TALBOT8344

Edinburgh.
Tuesday. March 19^th

My dear Papa,

Many thanks for your letter, and for the 2 volumes of Froud History. ¹ I guessed at it quite well through the paper cover, although you tried to lead me astray by calling it a book in 2 vols, whereas it is the middle of a book, as there are still other Vols to come! I am so very glad to possess it – though I am sure it makes everybody else quite jealous! – I was beginning to deliver your message in full to Tilly, ² when she stopped my mouth by saying that she had just written two days before; so I hope you have found that letter to contain all that you wanted, and that she has made up for all her delinquencies. We have had some stormy weather last week, accompanied by snow which did not lie long; and the wind was so violent on Sunday that intrepid church-goers were nearly blown off their feet, and none of us dared venture out. Yesterday (fine though still windy,) Mama was able to return to Milburn tower, ³ to make a minute inspection thereof –

Only think of the Apricots trees there being all in flower last week, so early as the 13^th of March! the Kitchen garden is very sheltered.

Charles Kean ⁴ is going to appear for a single night more, next week, on his way from Glasgow to London and perform Richard III. We have already taken places, as there is quite a rush for them. This additional performance was quite an unexpected un compliment to Edinburgh for its flattering reception of M^r & M^rs Kean, but it is to be regretted that they did not undertake a longer engagement, here especially as there is a rumour that they intend visiting America next season if tolerably quiet, and therefore may probably not appear here again for two years at least. I assure you we shall feel quite sorry when they are gone.

The balls and other part yies are suspended just now, on account of the death of the Duchess of Kent, ⁵ but I suppose not for long. What a damp it will cast on London, just at the very beginning of the season! There have not been half so many things going on here as most winters, but quite enough for us; – We have been to several balls, private & at the Assembly, lately; and I was out every evening last week except Tuesday, and was not particularly tired at the end of it – What do you think of that?

When you get Charles ⁶ down at Lacock please do tease him to write to us, for he is getting idle, and he will have plenty of leisure there. He would be angry if he saw this message though, for I did at last get a short letter from him last Saturday, but there was really so very little in it; – he never gives any account of what he is doing or writes anything amusing.

I hope it is because he is so very busy, and that you will find him particularly diligent in the reading he proposes! Goodbye, dear Papa, love from all. Mamie ⁷ has been saying every day that she was going to write to you & something prevented her.

Your affectionate daughter
Rosamond.

Please do’nt [sic] forget to bring the Horticultural seeds.

M^r Grieve ⁸ has just been here to talk to Mama again about Milburn tower; and as there are several little things which Mama wishes him to engage to do should you really take the house, and which he wo’nt [sic] promise without seeing exactly on the spot what they are, they have set out together to visit the house, and wo’nt be back till near five o’clock: – therefore Mama ⁹ told me to tell you she should not be able to write to you as she had promised today, but will certainly tomorrow.