13. Great Stuart St
Thursday May 30th
My dear Henry
I had both your letter & one from Charles<1> this morning – thanks to both of you. – and I think you will like to know that this change to warm weather seems really to have done good to Monie<2> – She has been able to keep the window open with safety some time yesterday and today, and she enjoyed the air – Today she managed to get down to the drawing room for her early dinner – and began to discuss cheerfully the chances of getting away from Edinburgh soon – Tomorrow we shall speak again on this point with Do Begbie<3> – Today he was to see a friend at some distance and could not arrange to call at the hour we wished (½ past 4) – Tomorrow I shall have time to write you his report by the later post: Therefore you will get my next letter on Sunday morning.
Adieu – your affectionate
Constance
[envelope:]
[printed on rear flap:] 13 Great Stuart Street, Edinburgh
Henry Fox Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire
Notes:
1. Charles Henry Talbot, 'Charlie' or 'Tally' (2 Feb 1842 - 26 Dec 1916), antiquary & WHFT's only son.
2. Rosamond Constance Talbot (16 Mar 1837 - 7 May 1906), died & buried at San Remo, Italy, with a memorial at Lacock; 'Monie', artist & WHFT's 2nd daughter.
3. Dr James Begbie (b. 1798), 3, Charlotte Sq, Edinburgh; a Consulting Physician with the College of Physicians.