Stonehouse

Jan^y – 26^th 1856

My dear Henry

We shall be charmed to see you on the 31^st or any day except the 29^th & 30^th w^h w^d be unfortunate – as on the first of these days we are obliged to go to a Marine Ball – & on the other Jenny Lind ^<1> gives a Concert here at S^t George’s Hall ^<2> – to which of course everyone is dying to go.

We shall be quite able to lodge you – but I must protest beforehand against your miserably shabby proposal of staying a day or two here! It is too bad after an absence of years! & I must insist upon a week at least. Besides after the cold of Edinburgh this genial climate will quite renovate you. The lilac leaves are almost out at my Cottage.

Milord ^<3> has had a very severe attack of rheumatic gout in the arm the last few days; & has suffered much – but I am happy to say he is better today – & will be so glad to see you when you come –

Y^rs Aff^y

Caroline

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Notes:

1. Johanna Maria Lind (1820–1887), vocalist, became Madame Jenny Lind–Goldschmidt, 1852; professor of singing at the Royal College of Music, London from 1883 to 1886.

2. Now known as Stonehouse Town Hall.

3. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797–1861), WHFT’s brother-in-law.