4 Royal Crescent
Weymouth
Nov 1st
My dear Papa
I had almost expected a line from Lacock to say whether Mamie and R <1> had started for Bath as they proposed on Friday – but I hope I may get a post card from Bath to say they are arrived there. Charles <2> thanks Mama <3> for sending Wiltshire paper.
We had high wind and rain last night, but it has cleared this morning and though it still a little rough the day is pleasant with fine effects of light on the chalk cliffs. Yesterday I walked over the hill behind the town and had a good view of Portland roads, the island of Portland and the breakwater. Charles went with me part of the way: he wishes me to say that he is improving though the progress is slow – but he finds that he can walk better than he did – he thinks he shall not be able to leave this, under a fortnight from the present time, and probably not so soon even as that. It is fortunate that we have found good lodgings and not expensive ones, and we have been lucky in a week of very fine weather – I am afraid Charles will not be strong enough for any kind of excursion however short – it is late in the year for driving – and he would find it chilly – so I shall have to put off seeing the fossil forest of Portland till some future occasion!
There is a shrub in flower in some of the villa gardens that you would like to see – the plant has dark-green leaves like an evergreen – simple, and alternate on the stem, with a cluster of bright rose coloured flowers at the end of the stem. The flowers appear to have 5 petals. If I can procure a specimen I will send it, but I am afraid there is no nursery garden in this place – Perhaps you may know what it is from my description. Any how it is a precious thing to be in flower at this season.
We shall probably be glad of another hamper towards the middle of next week, but I will write again on the subject; we have plenty to go on with at present. I shall not return the empty one till I am desired to do so –
I must conclude as post is going so good-bye dear Papa
Yr affecte daughter
Ela
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798–1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal ], and Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
2. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
3. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.