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Document number: 05111
Date: Tue 29 Oct 1844
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: TALBOT Constance, née Mundy
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Collection number historic: LA44-79
Last updated: 21st December 2010

Lacock Abbey
Tuesday October 29 –

My dear Henry

I wrote to you on Friday 25 as soon as I received your letter from Edinburgh – & directed to the Black Swan – York – This morning I have yours from Kelso – On the same day which you say was foggy, it was particularly bright here – though I recollect there was some blue haze in the distance. – We are so glad that you have been successful at Abbotsford & Dryburgh Abbey – and we think the latter part of your tour has made amends for disappointments at the beginning – I think you will scarcely manage to arrive before the Damers – nor will they delay you much if you chuse to keep out of their way. Tomorrow Lady Elisabeth and Horatia <1> are going to Bowood <2> – to meet Lady Holland <3> &c &c – and stay till Saturday – If it is possible, Lady E. will put our visitors off till the next day, to give time for settling their rooms &c comfortably – otherwise the whole responsibility will fall upon me – but it is uncertain which day they may fix – Lady Holland had almost made a resolution of coming over here today – indeed I believe she went to the length of ordering post horses as being safer than Lady Lansdowne’s <4> – but she grew fainthearted at last & gave it up – I am nearly half sorry for I felt curious to see her. – Friday next is the Shelburne’s wedding day – to celebrate which the Servants at Bowood have a Ball instead of the usual one at Christmas – when Lady Shelburne will be gone to London –

I expect & hope to see you looking well when you come spite of all uncomfortable Inns – do please! –

Matilda <5> sends her love & wants you to come back directly –

Your affectionate
Constance –

Notes:

1. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother and Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.

2. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.

3. Elizabeth Fox, née Vassall, Lady Holland (d. 1845).

4. Louisa Emma Petty Fitzmaurice, née Fox Strangways, Marchioness of Lansdowne (1785-1851), wife of Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne; Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, 1837-1838; WHFT's aunt.

5. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.