TALBOT7871

Edinburgh Thursday May 5^th

My dear Henry

I think I understood when you left Edinburgh that you wished to have notice of the progress of M^r Gilchrist Clark’s solicitor in preparing for the legal correspondence with some one appointed by you – And I am now authorised to tell you that all the papers that will be required for this business are in the hands of M^r Dundas, the solicitor whom M^r Gilchrist Clark has chosen – and he now waits to be put in communication with some one instructed by you – M^r Clark tells me that he wrote some time since to you to suggest that you should name a solicitor here in Edinburgh to act for you – as that was the usual course in similar cases – and an arrangement that would save much time & trouble – And that he recommended a M^r Gibson as a suitable man – whose address is – John Gibson Esq^re <Jun^r?> N. S. 12 South Charlotte Street.

He says you made no reply to this suggestion – but he had almost expected to hear something before this. – He says that there is nothing to complicate the settlements in any way – And I am glad to hear it – for I am very desirous that this courtship should not be prolonged beyond what is necessary – More than five weeks have already passed since M^r Clark proposed & was accepted. – And I think we should try & have the wedding fixed for the first week in July. I would tell you my reasons more particularly if you were here – but I suppose you will come soon to complicate matters – I was glad to get a little letter from Charles this morning – written at Lacock on Tuesday. Yesterday I received the interesting letter of Caroline w^h you enclosed to me – I wonder that the tale of herself & Lady Abercorn sh^d have carried them to the Hastings. It must have been an exciting scene – and Vallatorts election is very flattering –. M^lle Amélina also received a letter from you yesterday – She agrees in your views of the War &c &c She has a bad cold just now which will prevent her answering you – Matilda & Rosa^d have both had bad colds too. and Ros^d is still in her room – but is better than she was yesterday. Matilda was well enough to get out of doors again this morning – and enjoyed the softened temperature – Saturday last w^h you mentioned as being deplorably wet at Lacock, was a splendid day here – Charles Ela & I enjoyed it most particularly –

Y^r aff^te

Constance.