Castlet Cottage
Saturday May 8^th

My dear Papa

You cannot think how snug and comfortable we are here in this little house, and I think that for spending a very short time it is in the best possible situation, – so near the lake that we frequently run down there quite early in the morning before breakfast, when it is in its greatest beauty and tranquillity and nobody about except perhaps a solitary boatman or fisherman in harmony with the scene – The weather has been most beautiful throughout the week (Sunday excepted) it poured so heavily in that morning that we were beginning to despair, but the afternoon was fine enough for a walk, though rather disagreable on account of the mud. – On Thursday Mamma, Tilly and I went over the water to see Sir John Woodford and thank him for a present we had just received of eight bottles of Amontiliado which he had received direct from Spain a few years ago and is now bottling off – It is very good and we are quite sorry that he should have deprived himself of it; and tried to persuade him that we should never manage to get through so much in a fortnight, but no, he was so pressing poor man there was no inducing him to take any of it back. –Perhaps you have heard how ill he was at Stafford, on detained there a whole month on his way home, and he looks much older and more feeble than when we saw him last, but it is quite sad the way he manages his property, entirely spoiling its beauty in some parts by cutting down the trees in a wholesale manner notwithstanding the entreaties of his neighbours who would rather buy the land than see it thus disfigured – poor D^r Leech only a week ago offered to purchase the beautiful wooded hill opposite his house, at the very end of Sir John’s wood adjoining Portinscale (We used to call it the Point de vue perhaps you recollect) but he would not consent, and is now cutting down the trees in a place which is much too precipitous ever to make good pasture land.

From the water we had a good view of the house of M^r Bell but just at present it looks rather queer – It is in fact but one wing of the real house and the ground being very uneven the front part is supported on arches which are far from picturesque – at a distance it looks long narrow and disproportionately tall, but M^r Henderson who purchased the adjoining lot intends to begin by laying out his grounds and it is expected he will build something in a very different style.

I never enjoyed being on the lake more than that evening, just wind enough to be pleasant and the lights all round most beautiful – The island house has been lent by M^r Marshall to one of his newly married nieces for her honey moon – and the happy couple arrived there I believe yesterday evening

Both the Miss Marshalls, great friends of the Speddings, with whom they travelled in Italy, were married on Thursday and Sarah Spedding was one of the bridesmaids –

As for the Speddings they are so exceedingly friendly that we are welcome at any hour we please at Greta Bank and have a general invitation to luncheon, dinner or tea any day we like – and yesterday they took us a drive into Borrowdale in the Mirehouse carriage as far as the Chapel – the day was perfect and the views splendid but perhaps one does not enjoy the scenery quite so much in company – particularly with people much given to conversation besides they have been so kind as to supply us with vegetables – young Asparagus which is quite a treat, rhubarb &c &c both from Mirehouse and Greta Bank. –

This afternoon I happen to be alone, as the rest of the party are gone to Ormathwaite, where they were to have an early tea, after visiting the poultry yard &c &c Only think of our having been already here a week – the time goes so very fast when one does not wish it to do so – but I am very sorry we were not able to take you in too, for the change would have done you so much good. –

and now Good bye dear Papa till we see you again

Y^r affec^te daughter
Ela

We have not heard from you for a long time. –

[envelope:]
H F Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts