Lacock Abbey

Tuesday July 3^d

My dear Papa

We are very indignant at your thinking that you alone are enjoying fine Summer weather and that here it is wretched and miserable – We have had it very fine ever since Saturday – Sunday and today were glorious – and hay-making is going on all around – You do not mention its being so very fine on Sunday – so I suspect we triumphed here – I should have written before but thought you might have left Paris and did not know where to direct next – We have just concluded a very busy day of packing and intend to start on Thursday arriving at Oakfield on Friday – so I suppose the next letter that reaches you will be from under Skiddaw! –

Poor Mamma received a letter giving a very bad account of Aunt Marian which determined her to go down to Margate and see her before starting for the North, but she had only just time to manage it, going on Saturday and returning to us yesterday – She found her in a very weak and suffering state, but very well taken care of and nursed by her daughter who is kind and attentive but as the fatigue is becoming too great for her they were going to have a regular nurse –

Mamma took Goodwin with her thinking she might have a difficulty in finding a lodging, this time of the year, particularly arriving late on Saturday evening – but Margate was empty – I suppose the bad weather hitherto has deterred many families from taking their usual trips – As the stupid train did not stop at Reading she had to go all the way round by London

We have received improving accounts of Charles both from himself and M^rs Spedding – the change to their house seems to have done him good and they are taking every care of him –

I promised to give you a description of the flowers of the new Tropeolum – they are of middle size (between the size of the common large garden kind and the Canary nasturnium <sic>) and of a pure yellow with a faint delicate marking of reddish brown on the two upper petals – If I had had time I would have attempted a sketch to keep to show you but the first flowers were spoilt by the rain – at the last few days I have been occupied in preparing for packing &c –

Mamma desires me to thank you for your letter containing the portrait which she found awaiting her on her return home She will write from Oakfield and though we hope to reach it on Friday it may possibly be a day later – Mama also thanks you for her letter and will write soon –

And now dear Papa I must conclude as it is post time – remaining ever

your affectionate daughter Ela

I hope you have felt none the worse for your fall from the staircase on board the Steamer –