Castle Combe <1>
Decr 27h 1834
Dear Talbot,
The Dissolution being threatened for today I fear we can make no engagement for the next fortnight at least, but must hold myself in readiness to obey the behests of my Lords & Masters pro tem at head quarters. But for this impediment, I should have proposed exactly the same request to you yesterday, namely that Mrs Talbot <2> & yourself would do us the favor of dining here the first open day. But we must put off these schemes of amusement till the vile business of Election <3> be over.
I have very good accounts from Stroud to day. The canvass for both candidates is going on merrily. But the radical who hoists the standard of No Church will be beaten, and I hope, without a Pole.
Mrs Scrope <4> begs me to say how sorry she was to have missed you yesterday, but she was engaged all day at School.
Ever your’s, Dear Talbot,
G Poulett Scrope
When I return from Stroud I will write & hope to be able to make some engagement.Notes:
1. Castle Combe, Wiltshire, 7 mi NW of Lacock
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife
3. See Doc. No: 03041.
4. Emma Phipps Scrope.