Randolph Crescent
April 30th
My dear Henry
You have been very good in writing to us so often – I have received 2 letters since that those which I answered – and Rosamond has had one – (most entertaining) enclosed in my envelope today, for which she sends you her love; and she will write another day – I fancy poor Mr Clark is detained in Ireland by contrary winds – at least he could not cross the day after the wedding. – His friend Mr Walker is not the same gentleman who stands for the Dumfries Burghs – though I believe he is acquainted with the latter. We have very bright fine weather here today although the wind continues cold – I have been out nearly all day – & am quite tired. Before luncheon I paid two visits – one of which was to Mrs Napier about a maid for Matilda – and had a great deal of talk about this both with her & at home – After luncheon Ela & I accompanied Charles to John Knox’s house & the cemetery near the Calton Prison and after inspecting these we walked to the top of Calton Hill & had a splendid view over the Sea. – I never saw it, or the town of Edinburgh with all its fine buildings, come out more magnificently than they did today. I really believe we are going to have a decided improvement in the weather – I am sorry to hear that the beauty of the garden at Lacock is so much destroyd; I have not heard what people say of the gardens in these environs – The Speddings leave for Muirhouse on Monday – They had wished to see something in their way – but I believe have given it up as too difficult – I think it is always pleasant to see something if one can – but I scarcely can give an opinion on the choice of schemes in your letter of the 25th. You will come soon I suppose & talk over our future plans – & see what the Lawyers here are doing – We have set to work on the Trousseau & have done a good deal of business this week, during the absence of Mr Clark – I should not be sorry now if the wedding were to take place in Edinburgh – provided they could promise to pay us a nice long visit at L Abbey, in the Autumn – If he decides on giving up his profession, they will not be tied in any way as to time – and I suppose he will make up his mind on this point during the month of May. I would rather have the Wedding here than at home without the presence of our relations, who I expect will all be kept away by Parliament. – I did not wish to hint at this alternative in a letter, but do it now in case you should delay much longer coming to talk it over, – as you do not like surprises, or rapid changes of plans – I feel so much uncertainty about dear Rosamond that even were we to fix to be at home at any particular time, I am doubtful whether all our plans might not be deranged at the last moment – But of this we will talk when you come – Charles is quite pleased at the idea of taking Lacock on his to Harrow. We watch the warlike proceedings on the Continent with much apprehension –
Your affectionate
Constance –