3 Paragon <1>
Wednesday April 2d
My dear Henry
By Horatia’s <2> letter I learn that you were to stay alone at Lacock today – and I quite reproach myself that I am not there to take care of you – you have not even a Cook to prepare you some food! – How much I wish you had come on here to fill up the time – The weather continues so fine that we get on delightfully and Ela <3> is certainly looking better than I have seen her for a long time – She played a little on the Piano today & read some French & employed herself in various ways – My bringing her here has therefore succeeded well – They were all very joyous today & yesterday in the Zoological gardens – Lady Dunraven <4> called while I was out – I felt rather glad to have escaped the form of receiving her – My old friends Miss Dashwoods are at home – They were surprised & pleased by my unexpected appearance.
So Horatia is really to go so soon as next Monday! <5> – I thought little Emily’s illness would have caused a delay – at least, if not a put off till later in the year – I hope Horatia will enjoy it as much as she expects – & I don’t see why she should not – I wish we were all going too. – I did not know it had been such an easy affair. – I have always had a longing to see Spain – Shall we go when the children are older? – I forgot to tell you when I wrote before, that I was applied to just before I left home for Mr Paley’s <6> Easter Dues – which I paid – & the Clerk’s fee the same as you had desired me last year. I thought I was doing right to pay it without troubling you – You
will let me know in good time, how the arrangement stands about our going to Sackville Street <7> & whether it will be at the end of my fortnight here –
Your affectionate
Constance –
Notes:
1. Clifton, Bristol.
2. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.
3. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
4. Caroline Wyndham-Quin, née Wyndham (d. 1870).
5. See Doc. No: 05212.
6. Rev James Paley (1790–1863), Vicar at Lacock.
7. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.