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London
Wedny 15 Oct.
My dear Constance
I am glad you did not leave Grasmere today which was the day originally fixed as it has rained unceasingly all day. I have been talking with Sir D. Brewster who is going to try and make the Executive Committee do justice to Henneman, as he is well acquainted with one of them – The Exve Commee altho’ rolling in riches want to make Hennn work for next to nothing, indeed with respect to one set of pictures they require him to furnish them at a loss to himself as he is to procure them from a Mr Owen & they will not reimburse him the whole of his outlay. Hennn is desirous of obliging them & of finishing the work but their own vexatious conduct makes it doubtful. He thinks they wish it not to be completed – Why then order it? The fact is there are endless intrigues among the ranks of the Exve Commee they are opposing each other and offending everybody who has the misfortune to have any dealings with them.
Sir D and Miss Brewster talk of paying us a visit at Lacock the first week in November.
As a general rule it is inexpedient to pay for the performance of work beforehand therefore you had better agree with Mr Brown to pay his coachman when you get home.
I enclose a list of distances correctly copied from Paterson’s Roads. I hope it may be useful
Your affte
Henry