Melbury <1>
Dorchester
Friday Feby 10th 1871
My dear Henry
I must write my good wishes for your Birthday tomorrow, from this, your Birthplace. It is the same dear old place as ever – with very little change – except in one particular whereat you will perhaps grieve, thought [sic] Harriot Mundy <2> rejoices.
The poor old Greenhouse is gone – It was no beauty in itself – only we were always used to it, & the dark old bath behind it. Now you see the fine window of the old Library very well as you come down the hill from the turret – & the lower window into the library will be made good to correspond. Then Harry <3> is building a very large room beyond, for a library, & intends turning the present one into a billiardroom.
It stands well back, not to hide the house, & other old gables, & portions of the old house are seen, which were hid before. I hope it will be a success.
We have been here nearly a fortnight, & go today to Moreton, <4> till Monday, when we return here for 2 days, & then return West. Ernestine <5> sends her love –
Yr affte Sister
Caroline
We made an expedition one day to dear old Redlynch <6> – I was charmed with it – & remembered it perfectly.
Notes:
1. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.
2. Harriot Georgiana Mundy, née Frampton (1806-1886), WHFT’s cousin & sister-in-law.
3. Henry Edward Fox Strangways, 5th Earl of Ilchester.
4. Moreton, Dorset: home of the Frampton family.
5. Ernestine Emma Horatia Edgcumbe (1843-1925), WHFT’s niece.
6. Redlynch, Somerset, seat of the Earls of Ilchester (Barons of Redlynch).