TALBOT6911

Greta Bank
February 3^d –

My dear Henry

We had yesterday the most beautiful weather you can picture to yourself – and we took advantage of it by being out the whole day. We drove to Mirehouse, and walked all about the place with M^rs Spedding & some of her children – After leaving her about 3 o’clock, we stopped the carriage at about a mile & half on this side, and walked up into the wood on the side of Skiddaw’s foot to l eat our luncheon – Sitting in the full sunshine, under a clear blue sky with not a breath of air stirring, and the magnificent view of the whole mountain range before us, it was really a moment of perfect enjoyment. And doubly so after the long storm of wind & rain which had just left us – We concluded our day by calling at Ormathwaite to return M^rs Wake’s visit, and were much pleased with the old house belonging to Sir John Walsh. We left the girls to walk in the Park while we paid our visit – and then we had the pleasure of meeting M^r Valpy who leaves for Nottingham today. He was paying a round of farewell visits, & had been missed us at Greta Bank & found us absent – He desired to be kindly remembered to you – I was glad we had the opportunity of wishing him good bye – I dislike changes even here, where we are only sojourners, still more do I dislike them at home in our own Parish: and this brings me to the principal point in my letter which is to mention to you the rumour which reached us yesterday of M^r Brett’s intention of giving up the curacy of Lacock. I am surprised he did not apprise you himself of this, as it is essential you should again put in a protest against M^r J. Paley, if he presents himself as before. It is very troublesome but essential to our comfort that you should interfere. – When do you go to Lacock Abbey? You will be fortunate if you have such fine days as these. – Again today, the weather is splendid – I think we must take another excursion –

Your affectionate
Constance.

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Athenæum Club
Lacock Abbey
London.
Chippenham.