TALBOT7003

London
Friday Ev^g 23 June

My Dear Constance

I have been walking in the cool of the evening after this very hot day – Tomorrow I mean to go to Lacock and return on Monday – I sent Goodwin ¹ with a present of half a sovereign to Mary Carmody ² and told her that I was unable to procure a situation for her husband – She expressed herself thankful. I had a chat with Caroline ³ yesterday evening, she has a snug little lodging in Clarges S^t but too small for this weather. I found her eating delicious strawberries which were the first I had seen this year.

On Tuesday or a day or two later she returns to M^t E. ⁴ Milord ⁵ talks of a cruise in his yacht. Val ⁶ was in Town the other day, I took him to Hennemans ⁷ & we made 2 portraits of him after which he took a lesson in photography to be able to instruct Charlie ⁸ who has become a zealous photographer, I wonder how long it will last. Ernestine ⁹ plays pretty little plaintive airs on the piano. Sir David ¹⁰ has left Town I think. He will not visit us at the Lakes this year probably, owing to my absence. I am afraid you will not see the Primula farinosa in flower this year unless you go over Kirkstone soon, for if I recollect it was about the middle of June we saw such beautiful bouquets of it there. It would be worth going up Troutbeck Valley on purpose. And from Ambleside to Coniston to gather some Menyanthes – Also I am afraid before I return the rare green orchis of Watendlath will be over. I am collecting evidence &c &c respecting the lawsuit & have been very busy in consequence, showing the photographic art to several chemists &c ¹¹

I have left myself no room for more today

Adieu

Your aff^te
Henry