Thornhill
Jan. 27^th 1869

My dear Papa,

I have been expecting to hear from you since arrived at Lacock, where I suppose you must now have been some time – I have not sent off your raspberry in case you are not there but I will send it as soon as I hear from you – Only think that we had a tea scented rose ‘Saphrano’, open in the garden 3 days ago! – also a sprig of trumpet honeysuckle d^to It is much colder now, and we had a slight snow-shower yesterday, but it is raining again today – the damp is very unwholesome, and I have been laid up with a cold &c for ten days, but it is now better – I could not go however, to the Ball in Dumfries last thursday, which was given for the benefit of the Infirmary as I had meant to do – I suppose you have heard from Venice lately – I had a letter about a week ago, from Rosamond, giving a very good account of them all, – but I think they were rather disappointed at that time that they had not heard from you at what time you intended to start, in order to join them – Have you fixed yet what you are going to do? – Speaking of journeys, makes me think of Mary, and her proposed journey to the East – I think she had quite made up her mind to go, having even purchased a travelling dress & other things for the purpose, but she got a letter a short time ago from Cap^t F. Ewart, to say that they had given up the idea of going this season on account of his house, not being let, and other reasons besides – I think she is a good deal disappointed in it, but the family in general are better pleased that it should have ended so than either that she should have gone really – or that she should have given up on their advice – She is going next week to pay a visit in Liverpool which is rather a different affair. If you intend to send for your usual supply of seeds from the Horticultural society this year, & like to send me what you do not care to keep for yourself, I shall be very glad, as perhaps this new gardener may be successful with them. – Do you think Wilkins has seed of the little bright pink of wh. there was such a quantity at Lacock. If so will he send me a little? –

With much love fr. the children, I am

your most affec^te daughter
Tilly

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire-