TALBOT9137

Mount Edgcumbe
Devonport

Sept^r 26^th 1866

My dear Henry,

I have not had a minute to write, otherwise I should have answered Your letter ¹ a day or two ago. We have given up Scotland for this year – having so much to do at home – & as Ernestine ² is anxious to remain at Cotehele ³ for some time, to try & really settle ourselves, I am nothing loth to do so. I think we shall certainly be at home at the time you mention – the 9^th Oct^r or later – & if you would come then, we should be so very glad. Perhaps You will bring Rosamond ⁴ as you hinted you might – She has never yet seen Cotehele, & w^d I am sure admire the place. I would not advise Amandier ⁵ to come now, for the unusually wet season would not suit her, I fear – The woods get so damp, that I fear she would feel the effects even in the house – & I hear from Rosamond that she has not been well lately. Let us hear. We may be asked to V^t Eliot ⁶ for a day or two – being such near neighbours – but that must not in any way interfere with Your visit – as we can almost always go there at any time – only let me know.

Emily Murray ⁷ lunched here on Sunday – & is now gone on to Carclew. ⁸ She was extremely lively & amusing – even more so than usual – without over doing it. She fixed herself at the R^l Hotel at Plymouth for 3 or 4 days, for the sake of a very pretty young woman, grand daughter of M^rs Siddons, who was going to make her début there. You know how enthusiastic she is, when she takes up anyone; & she thought that by interesting her Cousin, ( Admiral Drummond ⁹ Superint^t of the Dockyard) in her behalf, she might ensure her a good first night – in which benevolent object she, I believe, succeeded.

We made acquaintance with Ad^l Drummond, yesterday, at the launch of the Dryad – Sister ship to the Amazon that went down at Sea, the other day. He seems a most agreable, charming man.

Val & Charlie ¹⁰ both left us yesterday morning for Bowhill – where Katie ¹¹ is still staying with Lady Dalkeith. ¹² I suppose she will remain there till she goes to Cannes. We return to Cotehele on Saturday.

Y^rs aff^te Sister
Caroline

How very unfortunate Kit’s daughters ¹³ were – in not being allowed to land at the Azores – the first time he has ever taken them anywhere. Are you going to the Wedding? Lady Dunraven’s Eldest daughter, L^y Augusta Quin ¹⁴ is also going to be married next month, to M^r Pendarves Vivian.