4 Circus
February 11^th/73

My dear Henry

I am in hopes that these few lines (posted before 9) will come to hand some time in the afternoon to wish you every happiness on this day and many succeeding anniversaries of the same. – I need scarcely say that we all feel the disappointment – of your not being able to spend the day with us – but you have given good & sufficient reasons for delaying to move away from Lacock just when you are busy. We hope from your last letters to Rosa^d that you are really bearing the cold better than might have been expected? – but what will you do if the collier’s difficulty fails soon to be righted? The Abbey will not be endurable without fires – and the situation is looking serious. I read in the Times that M^r Gladstone declared in the House of Commons, in answer to a Member, that the Government would not interfere – I suppose therefore he expects the thing evil will be remedied in a short time, But it is sad to feel how much the poor are already suffering – and I do not observe that anything is doing in a public way for giving them efficient help. No special subscriptions to meet the pressure of the moment.

Matilda writes of the beautiful winter weather they are having just now. Bright sun, hard frost, and skating! – But I dare say she has told you now much they are all enjoying it – Connie is beginning to learn – Matilda herself is trying Miss Gordon skates: so they are doing it in right Scotch fashion – Did you send those Butterflies to Mimay on her Birthday, and did you hear how she liked them?

Good bye dear Henry – you will not expect a longer letter from me at this early hour – Everybody sends you their most affectionate wishes and tender love –

We are having a bright morning – I hope the day will answer to the early promise & prove a pleasant one –

Your very affectionate
Constance

[envelope;
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham