Tuesday June 5
My dear Henry
I am very glad to hear that you have engaged Mrs Groves <1> & I hope we may find her such as we wish in all essentials. – My Uncle & Aunt Newton <2> have only just left us, & it is now too late to speak to Clifford <3> before post time – therefore I think Friday will certainly be soon enough for Mrs Groves to come – but if you could leave the day undecided until after I have written again (which I will do tomorrow after I have spoken to Clifford & heard what she has to say for herself in regard to plans) I might be able to say whether Friday or the following day would be the most desirable. – I will certainly write tomorrow & tell you how I get through my task – which I dread extremely & which I think I shall undertake this evening after the children are gone to bed –
Mr & Mrs Newton enjoyed their visit very much & explored with exemplary perseverance every part of the house. – I was rather sorry we had not time to go up the Bowden hill <4> to shew them the view –
Your affectionate
Constance
Notes:
1. As nurse to Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter and Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.
2. Eleanor Newton, née Stephenson (1788-1880), wife of Sarah Leaper Newton's brother, Robert Newton Leaper-Newton (1775-1846).
3. Lady’s maid.
4. Bowden Hill, Wiltshire, 1 mi SE of Lacock.