[fragment ?] <1>
4 Circus – Saturday
March 30th
My dear Henry
I could only send you a shabby supply of bread to your order by Knott today – because on account of Easter the Baker was overwhelmed with business, and yesterday being Good Friday and the shop closed when I got your letter, I could do nothing – K had to chance it after sending them an early message this morning – The result is a large twist & 2 Beckfords. I recommend you to get Jones to bring you the Chippenham bread that you used to like so much – and which we discontinued after a time. The enclosed note will explain to Hill how to get them it. – and I had another thing to mention to her as well – therefore will thank you to let her have my note. We have all enjoyed this lovely day, after the torrents of yesterday & Thursday. but Mr Menteath promises us more rain, as his Barometer is very low indeed – We had a Fly & drove towards Prior Park – and then turned back through Widcombe – very pretty views of the outlying parts of Bath in that direction – and the early green of the gardens is exceedingly pretty. – You asked about Jack? – No doubt Charles has told you what Monie wrote of his arrival at Dabton, in her letter of Thursday. – They seem all more florishing there now – although it was bitterly cold when Matilda last wrote –
As to Mushett, I am surprised at the cool way in which he admits the present view about the furniture being the right one. viz that Sheriff Tait does not care to have it. He always thought so! – He is again in error as to the necessity of clearing everything out before the 13th May – On the contrary it is after between the 15 and 25 that Mr Tait will point out anything that it may suit him to take at a valuation – and that the rest must be sold – It is impossible to allow Mushett to speak to the Auctioneer at this time – When very few things are left to be sold, there can be no possible difficulty – perhaps there may not be sufficient to need selling on the premises – but we can talk it over next time you come. –
[unsigned]
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Although some members of WHFT's family, notibly his mother, were indifferent about signing their letters, Constance almost invariably signed them, long or short, formal or informal.