TALBOT9243

13 Gt Stuart St.
June 11^th

My dear Papa,

I have been intending to write to you for some time but there really was so little to say – except to complain of the bad weather which prevented poor Monie¹ trying to go out which D^r Moir² has been anxious for some time past to see her accomplish She has not yet taken a drive, but what is I think almost more satisfactory – yesterday, she was out for some time in the garden and enjoyed it very much – the weather being mild and pleasant though with a good deal of wind – but she and Mamie^<3> found some sheltered corners where they were able to sit down, and the garden is now at its prettiest, full of lilacs and laburnums – they stayed a good half hour and Monie was really very little fatigued considering – of course she lay down and rested well afterwards and this morning she seems all the better for it – I hope she will be able to get out today – but though not cold it is gloomy and foggy and rather uninviting I hope however it may clear up later.

Tilly³ and party established themselves at their Sea-side quarters on Saturday and Mamie had a letter from her this morning in which she says that they are comfortably settled at Ross Bay – it is quite a retired spot but you will find it on the map at the entrance of the Bay of Kirkcudbright from which Town it is some miles distant she is to write again and give us a description of the Place – They had a wet day for their journey on Saturday but no rain since. Do you remember the little brown cat who made herself at home in our dog kennel? We were very anxious to find a home for her before leaving, and by the kindness of Miss Gibson Craig⁴ she has been established in a cottage close to Hermiston where she is quite contented and happy in a family where there are six children – very proud of having a cat who came from Edinbro’.

Our own Pussy is going to Rosy this week – and poor Linny to Hermiston Riccarton on Saturday – but the latter is only on a visit during our absence abroad, as I could not consent to part with him altogether –

Mama⁵ and Monie both wish me to thank you for your letters to them – and Wilkins⁶ will be glad to hear that the banquet of Roses he sent in the last hamper was much admired and has lasted till now – & will you tell Charles⁷ that Mama was pleased to hear that it was M^rs Edward’s cottage that has been restored as she is one of her favourite old women –

We shall not leave Edinburgh this week but probably the beginning of next week if the weather is fine. Mama will let you know in a day or so what we have decided on

Goodbye dear Papa Yr affec^te daughter
Ela

P.S. Afternoon fine & warm Monie is going out for a drive We have sent your book to Dabton

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