To W. D. Fox   [8 October 1830]

My dear Fox

When I received your last letter our house was full of company, & we had somebody there every day till I left home, and I always feel it quite hopeless to think of writing a letter if the house is not quite quiet.— We were all very glad to hear so good an account of M^rs. Fox.—& I most sincerely hope she continues daily to gain strength.—

I arrived here in my most snug & comfortable rooms yesterday evening, after having had a most comfortless journey up here.— I left Shrewsbury on Tuesday & slept at Daventry, where I overtook my horse & rode him myself the two last days journey. The poor beast was so tired that he hardly knew whether he stood on his heels or his head.—& it will be some time before I undertake to ride a young horse a long journey again.— It will be very pleasant having horse up here. Moreover I think he will make a splendid hunter, from a specimen I had of him with Eytons hounds.—

There is not an individual up whom I know, & therefore I have had plenty of time to regret your absence.— How I wish you had been able to have stayed up here. we should have suited so well, each of us reading all morning & being idle all evening.— But it is not only when I am solitary that I regret your absence. Many many times do I think of our cozy breakfasts & even wish for you to give me a good scolding for swearing, & being out of temper or any other of my hundred faults— But is no use regretting; what cannot be altered.—

I have not seen Prof Henslow, but am going to a Party there to night; you have not told me half enough what you think about M^rs. Henslow She is a devilish odd woman. I am always frightened whenever I speak to her, & yet I cannot help liking her.— I suppose you cannot at all tell me what your plans are, & whether there is any hope of your coming up to Cambridge.— but that of course entirely depends on your Mothers health; I trust you will write soon & tell me how she is going on as it is sometime since I last heard.—

This is a very stupid letter, but I will try not to write many such | & Believe me dear Fox | y^rs. sincerely. C. D—