TALBOT6381

Grasmere

Monday 30^th

My dear Henry

I have received two letters from you, but could not answer them till now, as we spent all Friday in an expedition to Keswick. That day, Saturday & yesterday were exceedingly hot – indeed it seems a real setting in of Summer weather – Today there is rather more air & freshness with an occasional light cloud veiling the Sun – We are expecting M^r Vardon¹ as usual for the Monday’s lesson – and we are to send the carriage for M^rs Vardon & the little girl to dine & spend the evening with us. I am glad it is a trifle cooler, – to give us strength to be civil – and for them as well as ourselves to enjoy sauntering about under these magnificent trees. – I am afraid you will suffer from the heat in London – yet, had you been here, you could not have stirred beyond the garden these three last days –

They have begun hay making here as well as in the more southern counties – I think Grasmere is forwarder than the neighbourhood of Keswick – The day after you left us, M^lle A & I drove to Bowness & tried the Pianoforte – Though not a very good one M^lle A thought it would do, & M^r Heley brought it over himself the following day (Thursday) – On Friday we took Matilda with us to Keswick, Barrow, Borrowdale &c – & returned home very late – to avoid the intense heat – On Saturday we rested entirely – Yesterday we walked to morning church, but were regularly broiled – and unfitted for joining profitably in the Service – But there was plenty of air in the garden, & we enjoyed the evening exceedingly. – I think, as I did last year, that the sun has more power here than in a more open level country – and therefore we must keep to our own charming shades, & put off little Langdale &c &c till more moderate days.

We were disappointed in our hope of meeting M^r Wilson at Keswick – He was out teaching D^r Marnoch’s family – but his housekeeper reported well of his health & of his affairs – We have sometimes doubted the existence of his Academy; – it is however in a very flourishing state, judging by the old lady’s report. – I have forwarded one letter only since your return to London –

y^r affectionate
Constance. –

Please give the enclosed to Jones –