Dabton
December 13^th 65

My dear Papa,

It seems a very long time to me since I have had a letter from you; of course I have heard from the others, but that is not the same as hearing direct from yourself – I suppose you must have fixed your day for going north by this time, and I am wondering whether you will stop & see us on the road, or whether we shall be gone to Carruchan before you pass. We are to go there a day or two before Christmas, and I hope you will start in time to let us have a little glimpse of you before we leave – We have been having a succession of visitors since Mama & Ela were here: one night we were all as full & fuller than we could properly hold. M^r & M^rs Walker of Dalry are still here, but they leave us tomorrow morning, and then we shall be alone until we go to Carruchan.

This was a lovely winter’s day, the air clear & sharp with bright sunshine, and we have just come in from a long drive in the open carriage – to see Morton Castle &c. –– Yesterday we were all through the grounds at Drumlanrig, and the houses at the Kitchen gardens – but it was foggy and unpleasant – There are some handsome Orchids in flower there just now, and also my favourite Ipomea with the crimson & black blossoms. There are several plants which I think would interest you. – John is gone to Dumfries today – it was almost a week since he had been there, a wonderful time for him – The children are very flourishing – and Baby getting visibly older in his manners & deportment every day – he actually makes efforts to creep when he is put down on the floor, though of course he can’t do it yet. He is the strongest of the three in proportion to his age; I wonder if it is owing to his early education at the seaside in Summer? – Jacky & Connie send their love to you – I had a letter from Charles today, written from London, from which I gathered that he intended to be in different parts of the United Kingdom at the same time – he seemed in very good spirits, and to be looking forward to four balls! – There is nothing of that kind here – I do not think that anybody in this Country cares for balls, at Christmas or at any other time of the year. Goodbye dear Papa, I hope you will write to me soon, and tell us what you are going to do.

Your most affec^te daughter
Tilly –

What is going to happen in consequence of the death of the King of the Belgians?

[envelope, added by WHFT in pencil on recto:] Dec. 14. 1865
H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire