13 Great Stuart St.
Thursday 24th Nov.
My dear Henry
I sent you the promised telegram today – and told you in it of Goodwin <1> being so much better. He is now quite quiet – no wandering of the mind – The attendant who was placed with him by Dr Moir <2> left this morning, being no longer wanted. – He is a very respectable man, and has promised to get for us a suitable man Servant on a Job, to take Goodwin’s place – So you may feel quite satisfied that all will go on right for the present. as long as G. is confined to bed: which will be some time, on account of his great muscular weakness. The pulse is much better & stronger than it was. He now only requires to be fed often. with beef tea, & pudding to keep up his strength. And one of our own Maids to sit in the next room (your room) within call – He will not require to be nursed out of the house. until he is fit for change of air – and then will be the proper time to decide upon his future fitness to resume his duties – Dr Moir expects that he will leave his bed, a reformed man. – but I doubt the possibility of reposing confidence in him hereafter. – I think our people at Dabton will soon fix a day for joining us. – they proposed to come immediately on first hearing of Goodwin’s illness. – but I asked them to delay a little, as the household as well as the house are scarcely ready for any addition – We shall get straighten in a few days. Ela <3> & I are quite well, and are going out for an hour’s business to the tradespeople. – but the day is gloomy & rather foggy. – Ibby Spedding has written to Dabton, & desired a message to us communicating the sad intelligence of her Uncle’s sudden death. Mr Spedding of Mirehouse. <4> It was from disease of the heart. none of the family having been aware of his precarious state. It is singular how often heart disease remains unnoticed. – I shall be glad to get your answer to & remarks on my letter of yesterday. – I suppose it cannot be before Saturday –
Ela’s love –
Your very affectionate
Constance
Notes:
1. George Goodwin (d. 1875), footman at Lacock Abbey.
2. Dr John Moir (b 1809), French-born to British parents, MD, 52 Castle St, Edinburgh.
3. Ela Theresa Talbot (25 Apr 1835 - 25 Apr 1893), WHFT's 1st daughter.
4. Isabel Spedding (b. 1839), daughter of John Spedding, whose brother Thomas Story Spedding (1800- 22 November 1870) had just died.