TALBOT8597

Markeaton
Thursday

My dear Papa

I hope you approve of Aunt Harriets kind invitation to me to remain here a little longer; I think I shall enjoy doing so very much and I am sure you will be glad of my having the opportunity of making acquaintance with the Nicholls whom I do not know at all – I do not exactly know when they are coming; I suppose not quite immediately, but I believe M^rs Nicholl will be of the party and you must let me know if you have any messages for her

We are just returned from Chaddesden where we had a very pleasant visit (with the exception of pouring rain) but they are people who know how to make themselves comfortable & fires were made all over the house in consideration of the bad weather – there was plenty to do however in examining all the curiosities the house contained, in fact it is quite a museum, & Major Wilmot displayed a large collection of Chinese dresses – enamels & china &c &c brought back by him from the seat of war, he has also a number of photographs done on the spot by a photographer accompanying the army, which give a very good idea of Pekin and the surrounding country all swampy and barren looking; Some of the curiosities come from the Emperor’s own apartments in the palace – Major Wilmot himself returned home after the death of his elder brother, he is just married and both he & his wife are very agreable people –

This deplorable change of weather came on after a heavy thunderstorm on tuesday [sic], and seems likely for the present to continue, it is cold and not in the least like the beginning of September, – and I daresay you have similar complaints to make at Millburn¹ –

Charles and I had planned an expedition to Haddon hall, but I fear we shall have to give it up, – unless the weather should change unexpectedly between this and next Tuesday –

I was glad to hear that at last you have seem the old ruined Chapel for I quite thought that you would leave Millburn without paying it a visit, which would have been too bad! –

Goodbye –

y^r affectionate daughter
Ela

[envelope:]
H F Talbot Esq
Millburn Tower
Edinburgh
N B.