Lacock Abbey
August 1st
My dear Henry
I have at last heard from my Brother. <1> I think his letter will interest you & therefore I enclose it – please keep it for me. The accident of Noel’s <2> which he alludes to, was never previously mentioned to me by the family – But Aunt Newton <3> explains it, finding I had not heard of it. – Noel was in Town on his way home to assist his Father in canvassing – and “was kicked by a Hansom Cab horse, which cut open his temple and Eyelid: but he got home and was recovering satisfactorily.” – Does not this read like a very narrow escape of a fatal accident? – The news reached me only today by the first post: and the later post brought me the letter from his Father – so I have the satisfaction of knowing that he is nearly recovered. – You will be glad to see that the Mundys <4> propose to come and pay us a visit next week – I have answered that that time will suit us quite well. I am very glad they are able to come, for last year you remember we were obliged to put them off at the time of Goodwin’s <5> illness –
The Photographs you speak of must be very interesting – we guessed you were busy some way or other in the British Museum – Have you seen our friend Mr Maskelyne?. <6>
We had the same rain as you had yesterday – but today is fair again – tho’ rather blustering and chilly –
Your affectionate
Constance
Notes:
1. William Mundy (1801-1877), politician, WHFT’s brother-in-law.
2. His son, Francis Noel Mundy (1833–1903).
3. Eleanor Newton, née Stephenson (1788-1880), wife of Sarah Leaper Newton's brother, Robert Newton Leaper-Newton (1775-1846); she continued to live at Marle-Hill House, Cheltenham.
4. William Mundy and his wife, Harriot Georgiana Mundy, née Frampton (1806-1886), WHFT’s cousin & sister-in-law.
5. George Goodwin (d. 1875), footman at Lacock Abbey.
6. Nevil Story-Maskelyne (1823–1911), photographer, politician & scientist.