TALBOT8596

Markeaton
September 2^d

My dear Henry

Ela & I were very much pleased to get yours & Rosamond’s letters yesterday morning – for it had seemed very long before we could hear of your safe arrival at Millburn¹ – the day post which brings letters from Scotland & elsewhere to Markeaton about six or seven o’clock on the six days of the week has no delivery at Derby on Sundays – so we were half a day longer without news –

Today we are going to Sir Henry Wilmot’s for 2 nights – so I fear we cannot receive any more letters until our return on Thursday – We expect a pleasant visit there (at Chaddesden) because the hosts are very friendly – the house is full of curiosities, & the daughters will make it lively & agreeable to Ela & Charles – We are extremely favored in our weather – I have seen only one attempt at a shower since we came – and it is tolerably warm: – still from the very airy habits of this family I cannot keep quite so warm as it suits me.

The house is getting re-arranged by degrees – and Noel is busy getting the Books restored to the Shelves of the Saloon – the upholsterer is down from London putting up the Curtains, – after which the Carpet will be spread – and our feet will feel warmer – Ela is very happy here, & her Aunt likes having her so much that I was asked yesterday evening whether I would allow her to remain at Markeaton for awhile, after Charles & I leave – I have consented willingly, and Ela herself is delighted with the arrangement. She is to make herself useful to her Aunt as the Daughter of the house, and I am quite pleased that she should have this advantage of seeing a little more society than we can give her at home – M^rs Nicholl & her daughters are expected very soon, and it will be a nice opportunity for Ela to become acquainted with them. – And I am sure she will be altogether very happy – My Brother said that if there should be no better way of getting her home eventually, he would send her part of the way & we could send somebody to meet her. – But this need not be settled now. Charles & I will start on our return either Monday or Tuesday next, but we will write word in time and after consulting Bradshaw – What news have you of Caroline? – Please remind Monie of her promise to write out & send her the 2 routes to Scotland. –

I hope both your colds are better & that you & Monie are snug & comfortable. – Charles thanks you for your message & rejoices in the recovery of the cap of the Camera –

Ela sends her love –

Your affectionate
Constance.

I re-open my letter to say that we shall ask for letters at the P.O. today as we go through Derby, & tomorrow Noel will bring them with him to Chaddesden –

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Millburn Tower
Edinburgh