My dear Henry
I have long intended writing you word how nicely the Allium Subhirsutum had thriven since you gave it me, four roots have flowered and their beauty is by no means gone now I make every body admire it in the house & have lent it to ornament the drawing room window & set off the Cineraria & Cactus which are now in flower with a yellow Coronilla and a tiny plant of the Gentiana verna brought by Mrs Vaughan from Yorkshire on purpose for Mamma <1> –
I ought to have begun my letter by saying how glad I was to y hear of the birth of your little daughter <2> and the recovery of her Mamma <3> pray give my kind love to her, I am delighted to hear you think of coming to Glamorganshire & only hope you will pay a round of visits & see all the Country before you fix upon any residence, there are plenty of vacant houses I am told of all kinds and some in very pleasant situations. You must not look for all perfections in your house but be contented to find some in those of your friends we have a river & mountains here with bogs & the Camp. hederacea which is different from Penrice <4> &c –
Pray let me know what Ela <5> thinks of her Sister & what the little one’s name is. –
I am your affcte
coz
Mary
Mamma is tolerably well & sends her love.
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
65 Harley Street
Notes:
1. Lady Mary Lucy Cole, née Strangways, first m. Talbot (1776–1855), WHFT’s aunt.
2. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
3. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.
4. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
5. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter.