Markeaton <1>
November 14th
Dear Mr Talbot, <2>
I cannot resist taking up my pen once more; to tell you, how very very happy I am. – The kind manner in which you express Lady Elizabeth’s [sic] <3> approval, has quite removed all my apprehensions; and I feel that nothing now remains to prevent my being the happiest creature that ever lived. I had not the smallest expectation that this morning’s post would bring me anything half so delightful as it has done.
My Father <4> & Mother <5> desire me to express how much pleasure your letter <6> has given them & the rest of our diminished circle. – Those who are gone to Willington were very sorry to be obliged to do so before your return. Harriot <7> charged me to give her love to you, & to say that if she could possibly have waited for your [sic] here, she would have done so. But she kindly says, that whenever we want them extremely, they will come & see us. – We are permitted to take you, if you like to pay her a morning visit. –
Unskilful as I confess I am in anything relating to flowers, I could not mistake the meaning of the one you sent me yesterday. – It was a nice idea, beautifully expressed, & like everything you do. Does not London look very melancholy now? I pity every body who is obliged to be there at this time of the year – I have always been accustomed to consider November fogs in London as very dreadful things, but I suppose they are not really much worse than February ones. –
I shall look forwards with great delight to Friday or Saturday, whichever may be the happy day, and as I hope to see you so soon, I will not now take up more of your time, which I dare say is fully engaged –
so believe me ever your most affectionate
Constance
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
31. Sackville Street <8>
London
Notes:
1. Markeaton Hall, Derbyshire, NW of Derby: home of the Mundy family.
2. They were not yet married.
3. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
4. Francis Mundy (1771–1837), politician and father of Constance Talbot.
5. Sarah Leaper Mundy, née Newton (d. 1836), WHFT’s soon to be mother in law.
6. Not located.
7. Harriot Georgiana Mundy, née Frampton (1806-1886), WHFT’s cousin & soon to be sister-in-law.
8. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.