TALBOT5502

My dear Henry

Wright ¹ was so afraid I sh^d be shilly shally & lose M^r Brown, that he came down Saturday to explain everything better than he could by letters. He thinks M^r B. a good sort of straightforward man, & that it is very unlikely I sh^d get more from anyone else – & of course the more it is delayed the more I shall lose by going on with rent &c &c out of 60 people W. has shewn the house to, only that M^r Welshman made any offer at all besides – L^d M^t E ² had a long talk with W. too & he strongly advised me to accept the offer, & I have made up my mind to do so – It certainly seems little considering the valuation Arber made but I remember telling you I thought it too high. I had a great wish to go up & see it once more but have given it up as it is such a long journey & having seen W. I have been able to tell him various things too long to write. I hope you will approve of my decision – We went Saturday to see L^d Auckland ³ lay the first stone of the new Steam Dockyard. ⁴ He made a speech & seemed very nervous but did it well He was so kind & aff^te to me tho’ in such a public place he could not say much. He is coming here tomorrow with the other Lords –

I am so sorry for poor dear A – so unlucky to catch a chill in this beautiful weather! pray give her my love & ask C. ⁵ to be so kind as to write me word how she goes on if you are too busy. I have no time to write to her today as we are going to sail in the Xarifa[?] & I must answer Arber’s letter Why are you not at Southampton?

Y^r aff sister
Horatia

Are you still thinking of a tour?