TALBOT7239

4 Athole Crescent

Sunday March 2

My dear Henry

I have received your letters of the 24^th and 27^th since I wrote last to you – I am very glad that you have found occupation at Lacock in your solitude, and that your weather generally has been so fine. It is a good time of year for some kind of gardening, and particularly for making arrangements for the Summer. But I must tell you, that we are, one & all, up in arms against you for thinking of giving back the large Camelia to M^r Barton. I hope we may not be too late with our remonstrance to induce you to retract this promise you have given to M^r B. – Such a promise requiring to be ratified by Me, ad the ladies of a family have always a voice in these floral matters – Wilkins was wanting in moral courage, if he did not observe to you, that his mistresses, young & old, would certainly regret the Camelia. – We have very calm and mild weather at present – today especially as warm as the warmest days of May, although the Sun is veiled & the atmosphere rather hazy, – It is generally hazy at Edinburgh unless there is a breeze. – I was particularly pleased with the full sanction you give in your last letter to our having a dance. – You must think of us on Wednesday, where if you could look in upon us, without being visible yourself, I am sure you would be gratified. – Matilda is the Beauty of the season; and in her own house, looking happy & animated, She will, if possible, have more success than usual – People all seem all to look forward to our party with pleasure, and I expect it will be very brilliant. I think we shall have nearly one hundred at the fullest moment, but you know the crush only lasts an hour or so – You shall have a full description afterwards. M^r & M^rs Primrose have turned up at last, and have called. They were at Lady Arbuthuol’s music last Wednesday, where I was introduced to her, and she made civil apologies not in consequence of her absence from Edinburgh –

Do letters sent on Sunday to the Post. reach you on the second day? – I am writing this for the chance, and have not time for more –

Your affectionate

Constance

I believe the Girls are settling among themselves, whose turn it is to write to you; so you will have a letter soon – Ela has received yours –