TALBOT9150

Dabton
Nov. 17^th

My dear Papa,

I write to announce my safe arrival here accompanied by Goodwin ¹ on Frida Thursday, and Mama ² and Monie’s ³ on Friday – it was only at the last minute that Mama decided on coming here en route to Edinburgh being much pressed by Tilly ⁴ to do so – but she does not intend staying more than a few days, being anxious now to get comfortably housed for the winter as soon as possible.

Tilly thanks you much for your letter and is only sorry that you did not announce to us beforehand that there was to be such a display of celestial fireworks ⁵ on the night in question – how very fortunate the night was such a clear one – Mama and Monie saw them ⁶ at Markeaton, ⁷ almost by chance, having been roused by the wind just at the right time – how long did you sit up watching them? –

Both yesterday & day before were very wet and stormy – today bright and fine with sharp frost last night, now cloudy again and I suppose we shall have more rain –

All the children ⁸ are very flourishing and much grown – and Baby runs about quite independently though he does not yet speak –

I left all well at Marle Hill, & Aunt Newton ⁹ desired to be Kindly remembered to you – when I wrote next – you see I have kept my promise.

Aunt Saunders ¹⁰ is intending to take her journey North in the course of next week – she has stayed very late at Cheltenham ¹¹ this year but it has been remarkably mild for the time of year –

And now I must wish Good bye dear Papa as it nearly post time and getting quite dark –

Your affec^te daughter
Ela

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H F Talbot sq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts