My dear Henry
I meant to have reminded you yesterday about purchasing the ‘Great Beans’ for the children if you find sufficient leisure for a walk to Fortnam [sic] & Mason’s, (in Piccadilly is it not?)<1> – but you must not think of it if you are pressed for time. – You need not doubt of our being comfortable in this hotel for hitherto we have been extremely well treated – & our dinner yesterday was excellent – & abundant also, for they actually provided 2 chickens for our portion besides a delicious pudding – I like my new room extremely & find its position adjacent to the Nursery quite comfortable – I took a scramble one on the side of the hill yesterday with the children on their Donkey – [illegible deletion] We used our own saddle & observed that it excited universal attention & admiration. – This morning is rather stormy at present but fine between the showers – I am reserving myself for evening church at six o’clock when I expect to obtain a sitting more readily than I could have done at eleven –
I should like to know how you are getting on today. The children are quite well only Rosamond <2> a little cross as the Nurse’s say – I will use my best endeavours to make Ela <3> reasonable before you come back –
Yr affectionate
Constance
Sunday August 5. –
Notes:
1. Fortnum & Mason, the famous department store on Piccadilly, London, started in 1707, primarily known for its culinary supplies.
2. Rosamond Constance Talbot (16 Mar 1837 - 7 May 1906), 'Rose'; 'Monie'; artist & WHFT's 2nd daughter; died & buried at San Remo, Italy, with a memorial at Lacock.
3. Ela Theresa Talbot (25 Apr 1835 - 25 Apr 1893), WHFT's 1st daughter.