11 Moray Place <1>
January 30th <2>
My dear Henry
I have just received you’re your letter – and am quite happy at hearing so soon of the journey, being accomplished without accident – there is always something fearful in these railways – The breaking down of this luggage train, for instance, might have resulted in serious mischief to the train you travelled by – But it was mercifully ordered otherwise – I hope tomorrow may bring us a line from Charles <3> – for he also promised to write at his journey’s end – The missing carpet bag would be a grievance to him – but I believe these things are generally recovered on prompt application – Was it through Reuben’s <4> want of care that it could not be found? for of course Charles trusted to his looking after it.
Mlle Amélina <5> has a letter from Caroline <6> today – from Mt Edgcumbe <7> still and apparently there is still some hesitation about their movements. depending on Ld Mt E’s <8> decision – Caroline sends you a message, under the idea of your being still at Edinburgh – She thanks you for your last letter – and the enclosure of 2 little Photographs –
We had a very agreeable drive to Dalmeny Park <9> yesterday. The weather was magnificent – clear & mild – unclouded sunshine throughout the day – We started ( E. <10> R. <11> & myself) soon after 12 – lunched, saw the house, which is very comfortable & handsome, without unnecessary ornament – and afterwards walked about the grounds which are very beautiful, extending to the water’s edge – The old house remains as a picturesque ruin, clothed with Ivy, on a little promontory – At the time of the present Lady Roseberry’s <12> marriage the family still occupied the old house (which dates from the Conqueror) – but as soon as the new Mansion was finished they removed into it – and partially demolished the ancient building to convert it at once into a picturesque ruin –
I pity you for having spent such a glorious day, enveloped in a thick fog! – Observe the superiority of our atmosphere – in this beautiful town. Today is very fine also; but there are some floating clouds which obscure the Sun occasionally – Nothing could be more friendly & pleasant than our reception at Dalmany – many messages were sent to Matilda <13> & Mr Clark <14> of regret that they were not able to be of the party – so I really hope they will manage to go some other day – We are all to dine in Coates Crescent <15> today.
Your affectionate
Constance.
Notes:
1. ‘New Town’, Edinburgh. North west of Princes Street
2. 1861. [See Doc. No: 08303].
3. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
4. Reuben Bennett (b. 1841), Lacock Abbey footman.
5. Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798–1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal].
6. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
7. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.
8. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797–1861), WHFT’s brother-in-law.
9. West of Edinburgh – between South Queensferry and Cramond.
10. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
11. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
12. Ann Margaret Primrose, Lady Roseberry (d. 1882), married the 4th Lord Roseberry in 1819.
13. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.
14. John Gilchrist-Clark (1830–1881), Scottish JP; WHFT’s son-in-law.
15. West of Princes Street, Edinburgh.
16. Lucy Pullen, Lacock Abbey housekeeper, married to William Pullen.