Bath.
Dec 15th
My dear Papa,
Jack <1> is rather unwell with an attack of Jaundice, and therefore Tilly <2> thinks it will be best for him not to come here, as it makes an extra bit of journey, but to go straight home as soon as he is sufficiently recovered. They are to let me know, and I am to join him on the road. It is a great pity for you to have had that piece of desperate cold weather on going to Lacock, but now it has become so much milder that I hope you are more comfortable, and will be perhaps inclined to revert to your original plan of remaining till next week. At present you are better off for a cook than we are, as the poor young kitchen-maid is so ignorant that, were it not for Australian tins, I don’t know what we should do – And unluckily you do not like them. The new cook will only come on the 27th as she wanted to go home for a week before taking her new place.
Ela, <3> or I, or both of us may probably come over tomorrow if fair –
Your affectionate daughter
Rosamond
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre,br>
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham.
Notes:
1. John Henry Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Jack’ (1861–1902), WHFT’s grandson.
2. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.
3. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.