TALBOT3723

Markeaton ¹
Tuesday evening 21

My dear Henry

I am very sorry indeed that you are grown fainthearted about the Lakes, ² for I am not in the least; & when I came here, I made up my mind that the increased distance would not signify at all, or occasion me to Sleep oftener on the road – for you know, I must have made 2 days to Kendal, & now even from Markeaton, it will still be only 2 days – My Aunt M^rs Newton ³ is gone the same road today & she intended to make but one day’s journey from her home to Blackpool, & therefore I think that I might may easily manage one or perhaps 2 stages beyond Manchester, & thus avoid all the désagrémens [sic] of the Royal hotel. The whole distance is only 136 miles; making by division, 2 easy days. – Manchester is not so much as half way – M^rs Newton has promised to write me a line at the end of her journey, to tell me how long she is in accomplishing it, & to communicate any useful bits of information that may occur to her mind during her progress – I have said thus [sic] much to prove to you that I am quite ready to meet the discomforts of a single night’s gîte, ⁴ or even if 2, if Kendal sh^d also prove uncomfortable. – at the same time I shall bend willingly to your decision if business makes requires your presence at home. – & I shall not think about Malvern or any other place until I hear from you again, but hold myself in readiness to move on Monday towards the north if summoned. – But why should we not pay another little visit to Buxton if Caroline ⁵ still remains there, & you have no better scheme? – for next week there may be plenty of vacant rooms, because at Buxton the company are always fluctuating & by writing in time you may have more choice. – Harriot ⁶ wrote yesterday to Caroline to engage appartments [sic] for her next week at Buxton; the air is certainly very strengthening there & will probably be of service to Harriot. –

The Nursery maid ⁷ is not yet convalescent, so I have consulted another Doctor, who has prescribed a repetition of Leeches &c &c – He thinks it is likely to prove an obstinate attack, but he will be able to judge better in a day or 2 – & if she does not begin to get better immediately I think it will be best to send her home from hence, & procure a substitute – for she is almost useless at present, & requires to be helped instead of helping others. –

Poor little Bimbo ⁸ was much grieved to part with his cousins ⁹ so soon, especially as they were compelled by to brook their engagement to drink tea with him on Saturday owing to our sudden departure. – but as Caroline expressed no particular anxiety to keep me, I thought it was useless to submit to incon[veniences] which were unnecessary. We slept at Matlock on Saturday, after visiting Haddon Hall ¹⁰ by the way – & spent the early part of Sunday in climbing the rocks at Matlock – & after the children had slept & dined, we came on to Markeaton. – where we were joyously rec^d although not expected till the next day. – I have seen poor Uncle Leaper, ¹¹ & am much shocked by the alteration in his looks, & by his difficulty of breathing – but he had much pleasure in seeing me. – Poor Edgar ¹² is wrinkled & shrivelled, but very well & so happy at my coming! –

The children are as well as possible, & very happy here –

What a good thing that M^r Awdry has resigned! ¹³ – Pray let me hear soon, & don’t write with a steel pen – why should you? –

Your affectionate
Constance

H. Fox Talbot Esq^re
Post office
Newcastle on Tyne