17, Rue de Clichy
18th. March
My Darling Henry
I have this moment received your letter which has been a week on the road, which accounts for my not being able to answer it sooner – & indeed I doubt whether you will get this if you really set out as soon as you seem to intend. I shall set about looking for a lodging for you directly I suppose you will like it to be as near this as possible. Pray go to Lansdowne House <1> in your way this’ time & bring me an account of Louisa <2> as she has been very ill – as you will so soon see the state of things here I will not now describe them –
Mr Feilding <3> wrote to you near 3 weeks ago, with a full account I believe of every thing, I wonder you had not received it.
God bless you dearest I am all impatient to see you
Mr Grossett <4> is another proof that there is nothing like “trying”
W. H. F. Talbot Eq
Trinity College
Cambridge
Notes:
1. Lansdowne House, London: home of the Marquis of Lansdowne, WHFT's uncle and cousins.
2. 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.
3. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
4. John Rock Grosett (1783-1866), MP; Jamaican Parliament; occupant of Lacock Abbey until summer 1827.