Lacock,
Chippenham.
July 28th 1866
My dear Mr Talbot,
I was just going to send a note to you when yours arrived. I shall have great pleasure in dining with you on Monday.
I have I hope got the Church – wardens to make an arrangement which I hope will be satisfactory to you for the Seating of your servants: viz: your servants to retain their present seat; and but give up the three sitting in the same seat with Mrs Smico, and in exchange to have the seat which was occupied by Mr H Awdry’s servants, who have moved into the free seats; the seat is situated in the aisle by the vestry door, Sally Brickworth will show them the place: there is room for five in the seat. Mrs Smico cannot be moved, even if she were willing to do so, from her present seat because she has to look after the school children and her seat is close to them.
Yours truly
Edward P. Nicholl