Fryston. - They have learned from Mr Tottie that 'there is nothing so settled by my mother's will but what it can be altered'; believes Rodes has mentioned this to Robert, also that they wish for a referee. 'It appears to us that there is more responsibleness in the affair than any one person would like to take upon himself' so it would be desirable for each party to have a referee; concludes that Robert would like Mr Matthew as his, and 'as an old friend of the family' they have named Mr Whyte as the other. If another should be required, she has 'certainly a strong wish for a Thornton'. Thinks the matter should be resolved as soon as possible, and that Fryston would be the best place for 'an interview, as surely Mr Jottie's attendance would be necessary to explain my father's will & the settlements of the different estates'.
They 'shall all most heartily agree in any arrangement that is made to the satisfaction of all parties, & I sincerely hope that this arbitration of friends may be the means of facilitating it so that always affectionate harmony may subsist amongst us all'.
Adds postscript: believes Rodes wrote to Robert suggesting that their mother wished to continue to live at Fryston, but she has assured him he was mistaken, 'for she has always expressed a strong readiness to leave Fryston whenever it would be thought right so to do'.
