Speddoch Dumfries N.B.
Nov^r12th 1859

My dear Papa,

I was very glad to have your letter in addition to Rosamond’s note written on the evening of their arrival – but unfortunately the post only brought them to me in company with her subsequent letter of Saturday last. I suppose you heard of our disappointment about the ball, which was to have taken place on Thursday. Lord Dalkeith’s marriage is now fixed for Tuesday the 22^d but there seems much uncertainty whether they will still have the ball or not – When I last wrote to Mamie, I thought the whole thing w^d probably be put off for a month at least, and that there was no question of our remaining for it, but now if it really takes place on the 22^d that being the very day we thought of starting – it w^d seem a pity not to delay our departure till Wednesday – and go direct from Dumfries – However this may be, I think we can promise ourselves to be at Lacock at the end of the week, as we should not like defering [sic] the journey till we had a fair chance of being snowed up on the road!… Besides, you must imagine how anxious I am to be with you, and to shew John the poor old Abbey before it looks too wintry – M^r & M^rs Maxwell are here today – the former was much wanted to give his advice and opinion about some plantations &c and when we met them the other day in Dumfries, they agreed to come up, and stay with us till Monday morning. They came yesterday at about [illegible number] o’clock. –

I hope you have got the better of y^r cold, dear Papa, and that the other invalids are also losing theirs – What a pity Mamie caught such a severe one on the road, for she was looking so well when here, I thought. M^rs Maxwell wishes to be Kindly remembered to Mama & yourself,

and with love to all, I remain Y^r most affec^te daughter
Matilda

Please thank Ros^d for her last.

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire-

[printed on flap:]
Speddoch
Dumfries
N.B.