Laycock Abbey
18^th February

My Dear Henry

I wish you would look in the little Drawing room, & see if the Carpet is laid down, & pray write by return of Post to tell me. Only think of your going away sans nous faire nos Adieux! ^<1>

Horatia ^<2> is furiosa ^<3>

I am this moment told the Howards ^<4> are come – ainsi Adieu ^<5> I must go & receive them

[envelope:]
H. Fox Talbot Eq^r
31. Sackville Street
London

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Notes:

1. Without us saying our goodbyes!

2. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.

3. Furious.

4. James Kenneth Howard (1814–1882), who married on 10 February 1845, Lady Louisa, née Petty-FitzMaurice (d. 1906). [See Doc. No: 05162].

5. So goodbye.