TALBOT7669

9 Clarges Street

July 16^th

My dear Henry

What do you say about Valletort’s marriage? I hope Rosamond recollected to give you his message, to the effect that he hoped you would excuse his writing to you himself, as he had asked M^r Gaisford to tell you of it, and he has such quantities of letters to write & to answer; that he is quite overwhelmed. It was very gentil of him to come the next morning & tell us all about it – He looked so very particularly happy! and we hear that Charlie is very happy too. Indeed at first he manifested even a greater state of excitement than Valletort himself.

Our Almanacks last night was a complete duperie – not a single Patroness was present – M^rs & Miss Gladstone – and Lady Waterpark & Miss Cavendish were the only people we knew. – We sat through the Evening impatiently waiting for the hour of 2 – at which we had ordered the carriage – A tremendous thunder storm was the chief incident of the Evening – the flashes of lightening were so vivid as to be clearly seen above the gaslights, and they were reflected by various mirrors opposite the windows. When we returned home, the worst of the storm was over – but sheet lightening continued till near 4 o’clock –

I want to know whether you think of keeping Thomas after we leave London – I have recommended him to M^r Gaisford, who will be wanting a footman soon – He said he should call here & speak to him this morning – and if he is pleased with him, I shall say he cannot engage him positively until I know whether you wish to keep him. He is a quiet pleasant Servant to have in the house. And it w^d be a more economical arrangement to have a second regular Serv^t than to be often engaging one for a Job –

Your affectionate

Constance.

I have this moment received a card from Amiable Lady Palmerston inviting us all for to her Party tomorrow Evening – I shall tell her of your being at Lacock –