Lady Constance Asher's commonplace book, entry of Friday 6 April 1923
A small calf-bound book, half a page in her Ladyship's hand, ink slightly blotted at the lower corner where the book was closed too soon.
Friday evening, 6 April.
Hester arrived on the 4.20, alone, with the small trunk only and a hatbox I do not recognise. She has been wearing the grey since Christmas and looked the better for the country light. She had tea with me and Robert in the south sitting-room and asked, twice, after the Cymbidium. She has never previously asked after a plant of mine. I attributed it to the Mercury piece, of which she had read a cutting Maurice sent her, and walked her to the glasshouse before supper.
She stood at the press for fully four minutes by the cabinet clock. She counted the blooms aloud, as a child does. She asked Crisp the watering-schedule and the night-temperature. He answered briefly, as he answers everyone who is not myself.
She does not love flowers; she loves prices.
I shall not mention it to Robert. He is fond of his aunt and she has been kind to him in the matter of his commission, which I have not forgotten and shall not.
Bed at half past ten. The frogs are loud in the lower pond.
— C.A.