2 Old Mall
Clifton ^<1>
Thursday evening –

My dear Henry

I left a message for you to say that I had a charming account of our Lodgings & that as I found it more convenient to come rather later, I did not bring Jones ^<2> to escort us – as I had half promised you. – We had no difficulty whatever & arrived here before six – and have since been busily engaged with tea – & ample slices of bread & butter. – The children ^<3> are now at play with M^lle D. ^<4> in an adjoining Drawing room to the one in which I am writing We are very nicely lodged indeed – nothing can be better. – the rooms are very cheerful & roomy – The House is at the upper end of the Mall – looking upon the Royal Hôtel. – The only thing I regret at present is not being at home to spend this evening & tomorrow with you – I meant to have left a note for you to find when you arrived, but I was rather busy just at last – having had a very kind visit from M^r Bowerbank ^<5> – followed by a note – which I had to answer – I told him I believed M^r Montgomerie ^<6> had declined reading the Service. ^<7> ( Wright ^<8> had written thus to Price ^<9> which I thought good authority) & he said as indeed he had done before that he should be ready – & that we might depend on his services –

I desired Price to tell you that she had Salvolatile ^<10> in her charge & that I hoped you would take some, as you do sometimes when I am at home.

M^lle Dutscheck has had the kindest letter from M^rs Traherne ^<11> offering her a home at Coedriglau ^<12> for six months, unless (as she hopes & expects) M^lle D. makes an engagement previously. –

I think you might as well direct to me according to the above address. 2 Old Mall instead of Postoffice. – but I will enquire at the latter at any rate. –

Your affectionate
Constance –

M^r Bowerbank has won my heart: I cannot tell exactly what it is I like in him – but I do like him – and I am very glad that you agree with me. –

[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham

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Notes:

1. Bristol.

2. Jones, servant.

3. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1^st daughter, Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2^nd daughter, Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3^rd daughter and Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.

4. Mlle Dutscheck, who was governess to WHFT's children from July 1845 to April 1846.

5. Rev Lewis Bowerbank (1782-1853), curate of St Cyriac's, Lacock, 1846-1847; former Rector of St Catherines, Jamaica, 1823-1843; friend of Rev George Bridges.

6. Rev George Stephen Molyneux Montgomerie (1790–1850), artist, Norwich.

7. The funeral service for Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother, who died on 12 March.

8. James Wright, footman to the Talbots & Constable for Lacock.

9. Mrs Sarah Henneman, first m Price ( ca.1811–1848), housemaid at Lacock Abbey.

10. Smelling salts.

11. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.

12. The Traherne family seat near Cardiff.