Friday July 3d.
My dear Henry
I am thinking that you have a great chance of a stormy uncomfortable day for the Horticultural tomorrow. – It is very blowy here today, though bright & pleasant between the showers – altogether a kind of day which I know you delight in & which I too enjoy very much. Mademoiselle Amélina <1> has not ventured out at all; for she is indisposed I am sorry to say & quite uncomfortable but she thinks that perfect quiet with the assistance of a little régime will restore her. – She would not have Mr Kenrick <2> sent for, so I suppose she thinks it will pass off soon. – A small parcel from Hatchard’s is come today. – I imagine it contains the Periodicals & will wait your arrival. –We think you do not send us much news when you write from London, but we imagine Caroline <3> has not yet made her appearance or you would have found time to mention her. – MlleAmélina likes the Pathfinder <4> as much as I did, & is now deeply interested in the concluding volume. –
Chicks <5> are all well. – & no other news from yr affte
Constance. –
Notes:
1. Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798–1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal].
2. Dr George Cranmer Kenrick, surgeon living at The Grove, Melksham.
3. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
4. James Fenimore Cooper, The Pathfinder (1840).
5. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter, Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter and Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.