Lacock Abbey
Tuesday May 17.
My dear Henry
Mrs Locke <1> has found an excellent Nurse for us if all accounts speak true. – Lady Lansdowne <2> has seen & approved of her. – & I have therefore written today for her character. – She is of the steady age of forty or upwards – & has therefore a right to be experienced. – Lady L. thinks her very good-tempered looking – Her name is Neesham & I do hope I shall find her a comfortable person.
Our little boy <3> continues to improve daily: & was greatly complimented on his looks, this morning, by Mr Kenrick <4> – The Irish-nurse I find will require to be governed by a strict hand. I hope Mrs Neesham is gifted with sufficient firmness. –
Lady Elisabeth <5> begs you will inform Sarah <6> &c – that she must prepare tea for her arrival tomorrow about eight o’clock – She is much better Mr Kenrick says – but she fluctuates a good deal in regard to the comfortable state of her feelings – I hope the journey tomorrow will do her good r–
I gave your views to Mr Paley <7> yesterday – with which he expressed himself much pleased – He appeared ill I thought. –
Yr affectionate
Constance –
Notes:
1. Anna Maria Selina Locke, née Powell.
2. 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.
3. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
4. Dr George Cranmer Kenrick, surgeon living at The Grove, Melksham.
5. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
6. A housemaid from ca.1826– ca.1844.
7. Rev James Paley (1790–1863), Vicar at Lacock.