Mount Edgcumbe <1>
Devonport.
Sunday 13th Feby – 1875
My dear Henry
I intended writing to you on the 11th but was not able to do so, nor yesterday – Il vaut mieux tard que jamais <2> however – & I therefore send you a few lines to day to wish you joy & many happy returns of your Birthday.
I wonder if you have any appearance of flowers yet, in Wiltshire At Melbury <3> there was nothing out but a few poor little snowdrops & winter Aconite.
Here we have Jasminum nudifolium [sic], Laurustinus beginning, & Crimson Rhododendrons. The season seems very backward – tho’ this afternoon has been beautiful, after a stormy morning.
Tell me please what you think is the meaning of the word Maranatha, after Anathema, in the Epistle to the Corinthians, I think. I always supposed it meant something the same as Anathema – but the clergyman here explains it differently – & says there should be a stop between the two words. But I want to know your explanation.
We stay here another week as the hot water apparatus is not yet finished at Cotehele. <4> My love to all, & Ernestine’s. <5>
Yr affte Sister
Caroline
Notes:
1. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.
2. Better late than never.
3. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.
4. Cotehele, Cornwall: ancient house, seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe, now a National Trust Property.
5. Ernestine Emma Horatia Edgcumbe (1843-1925), WHFT’s niece.