Florence
Dec r 20th
My dear Henry
I still continue so very unwell & the weather so cold that it is very uncertain when we shall move, we therefore think it better to give up our Lodgings now & whenever I can I will let you know when it is likely we shall move arrive at Rome – it is very tiresome as I fear you will be going to Naples before we get to Rome, I am very much provoked at having given you so much trouble for nothing but it is impossible to say when we shall be able to go – Will you do what is necessary about giving up the Lodgings & let us know what you pay & we will remit it to the Banker.
I had no idea it was ever so cold on this side the Alps, it has been much more so here, than we had the whole of last winter & I have seen ice in the street half an inch thick which is more than I have seen for the last two or three years at Penrice. <1> Emma <2> writes word, there are several Polyanthus Narcissus in blossom in the open ground & violets in abundance and a Blue Agapanthus Is the Smilax aspera that red berried shining heartleaved, prickly creeper I see every where? what is that yellow berried Thorn in hedges near here? –
Yours affly
Jane H Nicholl
A Monsr
Monsieur W. H. Talbot
Palazzo Ceva
Via Magnanapoli
Roma
Notes:
1. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
2. Emma Thomasina Llewelyn, née Talbot (1806–1881), photographer; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.