Lacock Abbey
Feb 28th
My dear Henry,
Our Nurse, Eliza Frayland, pleases me very much. – She is a clean, good-natured, & healthy-looking person – And as far as I can judge in one day, is very civil, quiet & respectful in her manner with nothing vulgar or awkward – only a little shy, which is natural. – Our little dear <1> has not been backward in enjoying her since she came last evening – He has had a few uncomfortable hours today, which Mrs Havergal <2> says is always the case with the first change of food – He had a very good night – & is sleeping very comfortably now. – Nothing can promise better than the present arrangement – and I feel quite thankful that the thing is settled & the anxiety, over. – Lady Elis <3>– assures me you will not get my Railroad-note before tomorrow morning – I am glad however that I did not know that yesterday, because I felt pleasure in writing & in the hope of saving you a whole day’s anxiety: – for I knew you were anxious, though there was no real cause for it. – I sent the little book about the Offley Estates <4>, having forgot to ask you to take it up with you. And I should like my Sisters <5> to read it, because I think it will interest them as much as it did me. – Will you send it to them by Nichole? <6> –
I had a very nice little letter from Horatia <7> yesterday, full of pleasure at her wish (for our having a Son) being realised. – There is no news in it of any kind, so I shall keep it for you till you return. –
What a stormy, wet day this is! –
Your affte
Constance
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
31. Sackville Street
London
Notes:
1. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son, who was born on 2 February.
2. Midwife for the birth.
3. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
4. See Elizabeth Emma Cunliffe-Offley, née Crewe (d. 1850).
5. 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.
6. Nicolaas Henneman (1813–1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT’s valet, then assistant; photographer.
7. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.