4 The Circus, <1>
Bath.
Friday Decr 1st
My dear Henry
The Wine arrived today also the receipted bill £1·· 7· 4· The Wine is unpacked compared with the Invoice and found correct. We will begin tasting when it shall have had a day to settle. Each bottle is labelled in large characters and it looks rather inviting – Today was somewhat pleasanter and milder. I took a walk to the Bakers and ordered 4 little Beckfords & some wafer biscuits which we will send you tomorrow. The bread will be in a little wooden box. the wafers in a tin do – both will be probably enclosed in a return hamper (by Knott) The Ironmongers not having sent those things Ela <2> called today to enquire the reason – They said the delay arose from the weights having to be stamped, but they are now done – and promised for this evening – your little parcel shall be sent along with the biscuits &c &c tomorrow. [Rr?] Roberts has received your Cheque safely & sent a receipt – I am glad the form travelled safely – and that it proves to be a new kind – you should see Mrs Stainforth’s <3> whole collection.
Emily Talbot <4> called to see us yesterday – but she has left again today – Miss Neale was with her, and they were escorted by Mr Calvert Jones <5> – Emily looked bright & well. They gave a good account of Bertha <6> – and as soon as it is considered safe for her to travel, she will come south to London. The children were sent to Portobello – but going from thence to Margam very shortly. It seems doubtful whether the Bath Waters are doing Olive <7> any good. Her father insists that they must, and so she continued the course.
The ladies had not quite settled whether Miss Neale would remain with Olive – as she was getting on so well with Miss Dillwyn and Mrs Traherne <8> may perhaps come for a little while –
Your affectionate
Constance
Notes:
1. 4 the Circus, Bath; frequent summer home of Constance Talbot, now a Museum of Costume.
2. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
3. See Doc. No: 04031, and Doc. No: 04035.
4. Emily Charlotte Talbot (1840-1918), 1st daughter of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
5. Rev Calvert Richard Jones (1802–1877), Welsh painter & photographer.
6. Bertha Isabella Fletcher, née Talbot (1841-1911), 2nd daughter of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot, who had married John Fletcher (1827-1903), of Saltoun, JP.
7. Olivia 'Olive' Talbot (1842-1894), 3rd daughter of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
8. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.