Coedriglan <1>
March 24
My dear Henry
Are you studying the Comet’s appearance every fine night? I want sadly to know something about it & should be very grateful for any information you may be willing to bestow on me at your leisure. – I was glad to hear a good account of Aunt Lily’s <2> looks from Jane <3> and I hope you are all the better for the fine bright Spring weather we have had lately. – Uncle John <4> left us on Monday last. I am sure you would have enjoyed some of the Scrambling walks we took along the Cliffs in the neighbourhood of Dunraven and I wish you would come & get a little Mountain air now we are going home again to Lanelay. <5>
Mamma <6> is pretty well but the Rheumatism in her arm is still troublesome at times & makes it feel weak. – Our kind love to all our cousins. I hope they are all well & blooming as when we saw them. –
I am your affate
coz Mary
Charlotte & Mr Traherne <7> would be delighted to see you too – remember they are only 6 miles from Cardiff? –
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esqe
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
31 Sackville St
London
[note on envelope:]
No Comet since you went-
Notes:
1. Coedriglan, near Cardiff, Wales: home of the Rev John Montgomerie Traherne, husband of WHFT’s cousin Charlotte.
2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
3. Jane Harriot Nicholl, née Talbot (1796–1874).
4. John George Charles Fox Strangways (1803–1859), MP.
5. Llanely, or Lanely, Glamorganshire: home of Lady Mary Cole and Mary Thereza Talbot.
6. Lady Mary Lucy Cole, née Strangways, first m. Talbot (1776–1855), WHFT’s aunt.
7. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin, and Rev John Montgomerie Traherne (1788–1860), JP & author.