Richmond.
Friday afternoon.
Cher Mr Talbot:
Milady <1> me charge de vous dire qu’elle desire que vous avanciez votre voyage ici de quelques jours; elle est plus abattue que je ne l’ai encore vue: Mr Feilding <2> est certainement plus faible encore et plus mal depuis hier; avant-hier il avait éprouvé un accroissement de faiblesse causé par l’écoulement d’un nouvel abcès qui s’est ouvert dans le talon; cependant hier aforce de soins, et de nourriture Mr Bowling <3> trouva moyen de le remonter un peu; il était mieux hier, mais aujourd’hui il y a évidemment rechûte! Votre mère a je crois besoin de vos consolations et de votre affection: elle desire vous voir, s’il vous est possible de vous éloigner encore de votre chère famille; – Caroline, <4> qui a été à Londres hier pour accompagner Lord Valletore <5> qui part pour Leamington, seul va recevoir un message de moi pour la rappeler le ce soir.
Les domestiques qui entourent Mr Feilding, ne le pensent pas pire qu’hier; mais Milady me paraît plus alarmée que jamais.
Votre affectionnée et dévouée
Amélina
W. H. Fox Talbot Esq
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts.
Translation:
Richmond.
Friday afternoon.
Dear Mr Talbot:
Milady has asked me to tell you that she wishes you to bring forward your journey here by a few days; she is more disheartened that I have ever seen her. Mr Feilding is certainly weaker still and in a worse condition since yesterday; the day before yesterday he felt increasingly weak due to the leaking of a new abscess which has opened on his heel; nevertheless, yesterday, by dint of care, and of food Mr Bowling was able to raise his spirits somewhat; he was better yesterday but today there has, of course, been a relapse! Your mother, I believe, has need of your consolation and your affection: she wishes to see you, if it is possible for you to take leave of your dear family once again; – Caroline, who was in London yesterday to accompany Lord Valletore who is leaving, alone, for Leamington, will receive a message from me to recall her this evening.
The domestics looking after Mr Feilding do not believe his condition to be worse than yesterday; but Milady seems to me more alarmed than ever.
Your affectionate and devoted
Amélina
W. H. Fox Talbot Esq
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts.
Notes:
1. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
2. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
3. Surgeon.[ See Doc. No: 03128].
4. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
5. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797–1861), WHFT’s brother-in-law.
6. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.