4 Circus – Wednesday
October 25
My dear Henry
I am particularly pleased with our house – and think we shall be very comfortable – At least it will be our own fault, if otherwise. – of course allowing a little time to get everything quite settled – I have not been out yet, excepting to view our little private garden – larger than the one at Edinburgh – Sunny & adapted for cultivating many things – sloping towards the Park. with which it communicates by 3 or 4 steps & a gate in the boundary wall. – I noticed in it – a good Arbutus in flower a Bay tree with fruit – 2 kinds of yellow Jessamine – (not the large flowered one which is so handsome in early Spring) – plenty of Chrysanthemums coming into bloom – and many other things in a florishing condition – Specially a Laurustinus in flower. – common ferns too are growing in shady places – It is, no doubt, a very sheltered & sunny bit of ground. – and we could have any number of Spring flowers in it – Please tell Ela that the ‘Times’ delivered this morning was charged one half penny <illeg> by the Postman, in addition to the ½ label in which she folded it – The reference which either she or Charles made to the Postal table of charges, led us to suppose that one half penny freed any newspaper whatsoever. – Which is wrong?, her authority or the Postman?
We have splendid weather – which makes everything here look to the best advantage: no doubt it is the same at Lacock – and I hope it tempts you to the greenhouse, & that you bestow some notice on those poor Dutch bulbs.
You will be extremely interested by Matilda’s account of the Royal Ducal entertainments to the Prince & Princess – Rd received the letter last night – & was desired, as you will see, to send it on to Lacock. Dear Tilly seems to have enjoyed it thoroughly – but I am sorry the children could see so little, on account of their colds. Few things turn out so well as these fêtes appear to have done.
Let me hear how your household succeeds in making you comfortable – I shall leave you the Underhousemaid, – but have desired the kitchenmaid to come away on Monday, when Hawkins will have got be ready to give her attention to your dinners &c &c.
Your affectionate
Constance