TALBOT7305

My dear Henry

I received the enclosed letter from M^rs Shakespear today, and as I cannot answer it immediately, I send it you to read – You can either keep it for me or return it as you please. I can scarcely tell you how thoroughly we have enjoyed our three Operas – (for we had an extra night on Saturday) – and I rejoice extremely that the Girls have had this excellent opportunity of hearing two of the first artists of our day – Their day cannot last much longer – M^lle A says that for their reputations as singers they should retire while still covered with laurels – They were well received here – and M^r & M^rs Gassin were also much applauded.

On Wednesday next we are going to be see Charles Matthews – there’s gaiety for you! And we may see him again on Saturday if we feel disposed – Several Concerts and entertainments are announced to follow [ill.del.] – and while we remain, we will profit by anything that occurs – With regard to the length of our stay dear Henry, I can say nothing positive today, because I unfortunately missed seeing D^r Watson today when he called – But I think he will certainly repeat his visit either tomorrow or Wednesday – on account of M^lle A. having caught a severe cold coming out of the Theater the other evening – She is nursing in her room yesterday & today – and I hope it will soon pass off. Tomorrow our fortnight of this house ends – and we propose therefore to stay another week at all events – and I will talk the matter over with our Doctor next time he calls –

If you will take the trouble to walk into my room at home, you will see the Davenport which the girls were so anxious for me to possess – M^r Stokes sent his men to look at it in Salomon’s shop – and he reported so satisfactorily of its being a perfectly well finished article, and new – worth about £10 that I begged he would give orders to have it carefully packed & sent down to Lacock by the Carrier on Saturday. Having heard from Goodwin this morning of its safe arrival, I have called & paid the £7 ּ 10 & taken a receipt. – And I hope that on looking at it, you will be as much pleased with it as of we were – There are several other pieces of furniture at M^r Salomon’s and if you want anything I advise you to come & look at them.

I enclose a letter from Charles –

Your affectionate
Constance

29 Brock Street
Monday Oct 20^th

Will you direct Meredith to enquire if there are any good blackberries for preserving this year, & to do them if she can get any good ones – *

I think you have not answered M^lle Amélina’s letter, nor did you send any message through us – I venture to suggest that you may have forgotten this; in the midst of all your late engagements. –

*There is no time to lose about the Blackberries – but we saw some fine ones in the market here last week –

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
[stamped by the Post Office:]
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