Lacock Abbey
Monday Feb. 28th
My dear Henry,
I can make an excellent report today of all our proceedings. – The wee thing <1> had a very good night – and has passed this morning also in a very satisfactory manner. – I believe all his little discomforts are coming to a speedy close – which is better almost than I expected. – His Nurse <2>seems to agree with him perfectly, as far as we can judge at present – and really this morning he looked quite nice & rosy. – In a day or two I expect to see him growing fat. –
In me you will remark a most astonishing improvemt when you return – for I am so surprisingly strengthened since the day before yesterday, that I can scarcely believe I am the same person – It is plain therefore that the nursing was too great a trial of my strength & that I did wisely for myself as well as for Baby to give it up – I was very sorry indeed to do so, but am getting reconciled now. – There is nothing helps to comfort one so effectually as the certainty of having done right. – Indeed this morning I felt quite in spirits when I found how much better we both were. –
How very very cold the weather has become – It is the approach of March that makes it so, I suppose – Do you like it? –
Your affectionate
Constance. –
Notes:
1. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son, who was born on 2 February.
2. Eliza Frayland. [See Doc. No: 01047].
3. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
4. Louisa Emma Petty Fitzmaurice, née Fox Strangways, Marchioness of Lansdowne (1785-1851), wife of Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne; Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, 1837-1838; WHFT's aunt; and Sir Charles Lemon (1784–1868), politician & scientist; WHFT’s uncle.