Sunday 10 Feby 1861
My Dear Constance
I was exceedingly shocked at receiving today from Lucy Nicholl the sad intelligence of my dear cousin Mary’s <1> death – I enclose Lucy’s letter to you and I will try to explain how it happened that Mary should have taken such a long winter journey to Town which has had such a lamentable result. When Mr Traherne <2> died last year, his nephew George Traherne disputed his will on the ground that it was made only 10 days before his death and when he had lost his understanding. This lawsuit caused the greatest annoyance to Mrs Traherne <3>, but as there was no help for it, she retained eminent Counsel and prepared to defend the Will. The cause was fixed to come on in the Court of Probate in London this week. Charry who was I believe at Penrice <4> was obliged to go up to Town on this dismal business and as her spirits were low at going alone, Mary offered to accompany her, otherwise she never would have thought of going to Town this time of year. She must have felt fully well, otherwise she never would have done such a thing, but she miscalculated her strength very much and the fatigue caused a return I believe of an old complaint in her foot – She used to be an immense walker but about 10 years ago was thrown out of a poney carriage which upset, and this lamed her for a long time; but I should never have expected that such a cause would have produced such sudden fatal effects. It is a sad and strange thing that she died on the very day when this lawsuit came on, so that poor dear Charry had a sad complication of troubles. I had a letter from dear Mary <5> only 3 or 4 days ago written in her usual kind manner which I was thinking of sending you to read, and had it by me when I received this mournful intelligence. I shall prize this letter very much being her last, besides it is very kind and thinking I am in Town she speaks with pleasure of meeting me there. She will be a very great loss to her family being a general favourite in all their numerous circles and deservedly – I have hardly left myself space for more. I hope you enjoyed at Edinburgh this particularly bright and cheerful Sunday, but as its fineness is due to a North East wind perhaps it was less pleasant in the North
Your affte
Henry
Notes:
1. Mary Thereza Talbot (1795–1861), WHFT’s cousin.
2. Rev John Montgomerie Traherne (1788–1860), JP & author.
3. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.
4. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
5. See Doc. No: 08305.