Friday June 20th
My dear Henry
There have been no post letters for you – only the enclosed from the owner of our house – and a bulky packet which looks official – I saw it late yesterday & now forward it – as of course you will not have left Cambridge before the post arrives there tomorrow. – Mlle Dutschek <1> cannot come up before Monday as she waits the an answer from the friends where she means to lodge – but on Tuesday morning at eleven she promises to call. I hope we shall agree on all points, otherwise, it will be unfortunately late for recommencing our search – but I feel scarcely any doubt about it – I do believe I have succeeded about the Servant having seen a very promising one this morning & sent him on to Hallam <2> –
I am going to Sackville St <3> today – not having seen any of them since Monday. – Chicks <4> have found great comfort in your bed – & slept without disturbance – And all are better today – We went to the Zoological yesterday – and have had punch this morning to divert us – thus making the most of our time –
Your affte
Constance –
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
Post Office
Cambridge
31 Sackville Street
London
Notes:
1. She was Governess to WHFT's children from July 1845 to March 1846.
2. Samuel Hallam.
3. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
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.