Lacock
Decr 3d
My Dear Constance
The flower you sent is the Bouvardia we have it both red and white – I am so sorry to hear you have such a bad cold, but the wisest thing is to keep in your warm room. The weather here is sometimes pleasant with sunshine, but at other times very cold. I do not go out much, Charles <1> does, but Sunday was too bad for him and he was reduced to sit by the fire. The Abbey is cold, but we manage pretty well. You will find in Tuesdays Times <2> an interesting sermon by Dean Stanley <3> in praise of Bishop Colenso <4> –
Pray thank Monie <5> for her letter received today. I am sorry to hear such a bad account of poor Goodwin, <6> it seems to be an attack of delirium tremens. John Wilkins <7> is not laid up but Mr Crisp says his health is worse. The church steeple is to be repaired and a lightning Conductor added.
It was only one day that Hill gave us a bad dinner, and we grumbled accordingly, not knowing that she was ill. The young medlar tree near the ha-ha has a merit not expected – its leaves turn a magnificent yellow in November and it is seen from afar. Chorozema in great beauty.
Your affte
Henry
What do you think of Dr Kenealy <8> being disbarred?Notes:
1. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
2. The Times (London), Tuesday, 1 December 1874, p. 12.
3. Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815–1881), Dean of Westminster.
4. John William Colenso (1814–1883), Bishop of Natal.
5. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter. Her letter is Doc. No: 03898.
6. George Goodwin (d. 1875), footman at Lacock Abbey.
7. John Wilkins, son of George Wilkins, employed at Lacock ca.1867–1869.
8. See Doc. No: 02991.