TALBOT7223

Lacock

Feb. 12^th

My Dear Constance

A curious circumstance has just occurred with respect to the affairs of the Great Northern Railway<.> They have lowered their fares to such a surprising degree, that a firstclass [sic] ticket by the Express from London to Peterborough which was twenty shillings in now three shillings – that to Doncaster which was 41 / 6 is now six shillings and so on. The second class fares are reduced still more in proportion. The fares from London to Edinburgh are not so much reduced –

I send you the advertisement which may be useful to have. I don’t suppose the cheap fares will last long – The Times in an article explains the matter. ¹ It appears that the Great Northern have quarreled with the Midland and North Western railways and each party has resolved to lower the fares to such and extent as to ruin the other party if possible. The Public reaps the advantage of this dispute, and travels seven times cheaper than it did last month.

Feb. 13^th

Today is rainy, but in general we have very pleasant weather. There is such a splendid yellow jessamine on the wall by the entrance arch – It was originally a cutting I raised in the greenhouse.

Adieu Your aff^te

Henry

George seems nearly well – ²

[enclosed: closely clipped unattributed advertisement of Great Northern Railway fares, posted 8 February 1856]