Edinburgh. April the 7th
My dear Papa
Rosamond is afraid that you cannot have received the long letter which she wrote to you some time ago, as you said nothing about it in your last; but perhaps you did not think of it just then, if you were in a hurry. Charles came here Saturday – he seems to have liked his visit to Markeaton, though the weather was cold and unpleasant. He has been doing something grand which I think will surprise you. We persuaded him to go with us to the United Service Club ball last night, which was a very fine one, and though he protested that he should dislike it very much, yet I think he ended by amusing himself, and took courage to dance several times. Mamie also came with us – this is the only ball she has been to, but she enjoyed it, and bore the fatigue wonderfully well. We (Mama Rosamond & I) are going to another ball tonight, and to a third on Friday – don’t you think we are exceedingly valiant? There is also a dinner party on Saturday, and several things next week.
Charles is very anxious to go down to Lacock before the end of these holidays, and spend several days there. He wants to look out some books before going back to Harrow, and does not mind a little extra journeying – I think it is a very good plan, as it is a long time since he has been home.
How are the flowers getting on? I think the garden ought to look quite gay by this time unless the recent cold has done any harm. I am afraid it may have injured the apricot trees, which I suppose are in full flower.
Good bye dear Papa, we are anxious to hear if you have experienced this almost return of Winter as we have – our ideas confused imagining that spring had come and then finding out our mistake
Yr affec. daughter
Matilda