Lacock Thursday 24 Nov.
My Dear Constance
I wrote to you yesterday, chiefly on Mr Roach’s affairs – I was surprised and much grieved by your account of Goodwin received this morning but I was somewhat relieved by the Telegram – I have had a long talk with Mr Crisp about it – He says he had suspected it for some time. but did not mention it to you because he did not feel certain. I asked him how long? and he said, not more than 2 or 3 months. He attributes the present severe attack to fatigue and excitement in preparing for the journey. Absence of mind, forgetfulness, and trembling of the hand are symptoms connected together, I am sorry you have had so great a worry just on arriving, when you required tranquillity and comfort to restore you after your long journey. I hope you did not find the latter part of the journey so cold. Here the weather is much warmer than it was a week or 10 days ago – Last night a violent gale, no doubt a South Wester Subsided about noon today. Expect to hear of calamities at Sea. The Times is coming round to my view, which some of you laughed at, that the tide is turning in favour of France. I took particular notice of the Telegram
It arrived here soon after 4 oclock.
Time elapsed before it was sent off from the Office at Edinburgh – 20 minutes
Time elapsed before it was delivered at the Abbey – 20 minutes
It was very clearly written out by Mr Austen’s boy
Yours affly
Henry
The old Crabtree is to be cut down this winter. Wilkins is very anxious also to cut down the smallest of the two walnut trees that which presses against the Nettle tree. Those two the Crab and Walnut, quite overshadow that portion of the garden – I approve of Wilkin’s scheme have you any objection to it?
I suppose you have not yet seen any Edinburgh friends – I hope the maids make you comfortable.