Bath 8^th Dec^r

My dear Papa,

We have seen and engaged this morning a very promising man of the name of William Jee, whom Mama has already written to you about. He looks quiet and very civil, and promises to make no objections, but to work single-handed when the family is separated; to be in fact what he calls a working butler! age 31 – wage £5⁰. So we must hope for the best. He cannot come before Tuesday; so on Tuesday about the middle of the day Thomas will be with you. He will walk over from the Station (I mean Thomas) so you needn’t send the Coburg. W. Jee is leaving his present place because his master is going abroad, & breaks up his establishment.

Aunt Harriot has invited Ela to accompany Charles to MacKeaton, and remain longer than him, and she has written to accept.

Ela would be glad if you would let her know two days before you intend coming here, and by what train and station, as she wants to go over to Lacock some day and would take that opportunity; her fly waiting and conveying you both back to the Station. She says her business would not take her much above an hour at Lacock.

We have bought a registering thermometer. Last night it marked 22. I am afraid you must be very cold in your draughty room.

We have just been to call on M^rs Traherne but she was out. Opinions differ as to the time of her stay – some say a week some a fortnight.

I hope M^r Roach has consented to explain his joke at the next penny reading, and that the audience will make no more such mistakes.

Your most affect daughter

Rosamond