4 Circus ^<1>
February 1^st 1875

My dear Henry

R^{d <2>} has returned home quite safe from Westbourne Terrace, where she has enjoyed her visit very much – The Speddings ^<3> are so particularly kind – they sent many messages of remembrance to you & all of us –

I returned Caroline’s ^<4> letter to you by Ela, ^<5> who was writing for the day post (which perhaps & as I rather think, she missed by a few minutes) This morning. but I now want to thank you for telling me of your conversation with M^r Awdry respecting Goodwin ^<6> – I am still anxious on about that business, wishing to get it more satisfactorily settled – At least we should not allow it to stand so except for a limited time. I will explain more fully what I mean when you come: as you intend coming in a few days –

Your affectionate
Constance.

Victor Emmanuel ^<7> is a pattern King – How admirable was his reception of Garibaldi! ^<8> – One feared mischief – but all seems to have been smooth at the outset – which was the most critical moment.

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Notes:

1. 4, The Circus, Bath; frequent summer home of Constance Talbot, now a Museum of Costume.

2. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2^nd daughter.

3. Probably the family of John James Spedding (1834-1909), JP.

4. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.

5. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1^st daughter.

6. George Goodwin (d. 1875), footman at Lacock Abbey.

7. Victor Emmanuel II (1820–1878), King of Sardinia and 1^st King of Italy.

8. Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807–1882), Italian patriot.