Dabton <1>
Thornhill
Sepr 11th 1876
My dear Papa,
From your letter <2> received this morning, I judged that you would like me to come soon to see you but from Charles’ <3> just come at 5 P.M. I think you all consider I should come a little later. I am ready to do either – but I rather incline to the feeling that it would be better for me now to delay a little: However I will leave this entirely to you to settle – Thank you very much for telling me all the details of the arrangements <4> that have been made – as I wished very much to know what was settled & I am sure this is in every way best. I am not at all surprised that dear Monie <5> is feeling very much upset – I should have been surprised if she had not – for besides the great sorrow she is feeling, her strength must be very much tried with the constant anxiety of months past. Charles says she is better & I think she will be so after Tuesday is past – I want you all very much to move to the sea or some other place as soon as you possibly can – it would be good for all – & necessary both for Rosamond & Ela <6> I think: I did not think of asking Monie to come here just now, as I knew she would not be equal to it – It is better not – bye & bye we shall both wish it – but I do not wish it at present – I will come to her, either now – or join you if you arrange to go anywhere – or go to you after you return to Lacock any way you please – John <7> thanks you for thinking of him – if nearer he would have asked if you wished him to come – but as it is, he understood that you would have asked him had you wished it: I am sure it will be what she would have wished – that you should all be there & no one else.
Your most affecte daughter
Tilly
Notes:
1. Dabton, Dumfriesshire: home of WHFT’s daughter Matilda.
2. Letter not located.
3. Charles Henry Talbot, (2 Feb 1842 - 26 Dec 1916), 'Charlie'; 'Tally'; antiquary & WHFT's only son.
4. Arrangements for the funeral of Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798– 8 September 1876), governess and laterally a close friend of the Talbot family.
5. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
6. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.
7. John Gilchrist-Clark (1830–1881), Scottish JP; WHFT’s son-in-law..