Saturday Feb. 26^th

My dear Henry,

I am anxious that you should know our success in finding a Nurse ^<1> as soon as possible – but Wright ^<2> thinks it doubtful whether the Railway delivers parcels on Sunday morning & it is too late for today – owing to M^r Kenrick ^<3> not calling till four o’clock. – We found a very nice person in the village of the name of Frayland ^<4> – She is the wife of a turner or carpenter or something of that kind. – & she is described to me as being a particularly clean, tidy, nice-looking young woman. – She lost her only child, suddenly, the night before last – It was just 3 months old & had been ailing about a fortnight ago, which the mother attributed to teething – It is certain however that it died of nothing which the woman can convey to another child – for M^r Jennings ^<5> & M^r Kenrick have both seen her & made all the necessary enquiries – M^r Kenrick approves of her highly in all respects – health, strength, age – and everything – and if by chance she should be found not to agree with the Baby – there is nothing easier (M^r Kenrick says) than to change – I expect her to arrive in the course of an hour – or rather in the course of a minute or two, for I am not sure that she is not already treading on the steps of M^r Jennings who has this moment left me. –

I will write you word tomorrow how I like her. – Baby has gone on very comfortably today, & slept very well last night. – I got your welcome letter this morning & do admire your activity in getting through so much business in one short morning – I hope dearest Henry the exertion did you no harm, as you see we have succeeded so well here, I should be the more vexed had you suffered in any way. – Matilda ^<6> was very happy throughout her Birthday & cried today because she could not wear her wreath again –

Y^r aff^te
Constance

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Notes:

1. A wetnurse for Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son, who was born on 2nd February.

2. James Wright, footman to the Talbots & Constable for Lacock.

3. Dr George Cranmer Kenrick, surgeon living at The Grove, Melksham.

4. Eliza Frayland. [See Doc. No: 01047].

5. Joseph Cave Spicer Jennings (fl.1839–1859), surgeon.

6. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3^rd daughter.