TALBOT7205

The Winter Villa ¹
Stonehouse
Plymouth
Christmas Day 1855

My dear Henry

I reproach myself for never having answered either of your two last letters; of the 23^rd Nov^r & 17^th Dec^r. But if you only knew how busy I have been! – furnishing & getting into this house – & not only that – but trying to get the workmen out of the hitherto unfinished rooms, which I was preparing for Rim & his Bride ² on their first visit to us, I had to be continually preaching & persecuting the painters & carpenters. At last it was all ready the very day they came – & very pretty too. The room is papered with what looks like a lovely green morné antique – & the Bed & window curtains are muslim over pink. It was rather lucky you did not come at the time you first thought of doing so – for we were then in a most uncomfortable transition State – but I hope & beg you will pay us a visit later – as you suggest. We are now settled here – & you must direct Stonehouse Plymouth. I have not heard from Amandier for ages. I hope she has recovered from the indisposition you mentioned; but I cannot think the excessive severity of the Scotch climate can agree with any of you. The 3 days I spent at Torquay were bitterly cold – even there – but the weather has now resumed its’ wonted mildness – with gales from S. W. & heavy showers which I must say I infinitely prefer to cold.

We went over to Mount Edgcumbe ³ yesterday morning, to see the usual distribution of beef & loaves on Christmas Eve. Ernestine ⁴ took the opportunity of having a good long walk – & reported that it was most delightful down near the Lea on the South Terrace.

The Sound is enlivened by the presence of many Ships & steamers of war, just returned from the Baltic or Black Sea. I hear that Captⁿ Key, ⁵ in the Amphion, is arrived at Sheeness ⁶ – but he has not written from thence – tho’ he did from the Baltic, – Val ⁷ has not been long returned from paying some visits at Hatfield &c & Charlie ⁸ has been home a very few days – Milord ⁹ is pretty well – & much less rheumatic on this side of the water. What a long journey that was for your Charles ¹⁰ to take all by himself – & yet it seems a wonderfully quick one. Pray tell me how you like N^o 4 Athole Crescent.

I hope Constance & the Girls ¹¹ & Amandier are all well – Ernestine wrote to Matilda a short time ago. Pray give the all my best love – & very good wishes for a Merry Christmas & a happy New Year – & the same to You, my dear Henry

Y^r very aff^e Sister
Caroline

I hope you have discovered some society?–
You asked me what Milord thought of politics? He then said he did not think there would be another campaign – but whether he is still of the same opinion, I know not.