[The wrapper for this letter is in a private collection:]
H. Fox Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
____
New Park
Octbr 7.
My dear Talbot,
The whole of yesterday I was out with the Yeomancy, so that your Note <1> was put into my hands only this morning.
Mrs Estcourt & I are very much obliged to you & Lady Elizabeth <2> for your Kind Invitation, which I need hardly say we should have been much more please to accept than merely to take our chance of finding her & you at home in a morning visit: but I am sorry not to be able to name any day before the 15th for as we go to London on the 26th, every day for the next three weeks has somehow become fixed for some Engagement.
I regret this more as we were unfortunately not at home when you were all so good to call at New Park. I believe we actually passed Lady Elizabeth near Rowdeford, without taking Notice, who it was in her open carriage. We shall not fail to pay our respects at Lacock some morning before the 14th and I shall rejoice if we are so lucky as to find you within.
Ever dear Talbot Yours very faithfully
J H M Estcourt
Notes:
1. Not located.
2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773-1846), WHFT's mother.