[written on the same sheet as notes from Caroline: see Doc. No: 05035 - and Horatia: see Doc. No: 05036]
Pratolino <1>
16 Augst
My dear Henry -
At last after having been without a line from any one of you since the 31st July comes your letter from Bruxelles - In which you give me no idea, how long you intend staying there, how long at Spa or the other places through which you will pass - & making it therefore impossible to guess whether I ought to direct this to Verona or Bologna - The first word I heard of where I was to direct, was on the 18 July, [illegible deletion] dated the 1st July - how can you therefore be surprized as you seem to be that I had not recd that letter on the 9th or how could you expect to receive letters at Bruxelles on the 28th or 29th which could not leave this till the 20th? I was sure of your going to Bruxelles & so I directed there, but I conclude the one I ventured to Spa by return of Post that is the 18 - you will not have had - We are still at this beautiful place but return tomorrow - to get a house & prepare for your reception, for after all the Russels <2> stay, so the one I set my heart upon we cannot have, & it is no easy matter to find one cool & comfortable for us all - The Box is arrived but I have not yet opened it, & the 2d will I hope come as safely, & in I suppose about the same
GOD bless you my love Yr aff [illegible]
C F.
Monsr
Monsieur Talbot
Verona
Notes:
1. Just North of Florence, Italy.
2. Probably William Russell (1767-1840), and his wife. [See Doc. No: 02893].3. Page torn out.
4. Richard, a servant.
5. Rev. George Stephen Molyneux Montgomerie (1790-1850), close friend of Talbot family, artist, Rector of Garboldisham, near Thetford, Norfolk.