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Document number: 3723
Date: Tue 21 Aug 1838
Postmark: 22 Aug 1838
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: TALBOT Constance, née Mundy
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 9th March 2012

Markeaton <1>
Tuesday evening 21

My dear Henry

I am very sorry indeed that you are grown fainthearted about the Lakes, <2> for I am not in the least; & when I came here, I made up my mind that the increased distance would not signify at all, or occasion me to Sleep oftener on the road – for you know, I must have made 2 days to Kendal, & now even from Markeaton, it will still be only 2 days – My Aunt Mrs Newton <3> is gone the same road today & she intended to make but one day’s journey from her home to Blackpool, & therefore I think that I might may easily manage one or perhaps 2 stages beyond Manchester, & thus avoid all the désagrémens [sic] of the Royal hotel. The whole distance is only 136 miles; making by division, 2 easy days. – Manchester is not so much as half way – Mrs Newton has promised to write me a line at the end of her journey, to tell me how long she is in accomplishing it, & to communicate any useful bits of information that may occur to her mind during her progress – I have said thus [sic] much to prove to you that I am quite ready to meet the discomforts of a single night’s gîte, <4> or even if 2, if Kendal shd also prove uncomfortable. – at the same time I shall bend willingly to your decision if business makes requires your presence at home. – & I shall not think about Malvern or any other place until I hear from you again, but hold myself in readiness to move on Monday towards the north if summoned. – But why should we not pay another little visit to Buxton if Caroline <5> still remains there, & you have no better scheme? – for next week there may be plenty of vacant rooms, because at Buxton the company are always fluctuating & by writing in time you may have more choice. – Harriot <6> wrote yesterday to Caroline to engage appartments [sic] for her next week at Buxton; the air is certainly very strengthening there & will probably be of service to Harriot. –

The Nursery maid <7> is not yet convalescent, so I have consulted another Doctor, who has prescribed a repetition of Leeches &c &c – He thinks it is likely to prove an obstinate attack, but he will be able to judge better in a day or 2 – & if she does not begin to get better immediately I think it will be best to send her home from hence, & procure a substitute – for she is almost useless at present, & requires to be helped instead of helping others. –

Poor little Bimbo <8> was much grieved to part with his cousins <9> so soon, especially as they were compelled by to brook their engagement to drink tea with him on Saturday owing to our sudden departure. – but as Caroline expressed no particular anxiety to keep me, I thought it was useless to submit to incon[veniences] which were unnecessary. We slept at Matlock on Saturday, after visiting Haddon Hall <10> by the way – & spent the early part of Sunday in climbing the rocks at Matlock – & after the children had slept & dined, we came on to Markeaton. – where we were joyously recd although not expected till the next day. – I have seen poor Uncle Leaper, <11> & am much shocked by the alteration in his looks, & by his difficulty of breathing – but he had much pleasure in seeing me. – Poor Edgar <12> is wrinkled & shrivelled, but very well & so happy at my coming! –

The children are as well as possible, & very happy here –

What a good thing that Mr Awdry has resigned! <13> – Pray let me hear soon, & don’t write with a steel pen – why should you? –

Your affectionate
Constance

H. Fox Talbot Esqre
Post office
Newcastle on Tyne


Notes:

1. Markeaton Hall, Derbyshire, NW of Derby: home of the Mundy family.

2. Lake District.

3. Aunt Newton, née Stephenson, lived at Marle-Hill House.

4. Resting-place.

5. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.

6. Harriot Georgiana Mundy, née Frampton (1806-1886), WHFT’s cousin & sister-in-law.

7. Anna Burgess.

8. William Henry Edgcumbe, ‘Val’, 4th Earl Mt Edgcumbe (1832–1917), JP & Ld Steward of the Royal Household; WHFT’s nephew ‘Bimbo’.

9. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter and Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.

10. Haddon Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire. Seat of the Vernon, then Manners’ families.

11. Possibly Sarah Leaper Newton's brother, Robert Newton Leaper-Newton (1775-1846).

12. Former housekeeper at Markeaton.

13. William Henry Awdry (1778–1847), solicitor, Chippenham. [See Doc. No: 03715].

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