TALBOT7809

11 Randolph Crescent
Friday Febr^y 18^th

My dear Henry

You will be expecting an answer to the question in your letter of yesterday – but all I can say is that we had been attempting to arrange a small amateur musical party for the beginning of the present week – and it was unavoidably delayed by the principal amateurs having sore throats &c &c. Now there is an impediment at home – for M^lle Amélina (after being very well) is unfortunately confined to her room at present with an attack of Inflammatory cold on the windpipe – She finds great relief from the continued application of hot bran poultices & is already better. – I never saw such pertinacity in every form of cold as has been shown this year. No family can be free long together. – As you dislike parties I wish we could have had our own before your return to Edinburgh; but I am afraid you will be just in time for it. At any rate as there is nothing first, you need scarcely fear arriving at the very moment & finding your house full of gay company – The whole thing must chiefly depend on how Rosamond progresses through the beginning of next week – M^r Syms saw her today; and I hope his measures may hasten matters: but the remedies are for the time as bad as the malady itself. – She has been able to get out walking 2 or 3 times this week – and the aim always does her good – Great applause followed the reading of your letter yesterday – and the idea of a visit to the West Coast of Scotland & Inverary [sic] especially is much approved. – I shall write nothing more to Miss Jane Spedding at present.

I had a letter a few days ago from Sir John Woodford. ¹ He is really going to leave Derwentwater – and the whole of the estate is to be sold He means to live near his Brother, Sir Alexander. – Don’t forget when you come, to bring some Photographs for D^r Moir, if you can spare a few. – I want to know what you have been doing in that way lately. –

Your affectionate
Constance