4 Circus Bath <1>
March 2nd
My dear Papa,
How are you getting on in your Siberian quarters? We want very much to hear something of you, and should be all better pleased if you resolved to return here during this spell of bitter East wind. It is really too cold to be at Lacock, and I cannot but fear you are running a risk.
I should be very glad if you could send me Oaksford’s bill for the liveries, and also Cockburn & Campbell’s, for I suppose there must have been a small wine bill at Christmas. I am waiting for these two to finish my year.
I suppose you can hardly get into the green houses to see what may be venturing into flower. We greatly fear for our bulbs, which were to have made show such a grand show. The bitter wind must have a withering effect upon their buds which have been above ground for such a length of time.
We heard from Tilly <2> of the arrival of her new governess, the Danish Lady, Miss Bryndum. She describes her as very ladylike, tall, thin, and delicate looking unfortunately, with yellow hair, a pleasant expression and good manners. So she seems to have made a good impression for the beginning
All the children’s colds were better. School must agree wonderfully with Willie, for one never hears of his having anything the matter with him now.
We are reading Sir Samuel Baker’s Ismailia. <3> It is very interesting, a book that you would like much.
Everybody sends their love.
Your most affectionate daughter
Rosamond
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. 4 the Circus, Bath; frequent summer home of Constance Talbot, now a Museum of Costume.
2. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.
3. Sir Samuel White Baker (1821–1893), British explorer and writer, Ismailïa; a narrative of the expedition to Central Africa for the suppression of the slave trade, organized by Ismail, khedive of Egypt (London: Macmillan, 1874).