Wednesday –

My dear Henry

I hope you descried the few words written by me on the outside of your letter forwarded yesterday – to tell you that the Comet was invisible – Wright ^<1> kept a careful look out at intervals each evening – but his vigilance was not rewarded by the Success which it merited. I am glad we all saw it so distinctly on Friday – Matilda ^<2> has just discovered that I am writing to you & sends you a kiss here Rosamond ^<3> sends one here you know their plan is to kiss the paper, in the hope that the person to whom the kiss is sent will take it off in the same way –

I think Lady Elisabeth ^<4> is really much better. She had a cramp in her foot again yesterday but not so bad – and today she has spent a great part of the morning out of doors in spite of the violent East wind– I doubt whether this was prudent but she seemed to bear it without suffering – Neither the children nor I had equal courage –

Your affectionate
Constance –

Lady Lansdowne ^<5> writes in very low spirits –

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^re
31 Sackville Street
London

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Notes:

1. James Wright, footman to the Talbots & Constable for Lacock.

2. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3^rd daughter.

3. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2^nd daughter.

4. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.

5. Louisa Emma Petty Fitzmaurice, née Fox Strangways, Marchioness of Lansdowne (1785-1851), wife of Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3^rd Marquess of Lansdowne; Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, 1837-1838; WHFT's aunt.