Lacock Abbey
March 3d
My dear Henry,
I have just been taking a little walk on the Terrace & through the Orchard, supported by Price. <1> – I enjoyed the soft air very much & remained out just ½ an hour – Is not that a great improvement since you saw me, the being able to walk? –
I am afraid we shall have more rain as the weather is so mild – We have now a very high flood. – I am greatly amused by your enclosure today: The lucky 2d of February? <2> –
How those people must be on the watch for any circumstance that may turn to their advantage. –
I shall not be able to keep Mrs Havergal <3> beyond next Wednesday – for the reason that I told you of – that she must be in London to give up her house by a certain day – and she has no friend that can do the business for her – She has an additional anxiety occasioned by the illness of her youngest child – & as she has been unfortunate in losing several of her children at different times, she is the more easily alarmed. I hope she will not have any worse account, otherwise I shall feel uncomfortable at keeping her even till Wednesday. – I think we shall be well able to spare her by that time – for you know Bennett <4> is an excellent Nurse though not a good Governess –
Your affectionate
Constance. –
One or two of the Hyacinths are very sweet indeed. –
Notes:
1. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son, was born on 2 February.
2. Mrs Sarah Henneman, first m Price ( ca.1811–1848), housemaid at Lacock Abbey.
3. Midwife and nurse.
4. Bennett, nurse and governess to WHFT’s family.