order to reserve some of our pleasure for today. – but today is so rainy we have not stirred. How beautiful are the red thorns, the <Guildres?> rose, the white broom – and the Horse chestnuts.

My brother did pay us a visit at Bath, but was obliged to return yesterday, instead of coming on to Lacock – It was a pleasure to see him – but not quite so much as if we had been quietly at home – He said he should like to meet you in London – and I advised him to communicate with you (in writing) at the Athenæum. The Canary birds travelled home extremely well in our comfortable Corsham Fly. and are at present in the Study-room – They made a nest during the few days we had them at Bath & the first egg was laid this morning –

I forwarded several letters which <sic> for you today.

Your affectionate

Constance.

Ela found Charles’s letter. it contained an account of his plants – some had died & others were likely to succeed – I hear that many newly planted half hardy things well were killed by the frost Saturday night, – at Markeaton.