My Dear Henry
The P. of Wales <1> is not arrived (2 o’clock) but trust he will be to day. The smoke you complain of is owing to the State of the Chimney, <2> which I before mentioned & I do not think it possible you can inhabit this house for a fortnight, as your room will be full of scaffolding. The chimney must all be pulled down & rebuilt. I have just had the Estimate & it is not an agreeable prospect. On Tuesday I mean to be at L. Abbey & on Wednesday all these disagreeable things begin. I hope Cinderella <3> arrived safe at her journey’s end
Ys affly
E F
<illegible deletion> This is the only time of year building can be done, except Summer & then I am here myself. There is besides a great deal of painting to be done by the terms of the Lease
Notes:
1. A picture of Edward VII (1841–1910), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British dominions and emperor of India from 1901. [See Doc. No: 05470].
2. See Doc. No: 05555.
3. Birthday present for Matilda Talbot. [See Doc. No: 05577].