TALBOT8793

8 Rutland Square

Jany 20^th

My dear Henry

We had all your letters at breakfast yesterday – and were much entertained in comparing notes. – The usual home circle send love & thanks, & so would Tilly had she not left us yesterday along with her husband who is full of business as usual, and has to be at Drumlanrig with the Duke this day. – We have enjoyed dear Tilly very much, although it was a very hurried way of seeing her – but it was a nice thing being able to lodge them. – They have secured apartments with M^rs Stewart in Albyn Place, (where M^lle A & R^d were once) which are very excellent & clean, and they will come into them in ab^t a fortnight or 3 weeks – And to return to the subjects in your letters. The good news about Charles is more than I expected – but I am sure he deserved to pass, from the way in which he strove to do his best. – <sic> and he was really uncomfortable and anxious before he left Edinburgh. – He gave up reading & thinking for the last 2 days, as he said it did him harm. – He has written to us also – and expects to leave Cambridge finally on 1^st February: as his rooms must be vacated for the man who succeeds him. – The Lacock business appears long in the settling, and M^r Nichole’s <sic> hesitation inclines me to think that he has no mind to change. – If he declines after all, the negociation will have occasioned a great loss of time in looking about for some one else. Does M^r Awdry give you any intelligence from Lacock connected with this affair of the Living? – I am so sorry too that you are obliged to wait so long in London at this dull time of year. – Here we have already much brighter weather, and mild – I am engaged as usual at this time with our Xmas bills, have paid some, and examined others – I am anxious to get as many of them settled as you can give me the means of doing. – Last year I find by referring to my Bank account, that you paid in £150 or 22^d Jany. and another £150 on 14^th Feby. to meet the yearly bills – perhaps you could do the same now, as I am of in want of remittances of equal amount. – I shall be very glad if you can. – If you stay much longer in Town, would you not like me to send you a packet of all letters lying for you here which bear the London post mark? They may be of such a nature as would be benefitted <sic> by your personal attention while in Town, – or possibly cards of invitation from Societies of which you are a Member. – Let me send them to you. –

Your affectionate

Constance.