TALBOT9052

13. Gt. Stuart Street

Friday Dec^r 15

My dear Henry

Ten days of darkness in poor benighted Wiltshire! It is quite a pity you were not here to share our sunshine – for we have had many very beautiful days since I came – it is a good deal colder today: and we observed white frost on the grassy slopes to the back of the house. – Poor Ma^lle Amélina’s cough is till very oppressive & keeps her in bed. D^r Moir’s skill doesn’t avail much – and we trust more to time than any of his remedies. I enclose a line for Lucy to mention a thing which I want here if it can be managed, along with any package of yours that may be coming by luggage train – It is a small bolster, which will be wanted when the Clarks come to stay with us here, and will save buying – I have told Lucy that if you have nothing to send by luggage train, she must wait till Wilkins sends our Bacon – which will be soon enough, as the Clarks will most likely not come before February. I also want a Book, “Domestic Cookery,” which I have asked her to put up with your things if quite convenient –

We are going to have pleasant neighbours opposite in the late Professor Aytorin’s house: Lord Curriehill’s family. They are such cheerful friendly sort of people. – We are going this Evening to an ‘at Home’ at the lord Advocate’s – but there is not much going on at present. I am writing to Charles at Merthyrmawr where he said he was to be the end of this week – I suppose you will scarcely see him again till you meet him at Edinburgh – Are you not indignant at the Jamaica enquiry & want of confidence in Governor Eyre? – If he has not exceeded his powers I don’t think we have any right to judge & condemn the line of conduct he has <ill. del.> deemed necessary. I remember your remarks when the first news of the Insurrection reached England, and you did not suggest lenient measures.

Your affectionate

Constance