I hope that this letter finds you in good health, and that you have a few moments to read it properly—though more for you than for me, for you do overwork yourself a great deal!

I write to inform you that I have a new address; 37 Thimblewhit Turn, to be precise. I did not wish to waste your time should you call at the old one only to find we have abandoned the premises! As you know it has been something I put a great deal of thought in following my late husband’s funeral, but only in the past month has the endeavor come to fruition. In fact, I was not supposed to make the transition for another week yet, but I was very eager indeed.

Fondly,

I suppose you should be able to excuse my delay in response- I have been out of town the last few days on a much needed vacation; it took a while for your owl to catch up to me. Nevertheless I do apologize for taking so long.

I'm glad to hear you've found yourself somewhere that speaks to you so much as you couldn't wait to be there. It is always a great comfort to find a place that is entirely your own. I hope it's all that you wanted.

I will be out of the country for the next two weeks however, so I wouldn't be able to visit for a while yet, but  should time afford me a little more leniency when I return, I will endeavor to stop by.

You need never apologize for your delay; I am only happy to hear that it is due to a vacation, rather than work! Of all the gentlemen I know, you are certainly one of the most deserving of some time away, and I hope that it proves restful indeed.

If it is not too much of an imposition, I would like very much for you to inform me upon your return. I, of course, have no desire to prove a nuisance, but am very houseproud indeed and would love to show it off.

Fondly,

As requested, I write to inform you that I have returned from my vacation, a little later than planned. I must admit it has been far too long since I have taken time to myself, I was less willing to return than I anticipated.

I do hope this finds you and the children well and that you have settled comfortably into your new home.

I am pleased to know that you have returned, but also that you took the extra time. I cannot say that I was glad of your absence, but you are a very hardworking gentleman and if anyone was deserving of a holiday, I daresay that it is you!

Our new home is treating us very nicely indeed, and I am eager for you to come see it. I feel more comfortable here than I did at the Wellingtonshire house, and I do believe it shows.

Fondly,