4, The Circus,
Bath.
Wednesday
Decr 6th
My dear Henry
I am glad to tell you that I have several desirable man servants in view – one I am expecting to see tomorrow – he is coming over on purpose from Clifton – where he is waiting till a place offers – and he can come at once – I will write you the result. If he fails, I shall have further particulars of another tomorrow. I feel certain therefore of being able to send you Thomas on Monday – which will just be in time before Wynn leaves – The hour might be two one o’clock (as near as I can remember the trains) or if necessary he could leave Bath so as to reach Lacock by 11 – It would seem scarcely worth while to bring Wynn back here for a couple of days, indeed we could not give him a bed after engaging the new Servant – I hardly understand from your letter whether it is your wish to come here next Saturday, or whether you rather propose it as a matter of convenience, on account of the Servant Thomas – If the latter, I think that on re-considering, the matter you will agree with me in the advantage of letting the new men start fairly without any counter influence – I also mean that I would rather have him enter on the duties single handed for a short time – Therefore if it makes little or no difference to yourself, I should prefer sending Thomas away to you at Lacock for a few days or so, till the new Servant is settled – As he is single handed in his present place it will come natural to him to continue so just for a while – Let me know that you consider this proposal reasonable – and please tell me by return of post whether I shall order some of those Beckfords, (the little loaves) for you to be sent on Saturday by the Carrier – Have you tried the seed cakes which Hill makes? I believe she knows several kinds of delicacies for breakfast of tea, such as Scones – I am glad that you have cleared our friend the Vicar from that aspersion – but what a shame! &c &c You will please remember in settling with Wynn that I paid his Wages up to the 1st October. We were out today in a carriage – & thought the weather rather less severe.
Your affectionate
Constance