Kildare – Bournemouth
Wednesday July 24th
My dear Henry
I am afraid you have felt much unnecessary compassion for us since we have been away from the old Abbey, seeking our fortunes at Bournemouth; and that you fancy yourselves much better off in all respects, and especially in regard to temperature! – I am very glad you are all so cool & comfortable; but I can assure you that I am equally so. – Of course I am not accountable for what my two restless companions (Ela & Charles) have may have written – I believe they are thoroughly dissatisfied whenever the sun shines, and spoils their intended noon day stroll. But the circumstance of coming to the Seaside at midsummer, during such gloriously fine weather, involves the obligation of living more as people do in Italy than as at an English Watering place. I think I am beginning to feel a little stronger these 2 last days. – and I enjoy the Sea water which Henriette had the lucky thought of ordering up from the Baths for my use in the morning – It is very refreshing and strengthening.
Yesterday we took a drive at six O’clock in the Evening through several villages & a place called Folks-down on the Christchurch road – till we came to a beautiful view all over the country on that side – the old church of Christ church in the middle distance – and the river Stour winding beneath the wooded lane where we stood. For the last mile or two we had exchanged the straight formal road through the fir plantations, for a rich varied country of cultivated fields & pastures, adorned with fine timber grouped near an occasional cottage or villa residence – Very pretty & green & refreshing was this part of our drive among narrow shady lanes – and we got home between ½ past 7 & 8 – which was quite late enough for an open carriage – I think I am more sensible of chill, than of heat just now; so that I am quite satisfied with the weather as it is. Today was clouded over till 2 O’clock and in the early part of the morning we had some rain, the tail of a thunder storm: temperature cooler – but little air stirring –
We have the Daily News regularly: – and we read with great interest of the escape of their Majesties the King & Queen of Spain – and the immense popularity which has accrued to them in consequence of thise odious attempt on their lives – the King is wonderfully brave, as he shews by his every day life. exposed as he is, to constant peril. Ela thanks you for your letter just received, and I do so for one yesterday. We noticed Mr Pym’s death with much regret.
Your affectionate
Constance
Please to observe that we did not sit on the sands till late in the Evening
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham