TALBOT8851

Lillyman’s Hotel
48 Brook St.
Sunday July 18^th /64

My dear Henry

We fear you will have thought it strange to get no tidings of us this morning – which we had the intention you should – and Monie did accordingly write to Ela – but unluckily the letter was put in too late for the post. We have been making the most of our time these two days – and enjoying ourselves very much. Our rooms at Lillyman’s are very quiet and comfortable, but we have had no occasion yet to make trial of their cuisine. Yesterday we met the bride and her Father at dinner at my Brothers, and we had 2 other Mundy relations to whom they had not previously been introduced – namely Admiral Sir Rodney Mundy and young Charles Mundy son of my Cousin of Ormsby in Lincolnshire. – We were a very merry party – Miss Cavendish appearing quite un-embarrassed & happy, and our opinion is that she will fill her new position very suitably. – She is, as Harriot said, very pleasing and nice looking, without being exactly pretty. – Noel appears to the best advantage as an expectant bridegroom –. They have received each a prodigious number of cadeaux – which are all collected at M^r Cavendish’s in Chesham Place – and we are going tomorrow to see them before they are packed up. Noel still thinks yours the prettiest of all his presents. – We lunched at Caroline’s yesterday and are to dine there today. – Probably we shall be a trio of Ladies only at dinner: Ernestine, Monie and myself. – Charles dines with some Cambridge & Harrow friends. Charlie Edgcumbe is engaged out & probably Val. will be at the Dalkeith’s where his wife is staying – and Caroline herself is still almost confined to her room – she was rather better however yesterday – but complaining of the chilly east wind – today she will have been more happy for there is a complete & most delightful change – sunshine & a soft summery feeling air – After church we lunched with the Mundys – & later Monie & Charles went off to the Zoological gardens, where they were very happy among the creatures.

– Monday morning. – Monie has just received Ela’s short note. – & as I am not certain whether or not you will have started for Abbotsbury before my letter reaches Lacock, I will enclose it to her with instructions to forward it. – Caroline was better yesterday & Val at home – so we spent a very cheerful evening with them all. –

We have had letters from M^lle Amélina and expect her to join us here positively on Thursday. Caroline is rejoicing in this new prospect of seeing her & spending a little time together. – So we have agreed that Charles & I return to Lacock as proposed on Friday, and that the others shall remain over Sunday. – This is a plan that gives pleasure to all –. Monie will have plenty to occupy the few additional days, as it is impossible for us to manage all the picture galleries &c &c within the week. – They wish very much for an order for the Zoological gardens next Sunday. – Will you please ask Uncle William for one? I know he is a Member – the members’ order admits two: – and it is impossible to get admittance on the Sundays without one. I shall certainly be home myself on Friday, to be ready to receive my Aunt Saunders ¹ on Saturday. – The weather is as warm as one wishes it today, with a very high wind. Love to Ela – or if this finds you at Abb. kind love & remembrances to Uncle W. and Lady Ilchester. –

Monie’s affectionate love –

ever your Constance