4 Circus
March 31^st

My dear Henry

I called today myself at Alexanders and expressed your wishes about the marking of the shirts – unless you desire to have the date added in full they will put 73 – (not 1873) – They asked how the flannel waitcoat suited? – I said that you were wearing it as a trial and would let them know – After the first washing which is sure to shrink it a little, Alexander said you would form a still better judgment –

I am glad you find the tongue good – You cannot have them in smaller tins unluckily, but although you do not intend to open the 2^d tin while you are still alone, it would be a bad plan to send it back here by Knott. We shall want these things at Lacock when we come, and they keep any length of time in th store. So please don’t give orders to send it back Saturday. Charles started for Torquay today intending I believe to remain about a week – The address he gave us is Victoria & Albert Hotel.

We had many showers yesterday & a wet morning today: but I hope it will clear up again and the fresh showers will have refreshed the gardens and helped forward Spring Vegetation. You had a nice day for your return Saturday.

M^rs Steinforth will be gratified if you write her a line, as you promised, to give her the date of Buck’s view of L. Abbey – and she will be glad to hear of the safe installation of the Fern. –

Your affectionate
Constance

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham