Great Stuart Street Thursday
My dear Henry
Do Moir<1> continues to speak satisfactorily of dear Monie,<2> inasmuch as her progress is in the right direction – but he wishes to see her gather strength more rapidly – and he urges her to take stimulants and such nourishment as she prefers, rather oftener: – for instance, Cocoa (which she likes) twice a day, instead of at breakfast only – whipped egg & brandy twice instead of once, &c &c. Whenever she will be able to fancy roast meat again, I cannot think – I enclose a letter which, by the Postmark, shews that Caroline<3> is in London – I wish it had come a day sooner that we too might have heard the news. – Our weather is beginning to improve I hope, for the sun is making feeble attempts to shine. – and the wind veered a point to the South East this morning – but changed its mind & went back again to due East.
I hope we shall hear in a few days of your safe arrival at Lacock – and no doubt everything will look very charming there, in its early Summer freshness –
I have seen Mrs Abbott<4> just now, & heard that Mr Primrose<5> has brought his Wife home from Cannes – no better – and they consider the case to be a very serious one. 2 of the daughters are in Moray Place, but Mrs Primrose is in London – with her relations, for awhile – soon following to Scotland, where she longs to be. –
Your affectionate
Constance
Notes:
1. Dr John Moir (b 1809), French-born to British parents, MD, 52 Castle St, Edinburgh.
2. Rosamond Constance Talbot (16 Mar 1837 - 7 May 1906), died & buried at San Remo, Italy, with a memorial at Lacock; 'Monie', artist & WHFT's 2nd daughter.
3. Lady Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding (1808-1881); WHFT's half-sister.
4. Frances Jane, née Parker, wife of Francis Abbott, Secretary of General Post Office, Edinburgh.
5. Frederica Sophia Primrose, 5th daughter of Thomas, 1st Viscount Anson, married 1838. She died 11 October 1867, leaving six sons and 3 daughters.