Saturday May 14th
My dear Henry
Mr Kenrick <1> makes a good report of Lady Elisabeth <2> today. – He saw her again yesterday at eight o’clock, & today about twelve. – The fever is entirely gone & she feels weak & low in consequence – but she is going on as well as possible & is now out walking, by Mr Kenrick’s desire, and Mrs Roberts is in attendance to support her if she requires an arm. – Mr Kenrick expects her to be quite well & able to go to Town by Tuesday or Wednesday – but I almost hope you may have set off first – as there would be no use in her taking leave of you over again. – She passed a comfortable evening in the Library with me yesterday till ½ past 10. – and was more cheerful, in appearance, than I was – She talked a great deal of plans for next winter abroad – & wished you could arrange to pass it at Naples or some other place with her & Horatia <3> & all of us. – This would be charming but I never build much upon distant schemes –
I had a note from Mrs Locke <4> today in answer to mine so Nicholl <5> can burn my note if he has not already taken it – She said she w[ill] set about enquiring imm[ediately] & let me hear again <6>– Baby <7> & all are well. –
Your affectionate
Constance. –
Notes:
1. Dr George Cranmer Kenrick, surgeon living at The Grove, Melksham.
2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
3. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.
4. Anna Maria Selina Locke, née Powell.
5. Nicolaas Henneman (1813–1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT’s valet, then assistant; photographer.
6. See Doc. No: 04513.
7. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.