4 Circus Bath
Feb. 18th
My dear Papa
I have paid Pickering’s bill as you desired – and we have ordered Ashley’s life of Lord Palmerston <1> which he promises to send the beginning of next week.
Charles <2> wishes me to say that he is going to Clifton <3> tomorrow for change of air for a few days, as he is not feeling very well – he says that he shall remember about Mr Awdry’s bill, and take it to Lacock next time he goes – Meantime it will be quite safe left here.
Monie <4> had today a nice letter from Tilly <5> – with a good account of all and Connie <6> had quite recovered from her cold.
The weather continues mild, wild and stormy – but the crocuses are coming out and making our garden here look gay. – and there are even some buds beginning to appear on the early scarlet Rhododendrons
Good bye dear Papa
Your affecte daughter
Ela
We will send you some preserved apricots on Saturday.Notes:
1. Evelyn Ashley, The life of Henry John Temple, Viscount Palmerston. 1846–1865, with selections from his speeches and correspondence (London: Bentley & Son, 1876). Ashley was the secretary of Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, statesman and prime minister.
2. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
3. Clifton, Bristol, on the Avon Gorge.
4. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
5. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.
6. Constance Stewart, née Gilchrist-Clark (b. 1863), ‘Connie’, WHFT’s Scottish granddaughter.