TALBOT9561

Hotel d’Orient
Saturday Aug 14^th

My dear Henry

I have this morning received your letter of Thursday; and was glad to hear that the indispensable number of servants is engaged. – We will hope to find, on trial, that they are deserving of the recommendations given by their last employers –

You have had bother enough with the details of our journey from Paris, & I wrote fully on this subject in my last letter, (Thursday) – fixing Monday for leaving there – Paris: but I have this morning ascertained that all the people flowing in today by excursion trains from the Emperor’s Fête, will all flow out again on Monday – their excursion tickets binding them to leave on Monday. Therefore I deem it prudent that we should delay setting out till Tuesday, when the line will again be clear – which I think you will approve, especially as you know how much I dislike crowds – We shall sleep at this Hotel des Bains, Boulogne, on Tuesday – cross over to Folkestone on Wednesday – if fine – (otherwise wait for calmer weather as you advise) – Sleep at Folkestone. and take a morning train to London on Thursday. (I decide positively to sleep at Folkestone Pavillion Hôtel, because thereby we avoid bustle & fatigue, and the too late hour of arrival in London) –

My Sore throat has quite left me, and I am rejoicing in this return to warm weather. I thought it too chilly for some days – –

Ela reserves a description of all she has seen at Paris untill [sic] her return – but I think she has enjoyed herself. –

All your letters & enclosures have been received and acknowledged.

I am going out for a drive today & hope to reach the Jardin d’ Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne – but the distances make everything inconvenient – –

Love to Charles – I am sorry he continues so poorly. –

your affectionate
Constance.

[envelope:]
Angleterre
H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham