Edinburgh
Dec 31
My dear Papa
I write a short line to wish you a happy New year, though I fear that my letter will be a day behind time, for I had calculated on your remaining a day or two longer in Town
We are quite a reduced party this year and it will seem quite strange not even to have Tilly with us (the first time we have ever been without her yet,) and it is certainly very wrong of you to have chosen such a day to be away.
Charles left us this morning by the 10 oclock train and will have had rather a cold day for his journey, foggy and frosty.
Mama says I was to mention that no more letters have come for you since she last wrote.
I hope you will let us know how you liked Fechtor – I forget how he [sp]ells his name –
When does Aunt Caroline finally start on her journey? I suppose she was not able to lodge you as you did not mention it.
I have really nothing worth writing about, but perhaps you may be interested to know that George Wilkins had a prosperous journey to Lacock where he arrived on Monday last, he wrote a line to Mama to state his expenses as she was to pay his fare –
How very funny that you should come in for a Ball at Margam – I hope you will enjoy it!!!!
Good bye
Yr affectionate daughter
Ela
Please to give my love to my cousi[ns]
[envelope:]
H F Talbot Esqre
Margam
Taibach
Glamorganshire