Hotel dOrient
Saturday Aug 14th
My dear Henry
I have this morning received your letter of Thursday; and was glad to hear that the indispensable number of servants is engaged. We will hope to find, on trial, that they are deserving of the recommendations given by their last employers
You have had bother enough with the details of our journey from Paris, & I wrote fully on this subject in my last letter, (Thursday) fixing Monday for leaving there Paris: but I have this morning ascertained that all the people flowing in today by excursion trains from the Emperors F๊te, will all flow out again on Monday their excursion tickets binding them to leave on Monday. Therefore I deem it prudent that we should delay setting out till Tuesday, when the line will again be clear which I think you will approve, especially as you know how much I dislike crowds We shall sleep at this Hotel des Bains, Boulogne, on Tuesday cross over to Folkestone on Wednesday if fine (otherwise wait for calmer weather as you advise) Sleep at Folkestone. and take a morning train to London on Thursday. (I decide positively to sleep at Folkestone Pavillion H๔tel, because thereby we avoid bustle & fatigue, and the too late hour of arrival in London)
My Sore throat has quite left me, and I am rejoicing in this return to warm weather. I thought it too chilly for some days
Ela reserves a description of all she has seen at Paris untill [sic] her return but I think she has enjoyed herself.
All your letters & enclosures have been received and acknowledged.
I am going out for a drive today & hope to reach the Jardin d Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne but the distances make everything inconvenient
Love to Charles I am sorry he continues so poorly.
your affectionate
Constance.
[envelope:]
Angleterre
H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham