TALBOT8354

Moray Place
Monday April 1^st

My dear Henry

I sent to M^r Grieve on Saturday after receiving your letter of the 28^th but he was out & did not return home till late the same evening – I could therefore have no answer till this morning, when he again called to see me – and this is what he says (in substance) – “I & the other Trustees agree to let Millburn Tower¹ to M^r Talbot for one year certain, or for with the option of remaining till the expiration of the third year – but we object to so wording the agreement as to place this house among that class of houses which are let from year to year: – besides it gives M^r Talbot an unfair advantage over us – who bind ourselves for 3 years” – He said that there would be a meeting of the Trustees on Friday next; – and that he would certainly place the matter before them according to your expressed wishes – but he added, “You have the house certain for one year, and that is all that I think we can do for you at present.” – He also said that he thought there would be no necessity in going to the expense of a regular Lawyer’s lease – that a written agreement signed by you and by himself would be perfectly satisfactory. – and that this would do whenever you come to Edinburgh. I shall hope to hear in a day or two that you are intending to come soon – and that in the mean time you feel quite satisfied with the present amiable arrangement. This Evening we are to have our interview with the Gardener of Millburn Tower, to take our directions about the planting of crops & raising flower seeds for the coming season – M^r Grieve promises us the first fruits in the shape of forced rhubarb for our immediate benefit – it has been raised by means of the fires used for the ironing – and thus being connected with the produce of the present year belongs of right to us – The gardener will bring some of it with him this Evening – We have raw, moist weather just now – though the Barometer stands at fair – on Sat we had a regular thunder storm with hail & snow.

Do try & make out whether the fault rests with the Chippenham Post office, when our letters, posted before 5 don’t reach you the following day – How long does Charles remain with you? –

Your affectionate
Constance