13. Gt Stuart Street
December 1st
My dear Henry
As Monie was writing to you the day I received your letter, I asked her to thank you for it, and no doubt she told you of our having had a safe journey from Markeaton to Edinburgh – I did not find it nearly so fatiguing as I expected, considering the distance; nor were we very cold. – Then it was pleasant at our journey’s end to be welcomed by Madamlle Amélina and Monie to our own bright comfortable house. – Do come as soon as you possibly can – and settle down to studies & pursuits more suitable to the time of year than what you are now doing – I am persuaded that it is a hurtful thing to keep the mind always fixed on one subject – and I think you would hit off some astonishing new facts after the repose of a month or so – besides if you wished it, you might hire a work room here. – I fear I cannot suggest a remedy for the chilliness of Lacock Abbey – I felt it so very much myself during the last few weeks that I am persuaded the fault is in the locality, not in your feelings – nor do I see how your room can be kept comfortably warm, when the doors are so constantly standing open – therefore come, pray come! –
All the rates & assessments are being called for – and I hope I am doing right in paying them, as the collectors, though civil, are very positive that this is the customary time. I paid the water rate yesterday, amounting to £5·10. A notice has been served for the Police Prison & Registration assessments, amounting to £9· 16· 7½ – but as no penalty is incurred for non payment until the end of February, I keep that back – On the 8th Decr a Collector will call again for the Roads & Streets assessment which I enclose d – Must I pay it? What I don’t like in it is, the Rent being here stated as £165· whereas in the two others which I have mentioned the Rent is put at £132.
Monie begs me to say with her love that she forgot to thank you for sending Mr Prichard’s letter about Charles, which has given us all so much pleasure – I mentioned it at Markeaton having copied that part of the letter, and both my Brother and Harriot expressed their satisfaction. – Ela and I enjoyed our visit to them very much. – They had a few people besides ourselves which was agreeable. – Weather fine 2 days out of the 3. – Since we arrived here it inclines to rain and wind – and what disasters on the coast!, particularly last week. – Mlle Amélina had a long letter from Charles today: he writes always in the same enthusiastic tone; I hope no disappointment will damp his ardor; but it will not always be so pleasant. – I wish the Vicar would caution Mr Prichard (if he should be overdisposed to praise) for I am sure Charles is perfectly satisfied with his own abilities, and should be rather led to distrust himself until his judgment is matured. Charles laments that you do not write to him –
With love from all here –
I am yr affecte
Constance.
[envelope]
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Wiltshire