TALBOT9235

13 Great Stuart Street Edinburgh
Monday May 27.

My dear Henry

My last letter would reach you a day later, owing to the interruption of the Sunday. – but you know ere now the opinion which D^o Begbie¹ gave of our dear Rosamond.² – I am glad to say that today she appears rather more brisk than she did yesterday; but she changes so much, that sometimes a better morning is followed by a more languid evening. We were lucky to get possession of our hamper of vegetables as soon as it reached Edinburgh yesterday (Sunday) – It ought to have been here on Saturday at 2 o’clock – but it was delayed, owing probably to the extra traffic on the railways for the Queen’s Birthday. – Late on Saturday evening Goodwin³ found by enquirey at the Station that it was not arrived – and he made interest with one of the Porters to deliver it at our house, if it should come by a morning train, on Sunday. This arrangement succeeded – so that we had our Asparagus & Salad for our early dinner – and the specimen of Bomaria was delivered into the hands of Miss Cecilia Gibson Craig⁴ – who called expressly for it on her return from Church to Hermiston a little after one. – She carried it home to her Sister, who is still confined to the house though better. – and they took it very kindly that you should have thought of sending it for them. Wilkins⁵ wrote a few lines in the basket, & gave a very nice account of the kittens & their mothers, which pleased Monie. He said the frosts had cut up the Potatoes sadly & injured many things – what a pity! – but did you ever known such a severe Spring? – Our weather continued dry & cold till yesterday, which was rainy – and today we have frequent heavy showers – D^o M.⁶ says there are signs of a change, – and that the air is already less sharp. – Your affectionate

Constance

I have directed Goodwin to get H. F. T. painted on the covers of our trunks & the outsides of all other packing cases, according to Bayer’s instructions – Fortunately all our trunks have flat tops, but one – and we have sufficient in number without that one. – Goodwin is quite pleased to know that you have engaged a Courier.⁷

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^re
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire