TALBOT8962

Gt. Stuart St.

Good Friday.

My dear Henry

Thanks for giving me the earliest intelligence of your arrival in London – The same post brought Monie your letter from Lacock Abbey of Wednesday – All you journies seem to have been very prosperous – but you lengthened the route considerably by taking Lacock on your way to London. – I hope the beauty of the flowers, and the early indications of Spring made you some amends for the extra fatigue. – Monie wrote to you yesterday, and mentioned our return from Dabton on Wednesday. – We had the very same kind of oppressive warmth that day which you experienced at Lacock – It had been very fine all the time, but cold, except in sheltered sunny spots. Yesterday we had heavy rain. Today is very sunny, but the air is sharp.

We left Matilda well – and as little uncomfortable as is to be expected under present circumstances. She was cheerful the whole time with the exception of our first evening there. – She scarcely thought you would have left Edinburgh on the day announced, and the children sent you kisses in case I should see you on my return – I was very happy with them: both Jack & baby were perfectly tame & sociable – and as merry as possible – I always think the journey to Dumfriesshire rather tedious – and I regretted having to retrace my steps, after being so far on the road to Lacock – we varied it this time however by coming by the Dalvine pass to Elvamfoot. – I have just sent to Rutland Street to enquire after Sir David Brewster. – He was out with Lady Brewster, and the Servant said he was much better. –

I enclose a letter bearing the London post mark, but I do not trouble you by forwarding such as are evidently Edinburgh circulars –

I want very much to know something of Lady Ilchester, – if she is still in Burlington Street, I hope you will see her and write me word how she is –

Love from Ela & Rosamond

Your affectionate

Constance.