13 Gt Stuart St.
June 11th
My dear Papa,
I have been intending to write to you for some time but there really was so little to say – except to complain of the bad weather which prevented poor Monie<1> trying to go out which Dr Moir<2> has been anxious for some time past to see her accomplish She has not yet taken a drive, but what is I think almost more satisfactory – yesterday, she was out for some time in the garden and enjoyed it very much – the weather being mild and pleasant though with a good deal of wind – but she and Mamie<3> found some sheltered corners where they were able to sit down, and the garden is now at its prettiest, full of lilacs and laburnums – they stayed a good half hour and Monie was really very little fatigued considering – of course she lay down and rested well afterwards and this morning she seems all the better for it – I hope she will be able to get out today – but though not cold it is gloomy and foggy and rather uninviting I hope however it may clear up later.
Tilly<4> and party established themselves at their Sea-side quarters on Saturday and Mamie had a letter from her this morning in which she says that they are comfortably settled at Ross Bay – it is quite a retired spot but you will find it on the map at the entrance of the Bay of Kirkcudbright from which Town it is some miles distant she is to write again and give us a description of the Place – They had a wet day for their journey on Saturday but no rain since. Do you remember the little brown cat who made herself at home in our dog kennel? We were very anxious to find a home for her before leaving, and by the kindness of Miss Gibson Craig<5> she has been established in a cottage close to Hermiston where she is quite contented and happy in a family where there are six children – very proud of having a cat who came from Edinbro’.
Our own Pussy is going to Rosy this week – and poor Linny to Hermiston Riccarton on Saturday – but the latter is only on a visit during our absence abroad, as I could not consent to part with him altogether –
Mama<6> and Monie both wish me to thank you for your letters to them – and Wilkins<7> will be glad to hear that the banquet of Roses he sent in the last hamper was much admired and has lasted till now – & will you tell Charles<8> that Mama was pleased to hear that it was Mrs Edward’s cottage that has been restored as she is one of her favourite old women –
We shall not leave Edinburgh this week but probably the beginning of next week if the weather is fine. Mama will let you know in a day or so what we have decided on
Goodbye dear Papa Yr affecte daughter
Ela
P.S. Afternoon fine & warm Monie is going out for a drive We have sent your book to Dabton
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. 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.
2. Dr John Moir (b 1809), French-born to British parents, MD, 52 Castle St, Edinburgh.
3. Amélina Petit de Billier, 'Mamie', 'Amandier' (1798- 8 September 1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal].
4. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, née Talbot (25 Feb 1839-1927), 'Tilly', WHFT's 3rd daughter.
5. Margaret Christian Gibson-Craig (d. 1871), daughter of Sir James Gibson-Craig, Scottish politician.
6. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (30 Jan 1811 - 9 Sep 1880), WHFT's wife.
7. George Wilkins (b. 1814), gardener at Lacock.
8. Charles Henry Talbot, 'Charlie' or 'Tally' (2 Feb 1842 - 26 Dec 1916), antiquary & WHFT's only son.