[on mourning paper; in another hand Apr. 24 1854]

My dear Henry

There was such a sudden chill in the weather yesterday, succeeded by positive cold today, that it was deemed by all of us, fortunate that we did not accept your proposal of going with you to Birthwaite. – Even that evening (which we devoted to a drive into Newlands, to treat for butter with M^rs Dinah White) was so thick & hazy, that we sh^d have been sorry to traverse the country between this & Birthwaite under such unfavorable crc circumstances. The sun has scarcely shown his face since you left us. I have no doubt there has been a thunder storm somewhere – & plenty of rain – Here we had a few light showers last night, but not enough to water the ground, or lay the dust – I called yesterday on the Miss Dunlops – with Ela and Matilda – M^r Stanger was there relating his travels. He again alluded to your visit, & said how much pleasure it had given him –

No letters for you yet and none from Charles –

My Brother’s address is 32. Dover St. I hope you will find them arrived. Did you write to enquire after M^r Digby? W^d not the shortest & most proper thing be to write to L^d Ilchester?

When you have time, please to tell us what sort of journey you had.

Your affectionate
Constance. –