TALBOT8208

Oakfield
Thursday Oct. 4^th

My dear Henry

You would see by some remarks in Rosamond’s letter that I had rec^d yours of the 30^th Sep^t with M^r Headlam’s enclosed, & w^h I now return. – I felt a good deal annoyed by the continuance of Charles’s state of restlessness – and having corresponded before with M^r Headlam on the same subject, I wrote myself on Tuesday to ask the result of the consultation with D^r H. and also whether there could be any objection to his going to Cambridge at the time proposed. I am quite reassured by his M^r Headlam’s answer, rec^d today – which is a similar report to that which will reach you tomorrow. – And I hope Charles will now really exert himself, and no longer give way to these fancies which had gained such mastery over him. He will scarcely doubt the truth of what has been said to him by a Physician of D^r Headlam’s experience, and who himself feels no hesitation about the case: but I cannot say that I shall feel happy about him, until I hear that he is completely changed. I am today sending an order to M^r Stokes of Bath for the articles of table & bed linen which I think Charles will require – & I have directed him to have them hemmed & marked & forwarded to Lacock by the Carrier on the 13^th – Enclosed is the list. The 2 last class of articles were added by Goodwins particular desire, as he says they are sure to be wanted. I have given M^r Stokes my own idea of the description of goods required, & the size – and I hope they will be found such as you approve for the occasion.

He will also require plated spoons & forks, which you can order for him at M^r Wright’s, Silversmith Milsome St. Bath. Perhaps you wouldn’t dislike taking a journey to Bath yourself to chuse them, or you could send Thomas, or Reuben with pattern from our own stock to get them as like as possible. – Perhaps you would prefer waiting for Charles & consult his taste – I think our own Electro plated spoons & forks are too large – the real silver is both smaller & neater. Don’t you think Charles will require half a doz of each kind? – Pray let them be Electro-plated. I am glad you intend going with him to Cambridge – for he will not only want an introduction to the Authorities, which I believe is your chief object, but he will want your advice & sanction as to his private arrangements in the rooms which are allotted to him. M^rs Spedding tells me she believe there are a great many things which he will have to provide for himself – though I sh^d hope the rooms are not absolutely unfurnished – But you will see – and put him in the right way of getting what is wanted without being abominably cheated, which would be the case if left to manage it all himself.

I am so very glad you intend coming to Oakfield afterwards – I think it will be the quickest way of getting all our plans both here & at home arranged. I have heard of a desirable country house in Aryshire, which I should like to inspect with you – and perhaps some others may turn up before you come. You have never mentioned our favorite Blanchette! Ros^d & all of us particularly wished to know of her being well & happy. Did R: tell you I had a much more comfortable acct. from Margate last Monday? Dear Marian had had less pain – a little more appetite, and better nights. M^r Gilder said it was quite a relief to see her at all at ease – yet that I must remember it might not last – I enclose a letter w^h came for you today.

Your affectionate
Constance

[enclosure:]
4 table cloths
1 dozen table napkins
2 pair cotton sheets.
1 doz chamber towels.
1 doz glass cloths
½ doz knife cloths.

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham