Dabton <1>
Thornhill
Sepr 15th 1873
My dear Papa,
I was very much interested to read Aunt Caroline’s <2> letter from such a strange out of the way place as the Scilly Isles – and I think it was very courageous of her to start off on the expedition – especially as the weather does not appear to have been very propitious. I am sorry that the envelope of the letter (which I now return,) has got injured – I had placed the letter on the dressing table, and Baby <3> got hold of it before I could stop her. She is at a most mischievous age, – but I was very glad that it was not the letter itself that was torn – Charles <4> will remain with us a few days longer than he had at first intended – but I think he will be with you again about the middle of next week. We heard of the safe return of the party from Bournemouth – & hope they are still feeling the good of having been away. I will write to Monie <5> soon again. Jack <6> goes back to school on the 18th and I mean to go with him as far as Carlisle, as I must take him to the dentist – not very pleasant for him – another boy is going with him all the way, which is nicer for him than being alone. Mary Maxwell <7> has come up here today she is going to stay all night, and return to Carruchan afterwards.
With much love from all here
yr most affecte daughter
Tilly
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Dabton, Dumfriesshire: home of WHFT’s daughter Matilda.
2. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
3. Probably Matilda Theresa Gilchrist-Clark-Talbot (1871–1958).
4. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.
5. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
6. John Henry Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Jack’ (1861–1902), WHFT’s grandson.
7. Probably Mary Maxwell, née Clark.