Clifton <1>
Sunday Septr. 26th
My dear Henry
I was so agreeably surprised to receive your letter this morning about ½ past 10 o’clock – For I had been troubling sadly about your chances of getting home & so annoyed too that you had had no dinner! – I thought afterwards that it would have been a far better plan to have sent Nichole <2> alone last night & to have followed yourself this morning. – I was too stupid to think of anything during those few l moments of bustle – on account of the sudden headache which came over me during the ascent from the Hotwells. But it passed off very soon & has only left a weight in my head today – It is the first of those headaches which I have experienced this time – though as they may be likely to return during the next few months I will try some day to find out from what they proceed –
I am much obliged by your advice about bringing something eatable with us tomorrow which we can so easily do from the venders <sic> <thereof?> here – We have had a delicious Turkey poult for dinner today – & every thing appears comfortable at this Hotel – So much rain continues falling today almost without ceasing, that we can not get beyond a few yards from the door – so if tomorrow should prove fine, we shall remain to enjoy ourselves till the latter part of the day and I suppose we shall not find you at home on our return – if you keep your first idea about Wells &c –
I am writing by today’s post to Lady Ilchester <3> to propose paying her visit <sic> (if agreeable) on our way to Weymouth – Matilda <4> has a heavy cold in her head this morning – but all are very merry & happy to admire Clifton notwithstanding the rain –
Your affectionate
Constance
Notes:
1. Clifton, Bristol, on the Avon Gorge.
2. Nicolaas Henneman (1813–1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT’s valet, then assistant; photographer.
3. Juliana Maria Strangways, née Digby (d. 1842).
4. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.