TALBOT5225

Clifton ¹
Thursday evening –

My dear Henry

At present we are not getting on so well as when I wrote to you last – I believe it is the effect of this baneful East wind – the same which did you so much harm the day you walked to St Mary Axe. ² There is nothing in my opinion half so hurtful as a very sharp wind combined with a scorching sun – Today we had no reason to complain of a scorching sun – but the weather was so black & cold that we were very near all staying in the house. However I fancied we might find a sheltered walk by going down the hill from our house: & Rosamond & Matilda ³ I thought could try the experiment without risk – It succeeded well & we only got a cold gust now & then at the corner of a street – We were well amused walking along the quays & looking at the Steamers lying in the Inner Basin – Various works were going on in the Docks which we could not understand till at last we came to a Saw pit where 2 men were sawing – which pleased R & M as it reminded them of the description of a saw pit in Frank. – I am shockingly disappointed about Adela Tossi & do not know what is to be done. The governess recommended by Lady Buxton ⁴ is scarcely accomplished enough to suit us – she does not undertake more than Miss King ⁵ did I imagine – and I therefore do not wish to enquire further about her –

Friday – I have just written to tell Lady Elisabeth ⁶ why I cannot adopt her advice & go up to Sackville Street ⁷ so soon as Monday – It will be more easy to let the children run wild at home than here – & I mean to take them back next Friday – After that I will hold myself in readiness at any moment that promises success to the business in hand –

Ela ⁸ is better today – I will drive to the Nursery garden the day before I leave Clifton & enquire whether the plants you told me of will bear moving – I do not think the delay of one week can have made much advance in vegetation –

Your affectionate
Constance. –