4 Circus Bath
April 26th 1874
My dear Papa,
Thank you for your letter <1> received yesterday. I was sure you would admire the country just now, & it would indeed be charming for drives. – Are you not rather penitent at having left Bath without having visited any place in the neighbourhood? for I am afraid that when you return here, it will be quite too hot for long drives if things go on as they have begun. I am so sorry you went away without going back to see the Double Chinese Cherry in the Park It was a splendid sight when I passed coming back from Drummond’s on Friday afternoon. By the bye Mr Drummond says that Urceolina Aurea disappointed him and never ripened its seed. Both Mama and Mamie <2> have been looking at my book and Mamie and admire the Photographs extremely – They are certainly very good.
Monie heard this morning from Ibbley Spedding – The Mire-house party had arrived in London, Mildred having borne the journey well – but Though cheerful she is looking extremely delicate…and her Mother and Sister are very anxious about her. – They did not yet know what place the Doctors would order her to go to. There had been some talk about Torquay, but it seemed rather late in the year for such a hot place.
We are indignant that you recommend us to plant in the garden here Corchorus Japonica! when we have 2 or 3 plants already flowering beautifully – I suppose that being still young and small was the reason you overlooked them. –
I am thinking of coming to Lacock next Tuesday week to stay – but shall write Hill word nearer the time.
Good-bye
Your affecte daughter
Ela
[envelope:]
H F Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Letter not located.
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife, and Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798–1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal].