Tuesday Janry 27th
4 Circus Bath <1>
My dear Papa –
How wonderfully warm it has been today! quite unnatural for the time of year! It surely cannot last. It must be pleasant at Lacock just now, and Mamma <2> had been talking of going over – but she has not felt equal to the exertion the last few days, and has been complaining of not feeling very well – perhaps it is partly the weather that has upset her. She therefore hopes you will make an examination and be able to give her a correct report when you come to Bath of what is amiss with the glass of the carriage, (which she had intended investigating herself. She also suggests that it should not be mended by Gale <3> without due consideration nor before you have talked it over with her. Monie <4> is very busy painting just now – but intends going over to Lacock to see after things before very long. We heard today from Connie <5> that Jack <6> had got back to School quite prosperously, and having accomplished all his holiday tasks, whilst the head boy had only done part of his – which makes Jack very proud. Tilly <7> had gone to Edinburgh for a couple of days – so Connie had been told to write to Grand-Mamma – the about Jack, which she did very nicely.
You will be sorry to hear the Llewelyns <8> are leaving Bath in a few days – but intend returning later on in the Spring when the Doctor thinks the invalids will derive greater benefit from the waters &c, than staying on at present.
Mrs Traherne <9> is already gone.
Mamma thanks you for your letter, and wishes me to mention that Bagster <10> has sent two more little books which arrived this morning, and which I suppose you will like to remain here as you are coming so soon
Good-bye dear Papa
your very affecte daughter
Ela
Notes:
1. 4 the Circus, Bath; frequent summer home of Constance Talbot, now a Museum of Costume.
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
3. John Gale, carpenter at Lacock.
4. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
5. Constance Stewart, née Gilchrist-Clark (b. 1863), ‘Connie’, WHFT’s Scottish granddaughter.
6. John Henry Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Jack’ (1861–1902), WHFT’s grandson.
7. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.
8. The family Emma Thomasina Llewelyn, née Talbot (1806–1881), photographer; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
9. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.
10. Possibly Robert Bagster, bookseller, London.