TALBOT7580

[lion crest]

Athole Crescent ¹
Sunday

My dear Henry

About two months ago you asked me to say what we should all like to do on leaving Edinburgh. So I have been thinking it over lately: and on communicating my ideas to the rest, I am happy to find that we all agree in the main points. – I therefore propose that we should spend six weeks in London from the beginning of June: and divide the months of May into 2 parts – the last fortnight to be spent at Lacock Abbey – and the first fortnight at Keswick – which is the place of all others where we should most like to go after leaving Edinburgh. Major Wake or his Brother would be kind enough to secure comfortable lodgings for us; and we w^d send all the Servants home, with the exception of Goodwin & Henriette. ² I think if you approve of this little arrangement, we would lose no time in asking the Wakes to bespeak rooms for us – They would write us word what is to be had and then we could make our own choice. I consider it very desirable for Rosamond to recruit her strength & recover her good looks before appearing in London – for she was much altered & enfeebled by the attack of feverish cold or Influenza from which she suffered soon after you left us – and although now recovered sufficiently to go out with Matilda & me to our late parties, she is not looking as well as usual, or feeling strong – We know that Cumberland air agrees perfectly with her – besides it is well known that Invalids always recruit quickest in the place where they like to be. I believe R^d is writing to you today, to tell you about their lessons with M^r Gourlay Steell ³ – and how anxious she & Matilda both are to try his new Method of sketching on bits of Cumberland scenery – He is always exhorting them to paint from Nature & Study Nature – They have visited the Picture Gallery several times, and Mr. Steell’s criticisms during the lessons assist to form their taste & judgment when they again return to the Galleries to examine the same Pictures themselves.

I have a line from my Brother today in answer to my consent for Charles ⁴ to go to Markeaton from Tuesday to Saturday – He says they will like very much to have him, & that Noel ⁵ will be at home, which is a good thing: I think Charles particularly requires the society of young people – and I believe Noel is lively & companionable – Pray write us word soon that you like me to still engage rooms at Keswick, & tell me something of you own plans – I think I have nothing more to say today, as Ros^d is writing – Next week will be a very gay one after the rest of that on which we are now entering. – On Easter Monday (the 5^th) Miss Sinclair has invited us to hear Professor Blackie lecture on Beauty, & we have Balls on Tuesday Wednesday Thursday & Friday! –

your aff^te Constance

I hope you will leave off your mourning the end of this month – which is the full time for an Uncle when you wish to shew marked respect; and is double the time required by etiquette – I left off mine a few weeks ago, as I found it more convenient – and being far from any relations, my [illegible deletion] wearing it or not was quite immaterial.

We have lovely weather just now, and all the shrubs are budding into green. We are going to visit the gardens in the environs to see the Spring flowers –