10th Decr
My dear Henry
We were altogether at Margam <1> when your letter arrived there, to Kit <2> – but I was gratified by your kind letter to myself for I may say, that I feel an involuntary interest in every thing that happens to you – Your mother <3> is very naughty not to have given me an intimation of what she knows must give me pleasure, & I shall greet her with a pinch when I see her. to me it is a satisfaction that your wife <4> is not one of those dashing belles that has made a noise on the grand Theatre but of a family, which from what I have heard, can relish domestic happiness – dear Henry, you are more formed for that, than for the intrigue & artifice of public turmoils & I hope your Constance (charming name) will make the peaceful interior of your home constantly a resting place to your mind from the agitations & deceptions of the world without – my mind has also been bent on the same subject nearer home & I think with every prospect of domestic Happiness to the parties concerned. I dare say you will soon hear of it, but as it is not yet declared you may not publish yet. I wish you well over your election – I do not anticipate so much satisfaction to you on that score – I have seen enough of it – within these few days they have stirred up an opposition to Mr Nicholl <5> at Cardiff but I believe unsuccessfully –
your affectionate & anxious Aunt
M: L. Cole
Henry F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Margam Park, Glamorgan: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
2. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
3. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
4. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
5. Dr John Nicholl (1797–1853), MP.