Monday Nov 29th
My dear Henry,
I was so glad to hear from you yesterday! – I think you have taken a fancy to Bournemouth & will try it next summer for change of air – How wet & gloomy the weather continues! – On Friday it was too tempestuous here to stir out – on Sat, it was very damp & close – Yesterday we had a few fine hours after eleven o’clock which enabled us to stroll on the sands which happened at that hour to be very good & smooth, extensive & dry while all other walks were dripping wet – In the evening, the rain returned & has continued all today with a short interval in the morning – To make up for so much confinement to the house, we enjoyed the sight of very fine waves from the windows at high tide this morning – I have not seen them so beautiful since we have been here – the wind being from the land caused the waves to break beautifully as they dashed partly over the Esplanade – I have had a very pleasing account of Mrs Havergal from Marian, <1> & I write today to engage her <2> – So there is a grand affair very easily settled. I think I am rewarded for taking it so quietly & waiting the course of events. –
Your affte
Constance
Notes:
1. Her sister, Marian Gilder, née Mundy (1806 – 14 October 1860); m. 6 August 1844 William Troward Gilder (d. 1871), Army Surgeon (ret).
2. Mrs Havergal was engaged as midwife for the birth of Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
3. Ela Theresa Talbot (25 Apr 1835 - 25 Apr 1893), WHFT's 1st daughter; Rosamond Constance Talbot (16 Mar 1837 - 7 May 1906), 'Rose'; 'Monie'; artist & WHFT's 2nd daughter; died & buried at San Remo, Italy, with a memorial at Lacock; Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, née Talbot (25 Feb 1839-1927), 'Tilly', WHFT's 3rd daughter; m. John Henry Gilchrist-Clark 16 Jun 1859.
4. Francis Noel Mundy (1833–1903), WHFT’s nephew.