Oakfield
Monday Nov. 19th
My dear Henry
Thank you for your consideration in offering the Services of Reuben – but I am glad to say that we shall not want any additional help in moving – The packing will be [illegible deletion] light from Oakfield in comparison with the usual start from Lacock Abbey. And we have abundance of time for doing all without making a labor of it. – I have engaged to keep the boy (Robert Makenson,) because he is as handy & useful almost as an older servant & he will do quite well for Edinburgh – Goodwin likes him & is quite satisfied with this arrangemt. We have heard nothing from Matilda of Mr Clark being appointed to a Shrievalty – therefore I consider the report too good to be true – for I remember it was a thing he wished for, and was considered conditional on his working hard in his profession, which most assuredly he has not done hitherto. But we will ask her about it – she has however hinted at various reasons for his having resolved to attend Parliament House this year, which we are to be told when we meet: – so we shall know more hereafter. We have entered upon a bit of early winter here – as I believe Rd told you in her letter of Saturday. – We had then snow on the mountain tops which was exceedingly pretty set off by a pure blue sky & lit up by a clear bright sun. Yesterday morning opened with equal brilliancy; but in the afternoon we had a regular heavy fall of snow – which however did not lie in the plain, from the surfaces of the ground being so wet. Last night it froze again & some places are slippery. The post has just come in & brought a nice cheerful letter from Charles to Rosd – I am to enclose it for you to read and please to return it to Rd as she wishes to keep it. – I also enclose Mr Headlam’s letter with many thanks for allowing me to see it. I feel a little more hopeful with regard to Charles – for there is certainly some return of cheerfulness which is a great thing, and the 1t step towards more important changes –.
I had yesterday a letter from Mr Gilder, asking me about the best way of sending a packet of various little remembrances of my dear Sister. <1> It is chiefly jewellery – but there is to be a miniature sent at the same time, which may will make the parcel too heavy for sending as a registered letter. Would it not be a good plan to have it directed to you at the Athenæum, to be left in the care of the Steward till you call for it? Then you will pick it up when you pass through London & bring it to Edinburgh. – I will delay giving Mr Gilder an answer till I hear from you, if you will just say what you think of this plan by return of post –
Mlle A’s face-ache is better – I trust this heavy cold is gradually leaving her – It has been more general tenderness than severe pain – so that she has not lost her sleep at nights. Matilda writes in excellent spirits from Edinburgh – She went out walking one day; and met a number of her acquaintances in George Street. She appears quite well, & says she means to accept any dinner invitations that they may receive. We shall hear at Edinburgh all the gossip about the Empress Eugénia! I don’t wonder at the whole country being startled by her unexpected & most sudden appearance. – Even the ‘Times’ is puzzled – We thought his article very clumsy & even offensive in speaking of the peculiar anxieties of her position as spouse of Napoleon. – Tell us your own interpretation of the matter.
Your affectionate
Constance.
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Her sister, Marian Gilder, née Mundy (1806 – 14 October 1860); m. 6 August 1844 William Troward Gilder (d. 1871), Army Surgeon (ret).