Clarence Mansion
Brighton
16 February
My Dear Henry
I think we shall be in town tomorrow night but will say nothing positive after all our uncertainties. When you come up next I wish you would bring George <1> with you instead of Jones <2> – I will explain why when I see you. When I am not in town, I do not care which. I think Horatia <3> is sorry to leave this, the Place agrees with her so much, but all things must have an end, & I long to be at the old Abbey – the "Haven where I would be" & to see the Spring advancing. Caroline <4> is to be in town for the Drawing room & soon after goes into Waiting
affy yrs
E F
She has enquired in her last letter if the P. of Wales <5> would be ready, otherwise her Majesty <6> might think it odd
I have been asked if you would refuse to sit for your Bust, an artist wishes to do it for himself to commemorate the Inventor of the Talbotype
[envelope:]
H. Fox Talbot Esre
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. George Jones (b. 1816), butler at Lacock.
2. Jones, servant.
3. Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.
4. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister. She was lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria.
5. Edward VII (1841–1910), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British dominions and emperor of India from 1901.
6. Victoria (1819–1901), Queen of the United Kingdom (1837–1901), Empress of India (1876–1901).