[The letter is in the BL and its envelope is in the NMeM.]
January 21st
My dear Henry
I do not take it well of you to refuse my request upon such very frivolous grounds – I did think you had more affection for me than it appears is the case – It is fifty to one Aunt H <1> goes to Lacock at the time she says – There will not be such a crowd at my wedding <2> as you seem to think – dear Uncle Harry & Uncle William <3> & some Strangways are the only people I know of & I am sure your business would not be much hindered by a week or ten days absence but as the old law is “where there’s the will, there is the way” – & it seems the will is wanting, so it is of no use to look for the way – I expect you to send me something very pretty to atone for your absence & if you behave yourself in a cousinly manner tho’ you won’t in a brotherly way, you shall have a share of wedding Cake
I cannot help thinking that your own unbiassed feelings would have brought you, consequently I do not feel so much vexed with you, as I should if I thought it otherwise –
I hope Mr Franklen will bring our dear Mary <4> to us soon & safely – he is going to Lacock to fetch her home – My love to all – I am dear Henry in spite of all my complaints your very affecte cousin
Isabella Talbot
[envelope:]
Swansea Janyy. twenty one
Henry Talbot Esqr
Laock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Lady Harriet Frampton, née Fox Strangways (d. 1844) .
2. She married Richard Franklen in late January.
3. Henry Stephen Fox Strangways, 3rd Earl of Ilchester (1787–1858), and William Thomas Horner Fox Strangways, 4thh Earl of Ilchester (1795–1865), botanist, art collector & diplomat.
4. Mary Thereza Talbot (1795–1861), WHFT’s cousin.