Margam <1>
Novr 16 1831
My dear Henry
Many thanks for your letter, I had however intelligence of the auspicious event about to take place in your family from Mary <2>. I know little of his lordship <3> except a House of Commons acquaintance, his politics are certainly a little awkward, but I must confess if I were in love, I should not stop to ask political opinions. She will make a sad void in your circle, that I have found myself in our own family but let me recommend you to replenish the mystic number yourself, and then you will not so much feel the vacuum. Pray present to your sister <4> my humble but sincere aspirations for her happiness, and believe me
Ever your Affectionate
CRM Talbot
Taiback November sixteen 1831
W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
CRM Talbot
Notes:
1. Margam Park, Glamorgan: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
2. Mary Thereza Talbot (1795–1861), WHFT’s cousin.
3. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797–1861), WHFT’s brother-in-law.
4. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister. She married Lord Valletort on 6th December 1831.