I should be very uneasy at your prolonged silence, especially at this
critical juncture, if I had not heard from Mr. Scott that you are
arrived at Bath safe, though not perfectly well. I hope, as indeed
I have hoped for several posts past, that a letter is now on the
road to tell me that you have got the better of your fatigues and
indisposition, that you begin to relish the new scene, and that you
have seen a house to your mind. For me, I have at last pitched on
Lady Rouse's house in Bentinck Street, which I have only taken till I
find whether the place, situation, &c., will suit me. My upholsterer
is hard at work, and whilst he is employed, I shall set out next
Thursday for Holroyd's, stay about a fortnight, send up for my books
and _young_ Housekeeper about the middle of next month, and get into
my new Habitation towards the end of it; in which last article I
possibly flatter myself too lightly. I think I shall be comfortable,
and when I have shaken off the load of Lenborough dirt, not unhappy,
which in this life is saying a great deal. In the meantime I have
absolutely settled with Clark and Rout, and got a discharge for £900
less than I at first expected. I am rather vain of my conduct of that
intricate business. Adieu, Dear Madam, Mrs. Porten begs her love and
Compliments to you. I desire you would present mine (though love is
rather too strong) to Mrs. Gould.
I am, most truly yours,
E. GIBBON.
The Jolliffes have advanced and I have retreated almost by equal
steps.
161.
_To his Stepmother._
Pall Mall, December 22nd, 1772.