4 Circus Tuesday
March 5th
My dear Henry
Had Charles been at home I would not have given you the trouble of a question about the enclosed bill - Mr Symes sent it in today with a civil but rather pressing request that it might be paid - I have reserved sufficient money for this purpose, and will settle it on Thursday, if you will send me back the account by return of post. But I want you to ask Geo whether the quantities of oil are correct. He ought to remember what he has had here - also he must enquire of John Wilkins about what has been had for Lacock Abbey - Those 2 crosses which I have added to the larger quantities which I suppose to have been sent to Lacock. and the 24 glasses require explanation - If Geo says the whole is correct, I will pay it.
After settling this, I shall be rather short of money - but as you reminded me that the rent for 13 Great Stuart Street was due some weeks since, I hope to hear from you soon that Mushet has paid it into the Bank of Scotland - I have my Edinburgh cheques here - and you must please tell me what sum you wish me to place in Steeckey's[?] Bank.
Are you really intending to come to the Circus on Saturday? We are enjoying this fine Spring weather exceedingly - Some trees & bushes in the Park are perfectly green - Yesterday I sent the kitchen maid to Lacock Abbey - or rather I gave her permission to go & fetch some things, before going to her new Situation - (She leaves us to take a Cook's place) - I wrote by the Post to Hill to say she was coming, & would walk over from the Station - but that John would have to take her back to Corsham on her return - This notice was to prevent his going out on any other message. - Mary was not back till so late in the evening that I enquired the reason - which was that she was obliged to wait for John who had been out with the Cobourg <1> for Mr Roach - I thought both you & I had long since determined that this must not be permitted - John & the old Horse will do the work of the family as long as they are able but this should be all. - Charles is just arrived from Weston park 7 OC -
your affectite
Constance
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. The cobourg was a two-wheeled covered carriage, used especially in the country.