July 7, 1831 (Partial Entry)

 1831 July

 . . .  ‘for this purpose by such servants as the Executors shall think fit.  The Executors should also have a discretionary power to make what allowance they think fit, but not at any time exceeding three hundred a year, for the education of the heir apparent to the property.  I wish to bar the opening of any new coal mines, or stone-quarries, and the selling any privileges respecting the loosing or getting any beds or veins of coal not belonging to the estate, and to bar the cutting down of all timber except such as, in the estimation of an experienced woodman, it may be necessary to remove for the good ‘growth of the rest.  Instead of leaving the remainder to the heir at law of my late uncle James Lister, I particularly wish it to be left to the heir at law of my great grandfather, James Lister of Shibden hall.  Though I have only added to the length and difficulty of the business, I feel confident that you will manage it with all the skill and care required – I am, Sir, etc. etc. etc. A Lister  the Executors to have five hundred pounds each.’

Had just written the note when letter 3 pages and the ends from my aunt (Shibden) dated yesterday.  My father more poorly on Monday.  Marian had sent for Mr. Sunderland.  My father afterwards better.  On Wednesday, ‘complained of being very weak, though otherwise  not ill, but is certainly thinner, and appears very feeble, owing perhaps in part, to the heat of the weather’   The back room turns out to be 2 feet lower than my aunt’s room and Mallinson now finds he could make a fireplace in the room for £2 or £3.  My aunt begs me to write immediately to say whether I thought it had better be done or not.

Immediately wrote a couple of pages begging her to write soon again to say how my father is, and saying £2 but a trifling additional expense and think the fireplace had best be done, but Mallinson to begin as soon as possible and stick to the job, never leave it till done.  The idea which my aunt throws out of being 5 weeks over it instead of 5 days is fearful.  This at all rates, must not be.  Mentioned having paid Horner £11.11.0 much less than I expected. 

Then sat talking a little.  Mr. Duffin has as he has had almost every day since my arrival a bad nervous headache.  A few minutes before 1 Mr. Duffin, and [I] set off (ordering the carriage to wait at Monk Bar, and walked to Bell’s Bridge Station and ordered a stethoscope, price to be 12/.  Then, in passing, called and inquired after Mr. Henry Belcombe.  Not so well today, and left with compliments and thanks [for] the stethoscope Dr. Belcombe lent me on Tuesday. Then went to say goodbye to Mrs. and Miss Belcombe, and Mr. Duffin, being amused, kept me above 1/2 hour [so] that it was 2 10/.. before we got to Monk Bar, and I was off for Langton, musing as I drove along how time, and I myself perhaps, are changed.  Latterly (4 or 5 miles from Langton), dozed a little and arrived at 4 1/2.

Found Mrs. Norcliffe and Isabella Norcliffe and Charlotte and little Tom Norcliffe and Mrs. Henry Robinson and her baby nine weeks old, and Esther and Elizabeth Dalton from Croft.  All well and looking so, and glad to see me.  Dressed.  Dinner at 5 1/2.  Sat long after dinner.  Then coffee and then went upstairs and had a long tête-à-tête with Isabella in her room. 

Tea  The 2 Daltons played, Esther on the piano, Elizabeth on the harp.  Came up to bed at 11 Charlotte some time with me before and after Isabella came.  Mrs. Duffin quite wrong.  Isabella had had no quarrel with old Mr. Vallance – best friends in the world.  After Charlotte went, one thing led to another and stood 1/2 undressed talking to [Tib], and we talked surely an hour or more after getting into bed.

Left this morning with Mrs. Duffin my note for ‘Mr. Lawton, Proctor, Petergate’ and my letter for my aunt ‘Mrs. Lister, Shibden Hall, Halifax.’

Mrs. Anne told me yesterday I had been so agreeable I did not need being annoyed at having staid till their company came to dinner, and her calling for me this morning was more than I expected.  On taking leave, they both kissed me and had both talked as if more really friendly than usual.  If I was really in earnest and pushed the living with, perhaps more unlikely things have happened than my succeeding. I certainly think Mrs. Anne has no great dislike to me or my attentions.  Said yesterday I would not give her the little bone virgin from Châtellerault. It was not good enough, thinking to myself, should I be gallant enough to give her something better?

WYAS Finding Number SH:7/ML/E/14/0085