Tuesday Nov 14th
My dear Henry
Will you read this note which I have received from Lady Elisabeth <1> in answer to my enquiry if she were going down to L Abbey tomorrow - Your perusal of it will save you a long explanation from me - I am going to Sackville <2> before 2 to say 'yes' - because I think it is an agreeable opportunity of seeing Windsor Castle which may never occur again - & under Wright's <3> protection I shall feel no nervous shyness - I must arrange with him about the hour, but as I shall not be back from our morning's drive before post-time, I shall not be able to fix positively the hour for the Cobourg to meet me at Chippenham <4> - Will you therefore order it to be in waiting for me at a reasonable hour - I think there is a train which arrives about ½ past 5 - & if I cannot manage to be in time for that - the Cobourg must wait for the next - & so on till I do appear - Will you intimate to the Household that I am coming & that I shall expect to find my room warmed by a cheerful fire -
Your affectionate
Constance.
[envelope:]
H. F Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773-1846), WHFT's mother.
2. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
3. James Wright, footman to the Talbots & Constable for Lacock.
4. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.The cobourg was a two-wheeled covered carriage, used especially in the country.