Bath ^<1>
April 30^th Sunday

My dear Henry

We are very glad you had such a prosperous drive home yesterday – and did not find it fatigue you – but that you were able to go into the garden at once and see the Flowers – Each day now will bring out something new – though you will not always be able to go out & look at them if this kind of weather lasts. – It is so deplorable today, (a gale from the East with heavy rain) that we have done nothing but lament over your having such a day on first returning to an uninhabited house – I am afraid Ela ^<2> will feel the discomfort very much – Yesterday I told her I almost envied her the pleasure of going back to Lacock before me – but today I have taken quite a different view of the subject. We shall be glad to hear that neither of you catch cold – R^{d <3>} begs you will say to Charles ^<4> she is very sorry that his galoshes were forgotten to be sent by the carriage – and were not thought of until Knott ^<5> had also started – but she will remember to send by the 1^st opportunity – probably on Tuesday –

I am sure you will regret having just missed the Framptons ^<6> – They called here yesterday about five or ten minutes after your carriage had driven from the door. Of course M^r Frampton was much disappointed, & asked if you were coming back. – but we held out no hopes of this – and they are only intending to remain a fortnight themselves – R^d & I were both in the house and we had a longish chat with them. He looked very cheerful in spite of gout. and his Wife desired to be especially remembered to Charles. for whom she left a long message to the effect that the church of Beer which she once took him to see is beautifully restored – also that the clergyman thereof has resigned Beer and accepted Melksham ^<7> – I have forgotten the name just now – but shall think of it – as I have promised M^rs Frampton to call on them. She says that both the husband & wife are very clever and agreeable people –

Pickering is faithful to his engagements, and sent us yesterday the April number of Atlantic-Monthly. They The other was one of the back numbers – Perhaps we shall get them all in time.

Please give Charles all the messages or hand him my letter to read.

Your affectionate
Constance

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Notes:

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

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

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

4. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.

5. Richard Knott, of Lacock.

6. Henry Frampton (1804-1879) and his wife Charlotte Frampton, née Blencowe, of Dawlish.

7. Melksham, Wiltshire: market town near Lacock, 2 miles S.