Lacock Abbey
Monday Aug. 22.

My dear Henry

I long to know how you are prospering at Bristol – what sort of a President you have got – & in short, all about the Meeting ^<1> – But I can scarcely hope to hear, as I suppose every amount of your time is engaged – I cannot tell you how much we all lamented over the rain on Saturday morning – especially as you were one of the outside travellers. – I hope you did not go far before you changed places with one of your more robust companions. – M^r N I am sure looked as if nothing could possibly hurt him. – I wish I could know too whether you find Sir C Lemon’s ^<2> servant attentive, or whether you repent of having left Cooper ^<3> behind – I sh^d certainly feel happier had he been with you –

This morning I am left in undisputed possession of our domains, as all my companions are gone to Bath, in quest of Piano-fortes, Druggets ^<4> &c &c – They have not chosen the best possible day for this purpose – for though the air is mild, there is rather too much of it to be quite agreeable – & the clouds seem to threaten rain –

We missed our animated party extremely, both yesterday & Saturday – even quiet one wished for them back again; but I was individually less disposed to be pleased with a return to our family party, from the simple circumstance that a person who shall be nameless was not included in the circle. –

The account of poor Lord Kerry ^<5> yesterday was a little better, though not sufficiently improved to give much comfort – L^d Ilchester ^<6> was on the eve of leaving Town for a few days, finding that he could be of no real use by remaining. – Lady Elisabeth ^<7> wrote to Louisa ^<8> yesterday to beg we might hear of his progress from some one. –

I have found on the table of my little sitting room a diminutive key of which this is the exact picture [illustration] ^<9> I suppose it belongs to M^r Wheatstone ^<10> – had it better be sent after him to Bristol! – It could easily be enclosed in the a frank to Sir C Lemon – or any other member you may mention – Pray do’nt forget to give us due notice of your return, & of the number of friends who come with you – I understand that M^r Vivian ^<11> has postponed his visit for a fortnight. –

Did you receive the letter which I re-directed & forwarded to you on Saturday? –

I can send a good account of Ela. ^<12> – The rest of us appeared rather subdued yesterday but I heard no complaints –

Ever dearest Henry your affectionate
Constance

H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Royal Hotel
Mall
Clifton

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Notes:

1. The British Association for the Advancement of Science met in Bristol in 1836.

2. Sir Charles Lemon (1784–1868), politician & scientist; WHFT’s uncle.

3. Possibly Thomas Cooper. [See Doc. No: 03258].

4. A carpet or rug made from a coarse-woven or felted woollen fabric.

5. William Thomas Fitzmaurice, Earl of Kerry (1811–1836), MP.

6. Henry Stephen Fox Strangways, 3^rd Earl of Ilchester (1787–1858).

7. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.

8. Louisa Howard, née Fitzmaurice (d. 1906), daughter of Lady Louisa Emma Fitzmaurice.

9. Illustration of key.

10. Sir Charles Wheatstone (1802–1875), scientist.

11. George Vivian (b. 1800), Deputy Lieutenant for Somerset.

12. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1^st daughter.