Oakfield Friday

My dear Henry

Mr. Patterson has been as good as his word, & secured for us no 11 Moray Place at the rent offered. Enclosed is the agreement for your signature. – I hope that my last letter removed from your mind all doubt about the house proving in all respects such as we shall like. There is no risk whatever, from the knowledge we ourselves have of those Moray Place Houses, and we should act unreasonably in discrediting Mr. Patterson’s positive and reiterated assurance that it is unexceptionable. –

You will observe that the agreement does not contain the proviso that you asked, of giving up the house in case of any grave deficiency being found to exist – the owner (Mr. Crombie) has been asked, but objects to let the matter stand so. And M^r Patterson, who is on our side, again assures me that the house is "clean and well furnished, suitable for a gentleman’s family." – I trust his report much more than I sh^d have done that of M^r Clark – for he would have viewed it hastily among many others, and w^d have been liable to make mistakes – I repeat that I am quite confident we are running no risk – The accommodation is amply sufficient – similar to the best houses we have occupied at Edinburgh – I am writing a line to Tilly, who is waiting impatiently to know how the matter stands – She will be so happy to hear that your offer is accepted. – and all of us at Oakfield are very happy too I can assure you.

I must explain why I fixed the 4^th rather than the 1^st of Dec^r for entering upon our house – It is because of the 1^st falling on a Saturday which which would have been inconvenient in many ways. –

Your affectionate
Constance

If you happen

I have waited in vain for some mention from you of George’s Wilkins’s business – though I had looked for a word of approval. – About his journey I have now settled that he should come along with Goodwin, which will be far better than starting him on such a long journey all alone; and he shall spend a few days at Oakfield while he is waiting for the 11^th . Please to tell Goodwin that you approve of this arrangement, that he & Wilkins may come to a speedy understanding in the matter.

Lovely weather still – with a white frost last night –

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham