Lyme Regis Dorset
July 22nd 1870
My dear Mr Talbot,
I think it is a pity that Mr Roach should be at the expense of going all the way to Pennington unless he goes on his own account, as I do not think from what I hear that it is at all likely to suit me, besides the incumbent makes it a sine qua non that his furniture, carriage & poney shall be taken at a valuation, which I would not do on any account. Besides all my relations discourage me from going so far north: as it would be so far for them to come and see us, particularly my mother: and of course it would be out of the question our going to Merthyrmawr, as you must of course see that it would not be pleasant for my wife to go there or into that neighbourhood.
Besides what little information I have of the parish of Pennington is not favourable, the church feeling being of a very low type, being a good deal lower than Lacock, and a congregation that would not approve of change, such as I should think bound to make. I do not mean to say that I have finally determined not to go there, but unless I hear a more favourable account I should decidedly not go there, so unless Mr Roach would like it for himself I should advise his not taking such an expensive journey until I have decided.
Your aff Cousin
Edward P. Nicholl