TALBOT8107

Lacock Abbey
Wednesday May 30

My dear Henry

I have received your letter from Windermere by the 2^d post today. – You will believe that we were scarcely prepared for such an utter demolition of the Graythwaite scheme – but we endeavour not to think of the disappointment, but rather to congratulate one another that you found out in time that it was such a forlorn uninhabitable place. – We think it is a great shame that any gentleman sh^d allow his Agent to offer a house in such a state; and as you are returning to London we hope you will lodge a complaint with M^r Rawlinson’s agent for having been caused all the trouble & expense of your journey. – You will find at the Athenæum Club a letter which I posted to you on Sunday understanding that you were not intending to start for Lancashire till the Monday. – My portion of it both to yourself & Goodwin may be thrown into the fire as useless – for it is only contains a suggestion or two about Graythwaite: but within the inclosure [sic] you will find a letter from Tilly – We have had one since then, & the account was good We must now write her word of the failure of our Windermere house – It is difficult to know what to advise next; there are so many objections to Oakfield on account of Rosamond not being well enough to mix in society, and I really am afraid the Speddings would not conse consent to let us be quiet. – I mean that this is an objection if we can do better. – I think it would be desirable for you to consult the books of the House Agents in London for houses in the North. – Boarding Houses & Hotels are not comfortable during the Season – besides being very expensive – And the Proprietors don’t like Boarding families by the week – They fill up the house & oblige them to turn away travellers. – If you are willing to extend our journey as far as the Trossachs we might as well go on to Dunkeld, where there is generally a great choice of houses at the beginning of the Season – I could write, if you approve, to the Clergyman M^r M^cPherson, or Macpherson I believe he writes his name – He offered most obligingly at any time to assist us if we wanted a house in that neighbourhood. – What day do you expect to be home again? – There are one or two letters waiting for you besides a roll by Book Post – but I suppose you don’t wish any of them to be forwarded – Lacock village is en fête this week – Some of the Clubs met yesterday & drummed & walked all day – Today the County Club had their Festival – They came as usual, but this time by permission to pay their respects to us & marshalled themselves into a ring before the Hall Steps while the band played several pieces – M^r Henry Awdry, M^r Caldwell and M^r Blomfield were the gentlemen who came with them. – Various games are going on in the Field at this moment & will I suppose be kept up till dark – Two policemen are in attendance. –

Your affectionate
Constance. –

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Athenæum Club
London S.W.