Friday May 31.
13 Great Stuart Street Edinburgh
My dear Henry
Do Begbie gives an encouraging report today, and sees decided progress in dear Monie since last week. – He says that if the weather favors us and all goes on well in the meantime, we may hope to get her away the end of next week – or thereabouts. – and he recommends Morecambe bay as an excellent point for our first move: He says there is a comfortable Hotel at Morecambe. – I think it is a place that will suit us nicely and is quite accessible – But of course we do not absolutely decide at this moment. Both the Doctors say we must be very cautious in our choice of a Summer residence – and in this Bayer may assist us, as he said in one of his letters “he knew of several places in Switzerland which should do immense good to Invalids – places situated rather high but with cheerful scenery – and certainly not expensive” – The doctors say most strongly that we must not take her to a hot climate during the Summer months: but we must of course be guided by the [illegible deletion] temperate of the Summer in making our choice of residence. –
I was much amused by some parts of your last letter, especially when you told of Harriot Mundy’s characteristic impetuosity – in her demand for cuttings – I think we have given her cuttings enough already to stock several gardens – but they don’t seem to grow under her gardener’s management. Isn’t it a pity Mr. Scrope selling Castle Combe? – Has he no nephew to whom he could have left it? – Will you please to tell Wilkins he may send the Hamper as usual next week and I will until I write to stop it – because of course our leaving Edinburgh is uncertain – and must depend greatly on the weather. – Yesterday was charming – but today is again bitterly cold: – and we are not to think of setting out on a cold day. – Unfortunately Whitsun week forbids our going quite so soon as Do Begbie suggested – but I dare say we shall lose nothing by the delay –
Your affectionate
Constance. –
I read the letter you alluded to from one of the Bishop of Salisbury’s Clergy: also the protest. –
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire