TALBOT247

11 Moray Place ¹
January 30^{th 2}

My dear Henry

I have just received you’re your letter – and am quite happy at hearing so soon of the journey, being accomplished without accident – there is always something fearful in these railways – The breaking down of this luggage train, for instance, might have resulted in serious mischief to the train you travelled by – But it was mercifully ordered otherwise – I hope tomorrow may bring us a line from Charles ³ – for he also promised to write at his journey’s end – The missing carpet bag would be a grievance to him – but I believe these things are generally recovered on prompt application – Was it through Reuben’s ⁴ want of care that it could not be found? for of course Charles trusted to his looking after it.

M^lle Amélina ⁵ has a letter from Caroline ⁶ today – from M^t Edgcumbe ⁷ still and apparently there is still some hesitation about their movements. depending on L^d M^t E’s ⁸ decision – Caroline sends you a message, under the idea of your being still at Edinburgh – She thanks you for your last letter – and the enclosure of 2 little Photographs –

We had a very agreeable drive to Dalmeny Park ⁹ yesterday. The weather was magnificent – clear & mild – unclouded sunshine throughout the day – We started ( E. ¹⁰ R. ¹¹ & myself) soon after 12 – lunched, saw the house, which is very comfortable & handsome, without unnecessary ornament – and afterwards walked about the grounds which are very beautiful, extending to the water’s edge – The old house remains as a picturesque ruin, clothed with Ivy, on a little promontory – At the time of the present Lady Roseberry’s ¹² marriage the family still occupied the old house (which dates from the Conqueror) – but as soon as the new Mansion was finished they removed into it – and partially demolished the ancient building to convert it at once into a picturesque ruin –

I pity you for having spent such a glorious day, enveloped in a thick fog! – Observe the superiority of our atmosphere – in this beautiful town. Today is very fine also; but there are some floating clouds which obscure the Sun occasionally – Nothing could be more friendly & pleasant than our reception at Dalmany – many messages were sent to Matilda ¹³ & M^r Clark ¹⁴ of regret that they were not able to be of the party – so I really hope they will manage to go some other day – We are all to dine in Coates Crescent ¹⁵ today.

Your affectionate
Constance.

When you hear of any body wishing to look over the Abbey, please give sufficient notice to Lucy, ¹⁶ that she may have all the shutters open & blinds drawn up –