Lacock Abbey
Wednesday

My dear Henry

I am longing to hear whether your cold is better since you left us – You know you promised to write soon & tell me – but I begin to be afraid that you have forgotten all about it – otherwise you might have sent a message by Caroline ^<1> – She was too much hurried after she came back to allow of my cross questioning her – though I dare say you appeared well & animated when she saw you. – She always charms you into health & spirits.– How delightful for herself that she possesses such a sunny mind and such calmness – in all circumstances – for she has many things to worry her – and Valletorts ^<2> very delicate health since the Influenza – causes her much anxiety – We really thought him rather better during the two days he was here – and I hope at Mount Edgcumbe, ^<3> he will recover more rapidly – You will be made aware of Wright’s ^<4> arrival today in Sackville Street ^<5> – therefore, though we are in no difficulties here for want of a Servant, William might make himself useful, if (as we were saying) the arrangements with Schie. or Antonio causes him to enter your Service immediately – I mean that 2 servants in London must be useless to you & one would be useful here – though if the Courier is content to wait for our departure that of course is best – Have you agreed with Scheichelbaur? ^<6> – I saw M^r Awdry on Monday & proferred Alfred Robins’s request ^<7> – He said he would speak for him to the Superintendant of the County Police –We also talked on other matters & got on better than at the former interview –

Your affectionate
Constance. –

Marian ^<8> has been troubled with pain in her face, but is better now – The Clerk called today with 2 books – requesting the Easter Offerings for the Vicar M^r Paley ^<9> & himself – I desired her to call again & said I would write to you and ask what you wished to have paid – Lady Elisabeth thinks she shall do nothing this year – I sowed 2 dozen pots of seeds today.

---

Notes:

1. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.

2. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3^rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797–1861), WHFT’s brother-in-law.

3. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.

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

5. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT

6. Constance initially had had difficulty with the spelling of his name, but by now got it right: Mr. Scheichelbaur, a courier and travelling servant to various branches of the Talbot family in 1844 until at least 1863.

7. Appointed policeman by 22 May 1844. [See Doc. No: 05002].

8. Her sister, Marian Gilder, née Mundy (1806 – 14 October 1860); m. 6 August 1844 William Troward Gilder (d. 1871), Army Surgeon (ret).

9. Rev James Paley (1790–1863), Vicar at Lacock.