85 Wimpole Street <1>
Friday -
My dear Henry
Our journey yesterday was very prosperous - though it did not promise to be speedy enough between Lacock & Chippenham <2> to enable us to catch the train - for old Bob thought he had a heavier load than usual (the roads being uncommonly bad encreased the difficulty) and he objected to pull us up [Cantar?] hill - which occasioned us all to descend from the Cobourg & ascend the hill à pied <3> - the same occurrence was repeated near Mr Awdry's house - but after these two considerable delays we just managed to arrive at the Station in time -
Lady Elisabeth <4> dropped me at my Sister's <5> door rather before six - before she had begun to expect me - The weather was very cold - but I soon got rid of all chill by the side of Marian's very snug fire - in her very nice comfortable warm house - I am quite delighted with every part of her new home - but less satisfied with herself for I find her very far from well, though much better than she has been latterly - She is going to venture out for a short time & I am summoned: so no more at this present
from your affectionate
Constance -
Notes:
1. London.
2. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
3. On foot. The cobourg was a two-wheeled covered carriage, used especially in the country.
4. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773-1846), WHFT's mother.
5. Her sister, Marian Gilder, née Mundy (1806 – 14 October 1860); m. 6 August 1844 William Troward Gilder (d. 1871), Army Surgeon (ret.)