Lacock Abbey
Wednesday –
My dear Henry
You will not object to the absence of Sun, I know, for your journey <1> – but I hope we are not going to have rain – I am almost afraid however that it is coming – for there is such a determined gloom in the sky today. – I shall write to Mademoiselle Amélina <2> tomorrow, to mention your present of Calotypes which you intend despatching from Calais – Do you remember that her address is 22. Rue de Provence? Some of the Crimson Thorns are come out in great beauty – I am sorry you went just too soon to see them. – Everything makes such rapid progress that I expect the Columbines will soon be blown in Caroline Copse: so we are thinking of going there to look for them. –
Poor Bennett <3> went away this morning – very doleful – She was too much cast down even to take leave of me or the children. <4> Betsy <5> is gone to see her safe at her lodgings in Bath, where I hope she will soon derive benefit from change of air & more cheerful scenes –
Adieu – dearest Henry! take care of yourself & lay in a stock of health – for the approaching Summer –
Your affectionate
Constance.
Notes:
1. See Doc. No: 04808 and Doc. No: 04723.
2. Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798–1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal].
3. Bennett, nurse and governess to WHFT’s family.
4. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter, Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter, Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter and Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
5. A servant.