Fenton’s Hotel
London
My dear Henry
I am very anxious to write to Aunt Lily <1>, can you tell me what is her address?
My object is to advertise her of my intended marriage with Lady C Butler <2> resolved upon principally at her suggestion and which she ought therefore to hear of from me. When you married I was a trustee to your settlement on condition of your doing as much for me on occasion, and I now put it in your power to redeem your pledge.
I do not wish this mentioned, though perhaps it is no news, but you will oblige me by not speaking of it to anybody.
Ever your faithfully
C R M Talbot
Nov. 27 1835.
P.S. Is the Devizes man our Harrow friend ‘Squirt’? <3>London Novr twenty seven 1835
W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
C R M Talbot
Notes:
1. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
2. Lady Charlotte Talbot, née Butler, wife of CRM Talbot.
3. Possibly a teasing schoolboy version of ‘Estcourt’, that is, Thomas Henry Sutton Sotheron Bucknall Estcourt (1801–1876), MP.