TALBOT7215

Stonehouse

Jan^y – 26^th 1856

My dear Henry

We shall be charmed to see you on the 31^st or any day except the 29^th & 30^th w^h w^d be unfortunate – as on the first of these days we are obliged to go to a Marine Ball – & on the other Jenny Lind ¹ gives a Concert here at S^t George’s Hall ² – to which of course everyone is dying to go.

We shall be quite able to lodge you – but I must protest beforehand against your miserably shabby proposal of staying a day or two here! It is too bad after an absence of years! & I must insist upon a week at least. Besides after the cold of Edinburgh this genial climate will quite renovate you. The lilac leaves are almost out at my Cottage.

Milord ³ has had a very severe attack of rheumatic gout in the arm the last few days; & has suffered much – but I am happy to say he is better today – & will be so glad to see you when you come –

Y^rs Aff^y

Caroline