Merthyrmawr <1>
Augt 27
My dear Henry
As when Isabella <2> returned home with her poor invalid, I thought I could be of service in helping to nurse her, I did not return to Penrice <3> but went to Clemenstone where I have been staying ever since – I am very sorry to say poor Susie <4> is in a very suffering state & has not recovered the effects of her journey home her nerves have been so much shaken, she is glad to be at home but cannot leave her bed her Sisters bring her in flowers & sit with her to amuse her when she likes to be talked to & when not in very great pain she takes a great interest in their concerns & wishes to make herself of use to them in any way she can putting them in mind of any thing about the poor Childn &cc?
Isabella herself has a swelled face and pain in her head – Jane <5> has her house full of people & I do not intend to pay her another visit till they are gone but she says some are going on Tuesday. She is pretty well she sends her love (I came over for the day) she would like to see your Mandevillia very much. I know it well at Penllergare <6> in the Conservatory. I hope you have made it descend a little as the worst of those creepers is that they flower up too high for ordinary enjoyment!
Mr Traherne & Charlotte <7> are just going to Tenby for a short time. I suppose it will be as long as the weather is fine –
Chrisr <8> & his Daughters are just gone to Dublin the young Ladies enjoy being at Sea very much
Theodore <9> is at Lynton reading. I remember when you were doing the same at Ilfracombe. – many years ago! he likes the place very much I do not know who his companions are –
I had a letter from dear Matilda <10> & am glad she has such a pleasant home as she has left her own. –
I am your affate Coz
Mary
Notes:
1. Merthyr Mawr, Glamorgan, on River Ogwr.
2. Isabella Catherine Franklen, née Talbot (1804–1874).
3. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
4. Susannah Mary Franklen (d. early 1860), daughter of Isabella Franklen.
5. Jane Harriot Nicholl, née Talbot (1796–1874).
6. Penllergaer, Glamorgan, 5 mi E of Loughor: home of the Llewelyn family.
7. Rev John Montgomerie Traherne (1788–1860), JP & author and Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.
8. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
9. Theodore Mansel Talbot (1839–1876), WHFT’s Welsh nephew.
10. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, née Talbot (25 February 1839 -1927), 'Tilly', WHFT's 3rd daughter; m. John Henry Gilchrist-Clark 16 June 1859.
11. Thereza Mary Maskelyne, née Llewelyn (1834–1926), daughter of Emma and John Dillwyn Llewelyn, m 29 June 1858, Nevil Story-Maskelyne (1823–1911), photographer, politician & scientist.