Grasmere
Tuesday Oct 25.
My dear Henry
I have received your letter & will act as you wish by handing over the cheque to Mr Green – I acknowledge & regret the loss & inconvenience to you which has arisen from our staying on at Grasmere so much beyond what was at first proposed – but the circumstances occasioning this delay were quite beyond our control. It was not the Speddoch visit alone; but many other things contributed to this – as I will more fully explain when we are together. I don’t wonder at your writing at last to exhort us to return & give up further thoughts of Speddoch – We had ourselves come to the determination that this day should decide the question – and if they did not feel courage enough to start for Speddoch, we would all prepare for a move home on the first possible day, so as to join you this week – I am very glad to be able to tell you that a beautiful calm clear morning came in aid of our wishes – and Tilly’s long invited guests started at ¼ past 2 today. They will drive in one of Brown’s carriages to Kendal & sleep there tomorrow their train leaves at a few minutes before 1 – & is due at Dumfries at 4ּ50, where the Speddoch carriage is to meet them. – On Monday Ela & I and the rest of the Servants propose to meet them at the Kendal Junction, sleep at Crewe – & so home about six on Tuesday – I will write again & name the hour for the carriage & cart to meet us at Chippenham – I have written today to Rebecca to expect us this day week – Nov. 1st – I trust this visit to dear Matilda will turn out happily – and I know it will be a source of pleasure in the retrospect – which was well worth waiting for. My mind is already relieved by this first step having been taken together today – and I shall now quietly proceed with our arrangements for Monday. – Will you have the kindness to write to your Newsman in London & order the Times to be stopped after next Saturday – & the Athenæum of next week to be directed to Lacock – I hope you will think of writing to our friend Professor Kelland –
Your affectionate
Constance -