My dear Henry
We did not write yesterday as there was not much change, tho’ the doctors did say they thought rather more favorably of him <1> – but this morning they have pronounced him decidedly better, & so I will not delay telling you the good news. He is now laying [sic] on the sofa which makes a little change, as he is so tired of his bed – They think his leg rather less swelled than it was, & hope the inflammation is subsiding. He talks more too & is more like himself – Mama <2> took a little drive yesterday & will I hope again to-day – She looks rather better. I hope you received the wedding cake Theresa <3> is in town but I have not yet seen her. They set off on their tour next Saturday I hope the nice things are well give my love to Constance <4> –
Yr affte Sister
Horatia
W. Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
3. Theresa Anna Maria Digby, née Fox Strangways (1814–1874), WHFT’s cousin. On 20 June 1837, she married Edward St. Vincent Digby, 9th Baron Digby of Geashill (1809 –1889).
4. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.