I came down here yesterday: and saw my Farming Friends to-day, who are
quite ready to do all service for us at any time. They live about two
miles nearer Woodbridge than this place I write from and I am certain
they and their place will suit you very well. I am going to them any
day: indeed am always fluctuating between this place and theirs; and you
can come down to me there, or here, any day--(for Crabbe and his Daughter
will, they bid me say, be very glad if you will come; and I engage you
shan't be frightened, and that the place shall suit you as well as the
Farmer's). I say you can come to either place any day, and without
warning if you like; only in that case I can't go to meet you at Ipswich.
Beds, etc., are all ready whether here or at the Farmer's. If you like
to give me notice, you can say which place you will come to first: and I
will meet you at any time at Ipswich.
I think if you come you had best come as soon as possible, before
harvest, and while the Days are long and fine. Why not come directly?
while all the Coast is so clear?
Now as to your mode of going. There are Rail Trains to Ipswich from
Shoreditch, at 7 a.m. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. all of which come to Ipswich in
time for Coaches which carry you to Woodbridge; where, if you arrive
unawares, any one will show you the way to Mr. Smith's, of Farlingay
Hall, about half a mile from Woodbridge; or direct you to Parson
Crabbe's, at Bredfield, about three miles from Woodbridge. You may take
my word (will you?) that you will be very welcome at either or both of
these places; I mean, to the owners as well as myself.
Well, then there is a Steamer every Wednesday and Sunday; which starts
from Blackwall at 9 a.m.; to go by which you must be at the Blackwall
Railroad Station in Fenchurch Street by half past eight. This Steamer
gets to Ipswich at half past 5 or 6; probably in time for a Woodbridge
Coach, but not certainly. It is a very pleasant sail. The Rail to
Ipswich takes three or two and a half hours.
Have I more to say? I can't think of it if I have. Only, dear Mrs.
Carlyle, please to let me know what C. is '_To Eat--Drink--and Avoid_.'
As I know that his wants are in a small compass, it will be as easy to
get what he likes as not, if you will only say. If you like Sunday
Steam, it will be quite convenient whether here or at Farlingay. Crabbe
only is too glad if one doesn't go to his church.
BREDFIELD, _Sunday_.
Scrap for Scrap! I go to-morrow to stay at Farlingay, where you will
find me, or I will find you, as proposed in my last. Do not let it be a
burden on you to come now, then, or at all; but, if you come, I think
this week will be good in weather as in other respects. You will be at
most entire Liberty; with room, garden, and hours, to yourself, whether
at Farlingay or here, where you must come for a day or so. Pipes are the
order of the house at both places; the Radiator always lighting up after
his 5 o'clock dinner, and rather despising me for not always doing so. At
both places a capital sunshiny airy Bedroom without any noise. I wish
Mrs. C. could come, indeed; but I will not propose this; for though my
Farm has good room, my Hostess would fret herself to entertain a Lady
suitably, and that I would avoid, especially toward Harvest time. Will
Mrs. Carlyle believe this?