TALBOT8429

Millburn Tower ¹
Thursday June 27^th

My dear Papa,

We were very glad indeed to get your letter to Mama ² this morning, as we were beginning to wonder what had become of you.

It must indeed have been hot in Piedmont, judging merely from what we have felt here; but some very welcome rain this week has refreshed and cooled us, and caused the garden to improve very much.

We have at length got a coachman who promises well – he arrived today. He ³ is an unsophisticated highlander, from Blair Athole, unmarried – asks moderate wages, whereas all the others proposed were most extravagant in their terms, and is to be made useful in a variety of ways, as he is used to combine the duties of gardener and groom.

As for Pullen ⁴ he is already in a fidget to be off, pretending that his garden will suffer from his absence &c &c, and can scarcely be persuaded to remain the time necessary to put the new man in the right way of his duties.

I hope you got my letter at Nice – Ela ⁵ also wrote there, but I am afraid hers must have arrived after you were gone.

Tilly ⁶ had proposed another little visit here from Saturday to Tuesday, which we should all have enjoyed very much, but Mama thought it would be scarcely prudent for her now to risk the fatigue of the drive, and therefore persuaded her to give it up. So I am going instead to spend those days with her in Edinburgh in order that she may not be quite alone whilst M^r C. ⁷ is gone to Speddoch to look after the building. She continues to be perfectly well.

Mamie ⁸ sends you this message: – that she hopes you will let her know what day you are to be in London, that she may direct a letter to you there.

We expect you here very soon, and I hope the weather will continue as fine as it is now for your arrival, that you may find everything looking cheerful and comfortable. And do’nt [sic] forget to give us a day or two notice, that your room may be prepared and made very nice.

Mama received the wedding cards of M^r and M^rs Arthur Headlam ⁹ this morning.

Goodbe, dear Papa, love from all Your affectionate daughter
Rosamond.

We are going to dine at the Primroses ¹⁰tomorrow.