TALBOT7232

4 Athole Crescent

Sunday February 24

My dear Henry

I had felt anxious to answer by return of post your letter received yesterday morning – But having an accumulation of small business, caused partly by the previous days having been devoted to sight-seeing and out of door enjoyment, – I could not manage to write when I wanted. – It is in answer chiefly to your floating idea of coming to Edinburgh about the 1^st of March, that I hasten to tell you of a little plan which we are about to carry out on the 5^th. And I think you might perhaps dislike coming into the midst of the little bustle which it must necessarily make in the house – I told you how hospitably your Girls & I have been received into several of the most agreeable families here – we have had dances, Music-parties and several dinner parties – In return for all of which, I decided it would be right to give a little soirée before leaving Edinburgh – Our house is so perfectly adapted for the purpose, and these things are so easily arranged. – and the idea was so well received by those to whom I named it – that I decided it sh^d be. – I inclined at first for a musical soirée, but on enquiry found it w^d be much more difficult, and doubtless more expensive than a dance – therefore we have decided on the latter. – Meredith will prepare nearly all the refreshments – and as our party will be small, I don’t think the consumption of comestibles will be alarming – Will this party frighten you away? – it certainly would be the less agreeable to you from your not knowing any of the people –

I am writing to Charles today – I wonder whether he will be much disappointed about not coming back to Edinburgh – It will be a shorter journey for him to Greta Bank, and I shall enjoy him more comfortably there than during the bustle of moving from Edinburgh – Do you wish me to ask M^r Scott the Riding-master to refund the amount of one lesson paid in advance? –

I am delighted with the report from Harrow – it is far the most satisfactory you have received – and agrees with Charles’s own account of his diligent application – I return you the report with Charles’s last letter. – We had here yesterday the pleasantest weather it is possible to see at this season – The Sun was bright & warm all day – the air clear & still, everything looked pleasant. I regretted that we could not employ it thoroughly well by taking a country drive, or ascending to some point of view – but we were rather fatigued by the two previous days that I told you of. –

Adieu dear Henry – I hope you received a <serail?> from me two days ago – Ela wrote to you yesterday, but omitted to send her letter.

Love from all –

Your affectionate

Constance

Matilda says, I ought to tell you that your room will be seized upon on the 5^th and turned into a Cloak room.