Bath
March 14th /75
My dear Henry
Will you please give the enclosed to Cox? – I leave it open that you may see what I have asked him to do. If the result is satisfactory you will still have to apply to Sir John <1> for the character. We shall be fortunate if he suits, but I fear inexperience.
I understand that Ela <2> thinks of being over one day to Lacock the early part of this week. She will take back the poor Chorozema, which has languished much since it came to Bath. I hope you will persuade Wilkins <3> to nurse it tenderly, & bring it round again – But I think myself that it is spoilt for this season – & that it will shed its flower buds – It would have been a splendid specimen if it had had fair play.
Your affectionate
Constance
I have still a tiresome bad cold, all owing to the interminable winter. We shall get a change suddenly I suppose some day.
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Sir John Wither Awdry (1795–1878), JP & Chief Justice, Bombay Supreme Court.
2. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
3. Possibly John Wilkins, son of George Wilkins, employed at Lacock ca.1867–1869.