Mount Edgcumbe <1>
Feby 6th 1866
My dearest Henry
I am so sorry I could not answer your letter directly - but I have been so dreadfully busy, just at the last, paying hideous bills &c that I really was not able to find time. We go tomorrow to Schill's Hotel <2> 1 Albemarle St for two or three days - & hope to get off Saturday for Paris, en route to Cannes. I suppose we shall stay 2 or 3 days at Paris - but don't yet know where - Perhaps Hotel Windsor, R. de Rivoli - or Westminster, R. de la Paix - but I believe the Grand Hotel near the Madelaine, is now the best for single men. Charlie <3> is going there, to divert himself with his friend Johnny Bulteel, <4> for a week - before resuming his musketry duties - I am very sorry I know of no travelling Servant - but perhaps Schill can recommend one. He is very civil & devoted to me - & was once a courier.
It will be delightful to meet you out there. Pray come. no time for more. Best love to all with you -
Yr affte Sister
Caroline
Notes:
1. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.
2. Louis Schill, private hotelier and eau de cologne importer (listed as being at 4 Albemarle Street in the 1856 London Post Office Directory).
3. Charles Earnest Edgcumbe (1838-1915), JP, WHFT's nephew.
4. John Buteil (1827-1897).