4 Circus <1>
April 30th
My dear Papa,
As we expect Aunt Caroline <2> by the late train tomorrow, we shall have tea-supper at 8 o’clock, so perhaps you had better dine before you leave Lacock. As late a journey as possible is pleasantest in this weather. I fear you will find your room, and indeed the whole house, rather bare and forlorn, as all the carpets & curtains had to be taken away, and some of the sofas also, on account of the moths. They have come out again dreadfully in this hot weather. It is a great plague. The Llewelyns <3> are anxious to come over to Lacock, and I think are going to propose Thursday next, if that will suit you, by which time Ela <4> will be settled there, and the house looking in better order. I drove with them to Bilton, the other day. It is a wonderful garden, but I felt I was not worthy of it, so chuck full of curiosities with which you would be enchanted – you really must go some day. Today Mama <5> took a real drive, over Combe downs. It was very pleasant, and every garden in the valley so lovely –
Your most affectionate daughter
Rosamond
I have exchanged the Magic inkstand: Mr Simms <6> saw that it was defective – & also got a red one.
Notes:
1. 4 the Circus, Bath; frequent summer home of Constance Talbot, now a Museum of Costume.
2. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
3. John Dillwyn Llewelyn (1810-1882), Welsh photographer, JP & High Sheriff; and his wife, Emma Thomasina Llewelyn, née Talbot (1806–1881), photographer, WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
4. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
5. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
6. The 'Inexhaustible Magic Ink Stand' was designed for travellers or those who wrote a lot of letters. One merely had to add water to produce a 'wonderful ink' for 'up to a hundred years.' It was available in several colours. Simms & Son was a Booksellers & Stationers at 12 George Street, Bath.