Lanelay <1>
Sepr 10
My dear Henry
I am delighted to hear you are thinking of coming into these parts, I am sure there is plenty of wild & picturesque scenery here abouts if rough roads are not an objection. – We are at home now but as you mention no time for your intended excursion you must write again as I cannot answer for our being here after Lady George & Emily <2> leave us. We have a daily post now Sunday excepted & I can answer by return of post by sending a purpose messenger about 6 miles at all events two days would bring your letter and an answer so don’t be stingy of your trouble but give us a line soon.
I heard from Chrisr, <3> he was going to Guernsey & Jersey in company with the Petrel & desired us to direct to Devonport but had not decided any idea of the time likely to elapse before they returned to Penrice <4> Theodore <5> is with us mean time & the little Girls at Penrice with their Nurse – they are not old enough to miss their Mamma so much. – Stephen Nicholl is here to help amuse his little Cousin, they are famous companions tho’ not the same age. – Do you leave your young folks at Lacock? I suppose Aunt Lily <6> is there. I am very glad Caroline <7> is so well I rejoice to hear her baby <8> is a nice child & I hope it will continue to be quite strong and well. –
The Children are playing & talking to me all the time I heard one say to the other just now, “pray be more correct”! he had asked for some toy & by mistake Theodore brought another! –
Charlotte & Mr Traherne <9> are by the Sea side at a place called Tresilian they are to be at home on the 30th –
We send our kind love to all both great & small
I am your affate coz
Mary
Notes:
1. Llanely, or Lanely, Glamorganshire: home of Lady Mary Cole and Mary Thereza Talbot.
2. Lady George Murray, mother of Amelia (Emily) Matilda Murray.
3. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
4. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
5. Theodore Mansel Talbot (1839–1876), WHFT’s Welsh nephew.
6. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
7. Lady Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding (1808-1881); WHFT's half-sister; Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria, 1840–1854 & 1863–1865.
8. Ernestine Emma Horatia Edgcumbe (1843-1925), WHFT's niece.
9. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin, and Rev John Montgomerie Traherne (1788–1860), JP & author.