TALBOT7116

Lacock Abbey
Friday Jan^y 5^th

My dear Henry

Charles ¹ was sorry he had no verses to send you yesterday. – the reason was that he was out all day with me at Bath – Had I thought in time on Wednesday to forewarn him of my intentions, he might have got some ready for the following day – At eleven o’clock yesterday, just as I was putting on my bonnet to start, a note was brought in from Lord Lansdowne ², & no answer desired required. I desired the servant to say that you were gone to London & that I would forward the note. On my return here in the evening, I learnt, that about one o’clock, a party had arrived; consisting of Lady Shelburne ³ Lord Lansdowne & Lord & Lady Somers ⁴. The former came in & asked for the Girls – While the rest of the party Walked round the Abbey & visited the cloisters – Lord L. came in for a minute to call Lady Shelburne – but nothing was said about the note. Afterwards the Clutterbucks ⁵ & M^rs Gladstone ⁶ severally called. – The latter also came in, having in a friendly way asked for the Girls ⁷ –

Today I received 4 sets of visitors – how curious they should all have flocked in together! – First M^rs Kenrick & her daughters ⁸; – next M^rs Rookes [sic]⁹ & M^rs J. Paley ¹⁰ – followed by M^r & M^rs Blomfield ¹¹. – lastly M^rs and Miss West Awdry ¹² and her daughter, carrying in a wee box of a cage, a dear little Canary which I believe to be our own Bulbird, but I cannot feel certain till I hear him sing tomorrow.–

I find from what our visitors said today, that the planting of the New Cemetary ¹³ gives great satisfaction, – there were a few additional Roses sent today to fill up and these were planted by Wilkins ¹⁴ – I am delighted both with the ground, and the little chapel itself.

Charles & the girls wish me to thank you for the Charade – they thought it a very good one – I am very glad you had such a pleasant and prosperous journey –

Your affectionate
Constance