Wednesday Sept 25.
My dear Henry
You will like to read the enclosed, if you have not heard from them.
It was a pity the visit to Saltram <1> could not be accomplished, without Lady Elisabeth <2> catching cold – Nothing came for you today, except a list of books which I think will keep till your return. I wrote to Mr Kenrick <3> by Yesterday’s post, asking him to call in a day or two as suited his convenience – I hear he has not been so well lately –
Charles <4> hooped creditably last night <5> – which would have removed your doubts had you heard it – I shall hope for some hoops by day also, to insure him against infection for the future. But after watching him narrowly night & day I feel persuaded of the nature of his complaint – The weather was so calm today & the sun so warm that I took him out into the garden, which he enjoyed very much – I had Dr Baker’s answer with free permission to do so – Dining early has suited me & saved me from that painful drowsiness which you remarked & mistook for sadness – and I can now diligently employ my evenings –
Your affectionate
Constance –
Notes:
1. Saltram House, near Plymouth, seat of the Earl of Morley.
2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
3. Dr George Cranmer Kenrick, surgeon living at The Grove, Melksham.
4. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
5. After some delay, he had been diagnosed as having hooping cough. See Doc. No: 05073.