My dear Henry,
I think that by this time you will be wishing for some account of us, & waiting particularly to know how your little Ela <1> thrives in a new air. – Her Grandmamma <2> pronounces that she is beginning with her teeth already. – it is early for this – but I too am the more inclined to believe it possible from a very slight rash which covered her face yesterday. – She is merry & amiable as usual; & the admiration of all who have chanced to meet her in her walks. – I called upon Lady Mary <3> yesterday – I thought her & Mrs Traherne <4> looking extremely well. They are dying with impatience to see Ela & so I intend taking her there today. – Lady Mary was much pleased with Mr Gage’s flowers but a little disappointed I think, that they were not the produce of Lacock. She expatiated upon the beauty of Mr Nash’s garden & conservatory <5> – I must go & see them if I can –
I am sorry to say that my dear Mother is still very far from well. – She has been much worse than when you saw her & was only able to leave her room for a few hours both yesterday & Sunday. – She has swallowed scarcely anything in the way of food since I have been here & everything that she did attempt to take made her sick – this morning however there is a decided improvement & we hope she will amend gradually & without any more drawbacks. – but her being so unwell has cast a sad gloom over things at present hitherto; & I fear that many people will have left Cowes before she is able to enjoy their society. – Her doctor Mr Davids has given great satisfaction, though he has not contrived to cure her yet – but he is cautious & attentive, & says that we have not the smallest cause for anxiety. – Laura’s <6> friendless situation has inspired me with the gay resolve of going to the Ball with her tomorrow. – As it is to be almost, al fresco, in under the Yatchs Club awning, I think it cannot hurt me – I am charmed with the notion of being of the slightest use – & my Mother greatly applauds my resolution – I hope you too will approve, as I should be au diséspoir <7> to do anything that you did not like. – There will be fireworks on the evening of the Regatta which will be very pretty, I should think – and here the evening air is so exceedingly mild that there is not the smallest risk of catching cold however late one may be out. –
I was rather pleased to get your letter on Sunday morning – & to know something of your plan for returning to Lacock – I fear you must be dreadfully hot in the Courts today – unless from the newness of [illegible deletion] their construction all the latest improvements in ventilation have been adopted. – Do you remember how you suffered from cold in Devizes last winter at the Sessions?–
I hope we shall soon have further accounts from Price <8> – do not, pray, forget to tell me. We are extremely comfortable (Ela & I) in our small abode & live at Trafalgar house the whole of the day. – Ela is almost devoured by her Aunts’ admiring eyes – you must excuse my sending you such a hasty & scrawly letter – but I am rather hurried as we are to drive to Carisbrook castle <9> in a few minutes – I hope I shall hear from you very soon & know what you are going to do in Cardig
Your affecte
Constance
Tuesday August 18th
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
2. Sarah Leaper Mundy, née Newton (d. 1836), WHFT’s mother in law.
3. Lady Mary Lucy Cole, née Strangways, first m. Talbot (1776–1855), WHFT’s aunt.
4. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.
5. At East Cowes Castle, Isle of Wight, built by the architect John Nash (1752–1835), as his retirement home from 1831. [See Doc. No: 03136].
6. Laura Mundy (1805–1842), WHFT’s sister-in-law.
7. Despairing.
8. Mrs Sarah Henneman, first m Price ( ca.1811–1848), housemaid at Lacock Abbey.
9. A Norman castle at Carisbrooke, once the capital of the island.
10. South Wales.
11. A light stagecoach.