Lacock Abbey
March 10th
My dear Henry
I begin to wonder at not hearing of Lady Elisabeth’s <1> arrival. – I should be wishing for her much more than I do were Price <2> likely to be soon well – but though better she is still in a very uncomfortable suffering state. – Mr Kenrick <3> was taken into consultation yesterday & comforted me much by assuring me that there was no cause for alarm – Before I had his opinion I felt much annoyed – particularly as Price herself was greatly alarmed. – I am persuaded that she fancied she has some disease which the Doctors are not aware of. – But she is certainly less weak these 2 last days, having been able to take more nourishment – As soon as she can leave her bed I think I shall put her into another part of the house where she will not hear the additional bustle & noise when the family is increased to its usual size. At present she seems distracted by the slightest sound – her nerves being much irritated.
Everybody else is well – I am reading the debates on the Scoth [sic] Church question: <4> but I don’t know whether I shall have time & courage to get through it. –
How are you? –
your affectionate
Constance.
Notes:
1. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
2. Mrs Sarah Henneman, first m Price ( ca.1811–1848), housemaid at Lacock Abbey.
3. Dr George Cranmer Kenrick, surgeon living at The Grove, Melksham.
4. That is, the right of a congregation to reject a minister nominated by the patron of the living; the House of Commons debated the issue in January 1843. This was the question that led to the Disruption of the Church of Scotland on 24 May 1843.