TALBOT6730

Mount Edgcumbe ¹

Feb^y – 9^th 1853

My dear Henry

I received a letter from M^r Gaisford ² too, on Monday, giving me the sad account of poor Jane’s ³ loss. I enclose it as you may like to see some details. I knew he was in a very precarious state & was rather fearful his mind might be permanently affected after such a severe attack, but I did not think the end was so near – nor did they, as you will see. It is a most melancholy event for them all – & I think they will feel it more bye–&–bye than even now. We are also deprived of a visit from dear Aunt Mary ⁴ – Lord M^t E. ⁵ as well as I had set our hearts upon seeing her, & she had promised to come from Melbury, when this event happened; Both she & Mary ⁶ have felt it very much, & are gone straight home.

I am so sorry for poor old M^r Matthews ⁷ – he must be a loss. Please return M^r Gaisford’s letter – I do not want those from Carclew. ⁸ – L^d M^t E. suffered very much from sciatica & all sorts of aches since the change to cold – I think he is better today. Captⁿ Key ⁹ came yesterday – He always cheers him. M^rs Edgcumbe ¹⁰ & some of her children are expected today. We have a heavy fall of snow today – The whole country is white & the sea consequently black. I enclose a specimen of Cassia, flowering in the open air without any protection, on the wall of the Orangerie.

I am so glad Amandier ¹¹ is able to leave her room: but she must be extra prudent in this weather – Please tell her so with my love – Love to all – our small Dove grows fast.

Y^r aff^te Sister

Caroline