Lacock Abbey,
Chippenham.
Thursday October 15th
My Dear Constance
I am unable to offer any useful advice with respect to your journey. I see by the papers that the bridge of Ponte Lago-scuro between Padua and Bologna is broken down by the floods and that passengers have to cross it on foot. I am afraid it will be a long time before the viaduct between Bolgna and Pistoja is repaired, that being a great architectural work. Perhaps the plan mentioned by Monie of going round by Ancona and Foligno would be the best, but it is a Considerable détour. It is extremely fortunate that you continue to like Venice & to find objects of interest there.
Charles received a nice long letter from Monie the other day. I dont know whether he has answered it yet. He is dining at Bowden park tonight to meet our Bishop, who is there on account of the Confirmation at St Anne’s Bowden Hill tomorrow. Charles is going to the Quarter Sessions at Marlbro’ on Tuesday, and thence to Markeaton for a week, when I understand he will meet Mr & Mrs Frampton of Moreton. Our new Kitchen range was fixed in its place last week and the fire was lighted on Saturday, when it appeared to act perfectly well, & the ovens & hot closet soon became hot. It cost £45 besides what I shall have to pay Charles Banks for mason’s work. It was furnishd by the Coalbrook Dale Compy of Bristol. We are putting a new boiler and more pipes in the great Conservatory so that Wilkins need not sit up of a frosty night to replenish the fire. I hope Mlle Amélina received my letter of the 2d October. The revolution in Spain weakens the Pope very much, depriving him of one of his best friends & supporters Isabella – His present of a Golden Rose to her last year has brought her anything but good luck. These Spanish Events have lessened the chance of war between France & Prussia which is a good thing. The Emperor cannot now withdraw his forces from Rome, and this diminishes his available army, We have had no such rains here as you had in Italy. Our weather has been very pleasant
Love to all Your affte
Henry