4 Circus
April 26th
My dear Henry
A Collector of a superior grade (judging by the outward man) called this morning to solicit £12 (as per enclosed note) and tendered two separate receipts for the same – but I demurred about giving payment, not recollecting to have done so before – The collector referred to his memoranda, and said that the last ½ year seemed to have been paid through Mr Awdry of Chippenham. Why should he not be instructed to do so always as these rates are a regular thing: ‘never varying in amount’ the Collector said – Two Parcels from Chivers the Book binder are come for you – (only today) – You once said you wished them to remain here, but as the season is now so far advanced perhaps you would like them sent to Lacock by next Saturday’s Carrier – Today the weekly basket is sufficiently full.
I am very sorry for this unseasonably cold weather – it is bad in every way, and Rosd was unlucky to have it for her visit to Lacock, which, but for the cold, would have been a pleasant change for her. Today is slightly improved on yesterday – inasmuch as we have had several hours sunshine, and showers of rain instead of snow storms. I sympathise in Wilkins’s distress about the fruit blossoms – there has been such a succession of bad seasons. He sent us this morning a very pretty bouquet of cut flowers for the drawing room – I am very glad that you have obtained at last the blue Tropæulum – If it follows the habit of the tribe, (flowering freely) I dare say I shall be home to see it still in bloom.
We shall be very glad to get Monie back this Evening – I will keep my letter open till after she arrives, in case of some message.
Your affectionate
Constance
Rd is here all right – after nearly missing her train at Corsham – slow driving of the Fly & great punctuality of the train combined. Train at Station before the Fly.