MR. EDWARDS

Fine & cold after rain. Pleasant & lively breakfast: ― W.H. is a wonderful fellow. I wonder if he knows of my letters to Lord & Lady D. ― At 11 I came away with the “Caterer” a stammering & untoward sort of man, to whom I offered 2/6 for his drive, but he said “N―n―n―o ― SS―i―rr ― it’s too much ― & I don’t want it ―” but very ungraciously. ― At the Station, got my other luggage, & came in a cab to Mrs. Edwards’, seeing W. Sandbach on the road.

Mrs. E. only at home ― (& the 2 little dogs, Minnie & Monk:) ― Quiet & sickly Lady ― yet kind, ― & intelligent. ([gr.].)

Found letters from Mrs. Edwd Hornby, J. Cross, Col. Leake, Sir J. Reid, & W. Nevill ― very kind & subscribing each. ― from A. Stanley ― abrupt & disagreable ― refusing: ― & from Lord Derby ― also refusing ― & very queer. from Ann ― also ― & Daddy Hunt the good. ― Mrs. Ferrier, the extremely handsome & nice sister of J.E. came in & lunched, ― & went. After that I wrote 8 letters: ― & at 4 ― talked with Mrs. E. ― at 5 came in the fabulous E. ― looking older ― but very kind in manner. The [caressing] address of his manner is amazing, but I resolved to think only of his kindness. His vexation however at the pictures, not being arrived was very painful, & fully shared by me. ― Dinner pleasant & good ― only Mrs. E. did not eat: ― is she not like a medieval lady? Afterwards ― tea ― & singing ― & talk till 10. A most singular day in many ways. ―

[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]