11 Moray Place
Thursday Feby 7th
My dear Henry
Thanks for sending me the enclosed – I am very glad the marriage pleases Mrs Llewelyn so much. I have received both your letter from Lacock – and was rather amused to see by the first, that the event at Duncliffe had taken you by surprise – for I had not intentionally concealed from you that this expected marvel was the talk of Edinburgh as soon as the Bewsters arrived. – And when Lady Brewster declined coming to our party, I <ill. del.> understood the reason. – I believe all must be proceeding favorably – for I had a note from Sir David within the last few days, offering us Tickets for the Reid Concert – and not alluding to the late event – In my answer I sent my best wishes on the occasion – but they live too far out of Edinburgh for personal enquiries – and Dr Moir does not attend. Your report of the stricken shrubs at Lacock does not surprise me: – but I am particularly grieved for the injured state of our splendid Pinus insignis. I do not regret the Phillyreas – especially those that grew so much <ill. del.> out of Shape in the botanic Garden. They will be the better hereafter for cutting down to the root – and sprouting anew – as I dare say they will next summer. Many things that appeared killed now, are probably alive at the root. Wilkins must have had a great deal of anxiety about throughout the frost & loss of rest in watching the fires of the houses, at night – Has he recovered from the severe cold of which he wrote me word? – We have had dear Matilda with us these last 2 mornings as well as to dinner – while Mr Clark was away. He is to return some time today – but expects to be late – as he had gone to Dabton after Speddoch & Dumfries to see the Maxwells – Poor Miss Maxwell is not so well again: and Tilly stays at home this morning in case of a telegraph being sent for Dr Christianson to go down again. – I am going presently to Coates Crescent to enquire – and shall keep my letter open till afterwards in case I hear any particulars. – The weather continues rather rough here, and the wind is cold – but there has not been much rain. And we have plenty of sunshine.
Your affectionate
Constance