Lacock Abbey,
Chippenham.
Wedny Jany 27
My Dear Constance
This afternoon I had a visit from Emily Murray she drove over from Calne with one of her nephews – She is on a visit there, on her way from Dorsetshire to London. She was as vivacious and talkative as ever, and enquired after you all, especially Mlle Amélina. She had never been here before and was much struck with the Abbey, altho’ the day was gloomy and rather late in the afternoon. She told me that young Lady Maria Strangways sister to the present Earl of Ilchester had met with a sad accident in a railway carriage – A gentleman suddenly closed the carriage door, and jammed her hand in the door – She fainted immediately – Miss M. did not tell me when this happened nor how she is now. She says that Professor Oakeley of Edinburgh, and Lady Oswald (is that the name?) are her cousins – and that last year she went all round Ireland. She attributes her lasting activity to the homæopathic medicines which she has long taken. Different people have different systems. Miss Clark of Dumfries takes a spoonful of Charcoal twice a day and that seems to answer very well. I think of returning to Venice in March – We have had an open winter. No snow has been seen. I forwarded a letter to Monie today I think from Miss Gibson Craig. Tell Charles I received his letter from Genoa, but none since. I hope he likes Venice. Mr Mushet writes to say that a gentleman has offer’d him £5,500 for our house in Edinbro’ if we are disposed to sell it – I have answer’d that we are not disposed at present, but thank him for his communication & will bear it in mind. This is £1000 more than we gave for it. – The Times says that Sir James Fergusson and Charlie Edgcumbe arrived at Sydney in Australia the 2d January. But I can hardly believe in such a quick passage and rapid telegraphic news. I have much more to say but the post is going. I received your letter sent to the Athenæum dated Jany 8th
Your affte Henry
I have had no letter from any of you since that one.