TALBOT7219

4 Athole Crescent

Saturday Feb^y 2 1856

My dear Henry

I had received various notices of your being in existence at Lacock by letters & newspapers forwarded from thence: but no word from yourself till today. The greater the pleasure when at length a letter did arrive – I thank you for sending me Charles’s two letters, together with the account of the rescue of the Resolute. All three documents are interesting in their various Ways. Charles has been very good in writing since he left us. I wrote to him yesterday, that he might get my letter on his Birthday – and we shall not forget to drink his health. I hope you will do the same in the Winter Villa – Although you say you intended to go there yesterday, I shall direct my letter (par précaution) to Lacock; as you my have changed your mind – or if gone, you will have left orders about your letters – A few days ago Mess^r Anderson & Patterson sent in a receipt for £70 rent of the house – saying it was customary to pay the half of a term as soon as due – I declared myself unprepared to act in this matter, and said I believed your intention was to settle the whole at the expiration of the four months. – This answer was conveyed to M^rs Swinton by her Agent with my remark that I would write to you on the subject if she persisted in her demand – The enclosed was sent me by the Agent this morning. And I await your answer. – I was determined to shew them that I could not & should not, act without your special instructions. Our engagements thicken every day – What between paying and receiving morning visits, and going to parties in the evening we have plenty to fill up our time. I think it is lucky for you that I am able to say that your are absent, in reply to the numerous enquiries that are made for you. – This morning we drove down to the Sea, & walked on Granton Pier. The weather was bright & beautiful, with a land breeze, which they say is the right thing to shew the coast to Advantage. We were amused by seeing a steamer at the Pier unloading her cargo – and we bought some Oranges freshly imported. – The air is rather keen these fine last days, but still & clear and everything looks bright & pleasant.

Matilda had discovered that your Room here, suits capitally for a Painting room – and it is perfectly warm without a fire. We all continue quite well. –

Your affectionate Constance

Thanks for the Newspapers – They have made M^lle A. quite happy.