My dear Mr Talbot
Emily <1> & I are just returned from Church & have only a few minutes to express the excessive pleasure dear Constance’s <2> & your joint letter has given us all, do tell her she shall hear from us tomorrow, what I have now to communicate is a matter of business & I therefore prefer addressing you on the subject, – though perhaps you will give her my letter to read lest she should imagine anything is wrong – You will I fear think us somewhat capricious, but the fact is my father <3> has improved so much within the last few days, that we feel there is now a greater probability of his being able to move from hence sooner than we have hitherto ventured to hope, & Bates holds out so little hope of his getting a good rent for his house, especially as my father is not disposed to give up the whole season, which you likewise hinted would be a disadvantage to the letting it, that after mature consideration he has determined to keep it disengaged for the present so that when ever we find we can move it will be ready for our reception, & we hope if you do not hurry out of Town & the weather becomes mild so as to enable my Father to make more rapid progress, we may possibly reach Q. Anne St <4> soon enough to catch a glimpse of you all, which would delight us more than I can express – We must not regret that you had it not, as it would not have been ready in time for Constance & are only sorry that you have taken any trouble about it –
I have written both to Bates & Gillow to say my Father has changed his mind –
Tell Constance we shall not send the cheque just yet, as we cannot get Miss [Spring’s?] bill, we will send word when she may expect it –
Believe me ever yr affecte
Laura Mundy
When do your Family come to Town?
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Harley Street
London
65 –
Notes:
1. Emily Mundy (1807– 5 November 1839), WHFT’s sister-in-law.
2. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife had recently given birth to Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
3. Francis Mundy (29 Aug 1771 – 6 May 1837), politician and father of Constance Talbot.
4. 44 Queen Ann Street: London home of the Mundy family and a frequent base for WHFT.