Monday. June 6th.
I have heard this morning that Ken[d]rick[1] had another letter from that Reid[2] on Thursday, & that instead of leaving off working on Papa’s ground, he has begun to weed the wheat. No other particulars known yet. Suppose we should go after all:—Oh I will not think of it! Papa’s spirits are very good: & I am not presentimental—at least I think not! If we do go—why then I have more to suffer; that is all!—& Annie will repent her unkindness—& Mr. Boyd—what will he do? Will he be sor[r]y—very sorry? Or will he only “regret” it, as I do when I decline an invitation I dont care about? But I ought not to think so much of myself. Poor Papa! He is the person to be thought of, & felt for!--
No letters. I wrote to Miss Knowles my congratulations on Mr. Knowles’s marriage.[3] Walked out with Bummy & Arabel. Read. Henrietta on the heath. I have heard that Ken[d]rick went today into the garden! I mentioned his hoeing the wheat to Bummy, who expressed herself “vexed at it.” She did however say that she knew something was doing. I wish I knew what it was! A note came from Eliza Cliffe enquiring about “our hopes & fears”; & Bummy being in the room, I was obliged or fancied myself obliged to read part of it. Bummy angry—indignant at my allowing Eliza to mention the subject to me! I angry on the other hand. I went into Bummy’s room afterwards to make friends. Soon made. Dear Bummy expressed her affection for me. Was the expression of mine necessary? No! it was not necessary to be made; but it was necessary for me to make it. Papa in good spirits, & playing at cricket with the boys. He reports more commendation of Bro’s speech. I wish I had heard it. Papa pleased—& I pleased, of course.
1. The mortgagees’ agent had appointed William Kendrick, a local farmer, as Farm Bailiff at the end of March, to supervise the agricultural affairs at Hope End, pending the sale of the estate.
2. Of 170 Regent Street, London, the mortgagees’ agent handling the sale of Hope End.
3. Charlotte Laura (1804–93) was the eldest daughter of Admiral Sir Charles and Lady Knowles. Entry 352 of the Marriage Register of St. George’s, Hanover Square, London, records the marriage on 26 May 1831 of her eldest brother, Francis Charles, to Emma Pocock, the fourth daughter of Sir George Pocock, Bt. Sir Charles and his family had, until recently, lived at Malvern, and it was while calling on them that E.B.B. first saw H.S.B. (described in a letter to her grandmother, BC, 2, 116–119).
