Lacock Abbey
Jan 30 – Thursday
My dear Henry
I have heard of you this morning, though not from you. – And I am so very glad that you adopted my notice, & were going to drink tea with our Sisters <1> yesterday.
I hope you had the same lovely weather that we had here yesterday – I took advantage of it by getting the ivy chimnies lightened as you desired so that they are now quite safe – Today I proceeded to clear your Museum windows, but was obliged at last to make a hasty retreat by reason of a cutting, piercing cold wind which arose – I write today for the express purpose of telling you that Tuesday 4th. is the day Lady Elisabeth <2> has fixed for being in Sackville Street <3>– and she desires that you will by no means think of fixing your journey home for the same day, because she would not like to pass you on the road. – Wright <4> will be in London on the day before – There is no news to tell you except that we are all well, – & that Matilda <5> has cut her first tooth. – I wish the enclosed note to be sent to Groves <6> either by Nicholl <7> or the post. – he knows her address –
Your affte.
Constance
Rosamond <8> stands by me & says, she wants to send her love to Papa & invites him to come to tea! –
H. F. Talbot
31 Sackville Street
London
Notes:
1. Laura Mundy (1805–1842); Marian Gilder, née Mundy (1806 – 14 October 1860); m. 6 August 1844 William Troward Gilder (d. 1871), Army Surgeon (ret).; WHFT’s sisters-in-law.
2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
3. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
4. James Wright, footman to the Talbots & Constable for Lacock.
5. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.
6. Nurse.
7. Dr John Nicholl (1797–1853), MP.
8. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.