TALBOT8210

Oakfield

Tuesday Oct. 9^th

My dear Henry

I have this morning received a letter of which a copy is being taken by M^lle A & Ros^d and which copy I will enclose in this. The statement seems to be made in all fairness – and it is bare justice that you who are unfortunately the sufferer, as well as the Judge in this case, should hear both sides of the question – I anticipated that Thomas would not clear himself of blame in the affair, but I did not expect to find him so far in the wrong. – At the same time I admit the too probable fact of the abrasiveness of P. & his wife – He has brought it on himself – But I must leave you to make your own comments on this letter. – Thomas has certainly laid himself open to several grave charges – I wonder what you mean me to understand by the expression in your lest letter about "the Abbey not being in safe and respectable hands"? – That expression casts an imputation on the Pullens – and I do not mean to acquit them of all blame – but when I chose them as proper persons to take care of the Abbey in our absence, I certainly thought that they would do justice to your property by their care of everything left in their charge. It strikes me that it is impossible to think of keeping Thomas after all that has now come out against him – added to my knowledge of many things that were very reprehensible in his conduct both at Lacock & since we came to Oakfield. Such as cutting to pieces the joints of meat that were put on the Servants supper table – and sending them away out with complaints to the Cook, & demands for something more delicate – also Drinking to excess on one or two occasions when he had opportunity of doing so. – Goodwin tell me that he has long ceased to do his work as it ought to be done: and that in general he has had much to find fault with. –

I have a line from Charles this morning, mentioning Wednesday as the day he will probably leave Whorlton. If I have time before Post goes out today, I will write a letter addressed to him at Lacock, which you will please to give him when he arrives – for I infer his destination is Lacock, from his saying nothing to the contrary. – If anything prevents his going there, you will please to open the letter & get the things that I have particularly specified packed up for Cambridge. Charles says he shall not want a dessert service during the first term, because Freshmen are not expected to give Wines. –

In the China cupboard outside his bedroom door, there is a breakfast or tea set, (whichever you chuse to call it) which I think would suit him – It is blue & white in stripes. There are also good old fashioned coffee cups & saucers in white china – in the same place. And milk Jugs & cream Jugs in abundance. – He may chuse among the whole what he likes – I would recommend your letting him have a pair of bronze candlesticks belonging to your own bedroom if you can spare them – Also one of your teapots. We can replace the teapot for you when you come to Oakfield –

There is an inkstand & candlestick of bronze belonging to himself in his own room which he will do well to take. I mention these as desirable objects which you might look out for him in case he has not the opportunity of doing so himself. But bronze & crockery must not be packed together. If crockery has to be packed, I would suggest that Wilkins sh^d find some respectable person in the village to do it – from one of the shops where they deal in such articles – and pack them in a box, not a hamper, because a hamper is less secure by railway – more liable to be knocked-in.

Your affectionate

Constance –