4 Circus
Saturday 15 Feby
My dear Henry
We have sent you by Carrier today (just arrived one Wild Duck one Golden Plover from Dabton) They appear perfectly fresh and should be hung some days (or perhaps a week for the W. Duck) before washing. Will you instruct Gee to take care that Hill does not dress the Duck too soon? I am not so sure about the Plover – but perhaps he knows – So lucky this box arrived in time to share its contents with you! – for it only came a quarter of an hour before Knott started from our door – Rd has sent you the brushes you asked for and hopes you will find them right – And here are the 2 letters which you gave for us to read. – Caroline’s and Matilda’s – Thanks for them.
I sent to Brook Street as you desired to pay the tax Collector: £8..16.4 – He returned me two Pounds thirteen shillings & fourpence (£2..13.4) with an amended receipt for the sum retained £6..3.0 and a message that a gentleman had paid the other part – Do you understand it? Mr Cooper said to my Messenger that he could not explain it further, because his Son was out. – I don’t think there ought to be any uncertainty about our liabilities. but I think I understand it on reading the printed note at the foot of the receipt – and that the other portion was chargeable on the Landlord for rent paid received by him on the house – & which is properly Income – therefore paid by Mr Hulbert – You can study the paper yourself when you come to Bath.
Your affectionate
Constance
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham