Lacock Abbey
Friday July 23d
My dear Henry
In consequence of Horatia’s <1> letter just received I have of course given up the idea of coming to take leave of her – and have written her a farewell letter instead. – I have determined to make up a parcel & send by the 2 o’clock train – so that when the parcel makes its appearance this evening instead of myself you will know that I am not coming. – I shall be very glad to see you on Monday – for, do you know? you will have been absent a whole month – but if Lady Elisabeth <2> should not be quite recovered before that day, I suppose you will not think of leaving her. –
You did indeed chuse most unfortunate weather for Oxford – after a comparatively fine week, previously – We were fortunate in escaping showers yesterday during our drive home, & today there has been no rain yet, though the clouds look as heavy & threatening as possible – The children <3> are gone out, in high spirits, to see if any alteration has taken place in their gardens during their absence. –
Everything looks in nice order, within doors – so you need not fear to come back – and I expect you will be quite delighted with the improvement. –
I have not made a separate parcel of the paper for Mr Collen <4> – because I thought it would make my letters travel better – & Nichole <5> can take it to his house. –
I enclose <6> a note for Duchess Street which I also wish him to take there himself – for if it is put into the post my Sister <7> will not be sure of getting it this evening –
Your affectionate
Constance.
Notes:
1. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.
2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
3. Ela Theresa Talbot (25 Apr 1835 - 25 Apr 1893), WHFT's 1st daughter; 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; Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, née Talbot (25 Feb 1839-1927), 'Tilly', WHFT's 3rd daughter.
4. Henry Collen (1800–1879), miniature painter, calotypist & spiritualist, London.
5. Nicolaas Henneman (1813–1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT’s valet, then assistant; photographer.
6. Not located.
7. Either Laura Mundy (1805–1842); Marian Gilder, née Mundy (1806 – 14 October 1860); m. 6 August 1844 William Troward Gilder (d. 1871), Army Surgeon (ret).; WHFT’s sisters-in-law.