TALBOT3248

M^t Edgcumbe ¹
Sunday April 17^th 1836

My dear Henry

I was very glad indeed to get your letter this morning, not having heard a word from your [sic] for so long, & not even knowing where you were - thank you much for the extract from Mamma's ² letter - it was a bright idea sending it, as I had had none since the date of 19^th March, from Horatia ³ - Both Papa ⁴ & Mamma have quite left off writing to me, & I have no idea now, where I ought to direct - pray tell me if you know - They have had most perilous adventures, & were unwise I think in being in such a hurry to leave Nice before the weather was sufficiently settled - I shall be very anxious to hear again from them. - I was in hopes you would have come to see us here, when you left Constance ⁵ at Southampton - You might still have time, if when you go back for her; I dare say she would like to stay a little longer with her Sisters, as she must be happier with them at present, than anywhere else - & it would be nothing for you to get into the Steam-Boat at Southampton, or Portsmouth, I believe, which would land you at Plymouth in 12 hours - The leaves are just beginning to come out, & everybody says this place is a perfect paradise in Spring - Perhaps it might do Constance good too & soothe her mind if she was to come with you - at any rate it would be a change of scene, & perhaps relieve her spirits, though she would be perfectly quiet & alone - I am very glad the weaning has been so successful - Bimbo ⁶ will be delighted to see you & Ela ⁷ again - He said today that Uncle Henry lived at Laycock Abbey - Ela will have so much space to walk about in here, without meeting people or fear of infection - Turn this over in your mind & let me know quickly to what you incline. - If M^r Montgomerie ⁸ is with you, as he said he perhaps should, [sic] tell him I shall write today or tomorrow, & make him give you his direction at Paris. - If he is gone to Paris my letter addressed Addio

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

What is the name of that pretty creeper on the bower in my garden at Laycock Abbey with a dark purple flower, somewhat bell-shaped -? I want it for my garden here - I have been building a Pergola I long for you to see it - it will be beautiful - What is the name too of the beautiful pink creeper on the South wall of the house at Laycock?

W. Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
31 Sackville Street
London