Menaggio. - Glad that Elizabeth is better, and had 'a satisfactory interview with Mrs Scharlieb'; they were also interested in the Dorking meeting; parts of 'Mr G. M.'s letters' appeared in the newspapers; glad that Robert took a share in proceedings. It is lovely here, and they have spent a 'lazy day' sitting with Aunt Margaret in the garden and going with her and Lionel on the Lake [Como]; Margaret is much better. They are thinking of going to Baveno for a few days on Monday. Spent a day at St Moritz on the way, which she did not like much; it also rained heavily when going up there and down the Maloja [Pass], but they have otherwise had good weather. Mrs Humphry Ward has had to leave in answer to a telegraph about her brother [William Arnold], whom she thinks Elizabeth has met though she herself has never done so; fears there has been 'some fatal turn to his illness'. Sir George is well, and Booa thinks Italy is 'wonderful'; she agrees it is very beautiful, and 'even the great number of houses & villas on the banks cannot spoil it. Hopes that the building [of Robert and Elizabeth's new house] can now begin. Sends birthday wishes, though apologises for forgetting the exact date. Hopes the opera was good, and that 'the invalid at Cumberland Place' was better; Mary 'seemed so kind about her'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Was very glad that Robert went to the funeral; there is an 'immense gap' since [Sir George's sister] Margaret's 'vitality, and power of interest made one forget how long she had been very ill'. Charles and Mary went to Rounton [Grange] this morning; Janet, George, and their babies [Mary and Theodore]. A huge search-party was out for 'old Thompson', the farmer-shepherd at Harwood, who was nearly blind and got lost on 'Friday week, the first of the hot days'; Charles got fifty 'navvies from the water works' to join in; Harwood was eventually found drowned in Fallowlees Loch. It would not have been right to shoot Harwood moor, and the game were scattered over the county by the searchers; Sir George went shooting for the first time yesterday and did well; will shoot Catcherside next Monday. Has bought the twelve volumes of the "Yellow Book" in the original covers; asks if he has had a bargain. Glad that the Water Lane is being done to Robert and Elizabeth's satisfaction.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Looking forward to seeing Robert and Elizabeth at Wallington. Robert must be having a good time with [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson 'in such scenery and circumstances'. Glad about 'the Water-lane'. Charles and Mary will be at Cambo for a good part of their visit. Must read [Aristophanes's] "Thesmophoriazusae" again; remembers [Charles] Vaughan saying 'how much he liked the three female comedies'. Is entering Macaulay's marks in his favourite Cicero speeches in the Dolphin [edition]; has already done this for the Terence. Miss Richardson has again got 'three County Council scholarships... not bad for a school of 60 children'.
Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Thanks his father for his letter [12/76], and the '[obituary] notice of the poor silent fogey [Sir Joseph Crosland]'. Remembers the fogeys, and the amusement they gave, very well, but not where they met them; has a 'vague recollection that it was at some English sea-side hotel, perhaps in Yorkshire', but it may well have been abroad. Expects Crosland 'felt very much out of place in the House, and may have been glad to be turned out'; he 'seemed a kindly old fogey', and Robert can 'well believe that, in the stately phrase of the Times, he was "generous to a degree"'.
His father's letter to Paul [Hubrecht] has just arrived and will be forwarded; thinks they [Paul and his brother Jan] both much enjoyed their visit to Wallington; Jan was here for two days, and they went over to the site on Sunday with him. The foundations [of Robert and Elizabeth's house] are about finished, and as far as can be judged the work seems very good; they will meet the architect there soon to make some plans about the garden, which will not be big but require thought as it is 'all on a slope'.
Has left [Turgenev's] Dmitri Roudine at Wallington; asks if it could be sent back to the library once his father has done with it. He and Bessie are both very well, and much enjoyed their time at Wallington 'in spite of the doubtful weather'; it was an 'additional pleasure to see Charles and Molly so happily settled'. Hopes his father is still getting on as well with his book; liked reading the two sections he gave him, and 'thought them everything that could be desired'. Bessie thanks both Robert's parents for their letters, and will 'write directly'; they both send their love.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Was judging at the Exhibition on Saturday; 'Sunday we went to Church!'; Sir George read his chapter to her for two hours on Monday. Elinor Middleton, Kenneth Swan and 'M. Burnett' have been staying with them; tomorrow it is the tenants' party. Sir George was very pleased to have Julian's photograph; intends to come to see him in the autumn. Theo and Humphry have had measles and are recovering; Mary shows no sign of it; the children's visit may be delayed a little but George comes on the 31st. The [Henry Yates] Thompsons visit soon. Pleased to have good news of Julian; would like to see a photograph of him in the donkey cart. Hopes they are enjoying Mr [Donald] Tovey's visit and that he is better.
Continues the letter after having been interrupted by Mary and her guests Mr and Mrs Runciman, then 'the children with the poney [sic]'; Pauline is 'beginning to ride nicely'. Has read Rosalind Murray's The Leading Note, which is 'nice and simple, but a girl of that age does not know enough to write a novel'. Hopes Robert is enjoying having 'Ariadne clothed and adorned [by Tovey's composition of the score of The Bride of Dionysus].
8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Glad that the Hardys [G. H. Hardy and his sister?] have arrived. Caroline mentioned La Croiz to the Arthur Elliots, as they are going to the Riviera at Easter, but could not tell them whether there were 'good drives' which is important as he is 'very lame'. The last days before [George and Janet's] wedding are most exciting; the Wards are 'wonderfully energetic' and their arrangements go well. Went to see the presents yesterday; there seemed to be almost as many as C[harles] and M[ary] had, though there were fewer presentations and large things. Janet had 'some very nice offerings from her girls, & many servants & poor people'; lots of books, silver, cheques; Janet's trousseau was 'nice and useful'. Hopes the weather at Oxford will be good. Caroline, Sir George and Booa [Mary Prestwich] are going down before the special train to be at the registry. She and Sir George have not been well; thinks Sir George was doing too much, so he is resting. The Duke of Cambridge has died, so there will be no question of going to Court tomorrow; is glad as it 'seemed so inappropriate'. Has a note from [Bramine Hubrecht at] Taormina saying that the things have been sent; hopes they will arrive soon. Hopes the concert went well. The H[enry] Y[ates] T[hompson]s 'would be sorry not to be able to stop'. They [the Liberals] have won another [by] election, and 'the Gov[ernment] are in a poor way'.
8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Hears that snow has fallen on some parts of the Riviera, and wonders whether Elizabeth and Robert have seen any. [George and Janet's] wedding is near, and the arrangements all seem to be made; she, Sir George, Charles, M[ary] and Booa [Mary Prestwich] are going early and will be at the Registry Office; the others are coming by a special train and will go to the college [Somerville?]; some people think the arrangements 'very queer' and others 'are enthusiastic about the novel kind of marriage'. She herself thinks it will be nice, and wishes Elizabeth and Robert could be there. George and Janet are going to a farm house in Surrey where the Wards used to spend their summers for ten days, and will then go abroad after having seen the furniture put into their house. Wonders when Elizabeth and Robert will return and whether the 'road [to their new house] business will be settled'; supposes they will want the building to begin as soon as possible. The clergy made 'most violent efforts against the progressives' in the London County Council election, but made little difference to the numbers. No one is sure whether there will be a general election soon; the government is 'absolutely discredited' and many of their own party are talking 'openly against them'. Emily Hobhouse has been to tea with her, having just returned from the Transvaal; Caroline is glad that she is to have a testimonial given her. They are going to Welcombe for about a fortnight on 29 March, then will return to London before they go abroad at Whitsun. Sir George is well, and 'reading busily for Vol IV [of "The American Revolution"].
8 Grosvenor Crescent, S. W. [London] :- Thanks his parents for their last letter; they are in town again, as Bessie needs to go to rehearsals for her last concert [with Arnold Dolmetsch] on Wednesday. The concerts have 'gone of very well so far', though Robert was unable to attend the last one since it was on the 'evening of the [Apostles?] dinner'. Henry Jackson made a 'very nice speech', as did 'Judge Lushington, who was the oldest of those present'.
They lunched at North Street last week and thought Charles and Molly looked 'very happy, and their house very nice'. They went to Harrow last Saturday to see the [F. E.?] Marshalls and had a 'very pleasant time there'; they went to the 'Speech room' in the evening 'to hear the final reading for the reading prize' which was 'very amusing', though they 'did not think the standard very high'. 'Young [James?] Butler, who must be about 15 or 16, was promising' though did not yet have 'sufficient command of his voice'; he is said to be 'quite a good scholar, and looks a nice boy'. The winner read Joy for his chosen piece. The Lower School had to read the 'description of William at the Boyne [from Macaulay]; but they did not make much of it'. Also saw Sir Arthur Hort, who is 'mainly responsible for [the] first fifteen boys'; believes he is 'doing very well', and there have certainly been more scholarships awarded to Harrow boys over the last few years. Very sad they have 'thought it necessary to dry up the Grove pond'; supposes it was a 'great nuisance and expense'.
They hope to see Sir George before long, and also that Caroline will come to Dorking around the end of the month.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Sure Elizabeth's 'outing' will do her good and she will go back 'fresh' to Julian. Mary thinks he is doing well. Hopes Mrs Catt [the nurse] will return 'well & cheerful'. Robert's letter was cheerful; is amused that he has 'been induced to run in a Hunt', even though he says they are 'not so energetic as George's party'; must have been pleasant from the names he mentioned. Hopes Elizabeth found the Waterfields well; asks if she saw the Northbournes, and is not sure whether they have yet come north. Mary is sending her children to Wallington around 13 July and coming herself around the 22nd; Charlie probably will come at the beginning of August. George and Janet will not come till September
8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Nice to hear of 'sunshine and flowers' from Elizabeth, as it is still very wintry here. Is glad to spend some time in London, see friends, and feel 'in the centre of things'. Charles, M[ary], G[eorge] and J[anet] often visit, and are all cheerful. George and Janet's wedding is fixed for 19 March; the Wards have taken a house at Oxford for a week for it, it is 'an original business' and she hopes it will satisfy everyone 'except the orthodox!'. Has paid Elizabeth's subscription to the [Grosvenor Crescent] Club, and seen the Secretary, who says its future will be 'settled next month' but she thinks it will carried on. Interested by Elizabeth's account of Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht]'s 'entertainment', and thinks it will be charming as 'the Italians have an artistic strain through all their vulgarity'. Does not think pipes [?] and jam will be useful [for bazaars], but would be glad if Madame Grandmont could send her five pounds worth of Taormina [embroidery and lace] work. Glad to hear the Frys are happier; has been very sorry for Roger Fry. Hopes Elizabeth and Robert will get the question of the road [to the house they are having built at Leith Hill] settled soon; annoying to have lost the winter for building. Wonders what Bob is writing; hopes their translation work is progressing. Politics very interesting, but she thinks the Government will hold on. Has no sympathy for either side in the [Russo-Japanese] War, and wishes 'they could both be beaten'.
8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Found C[harles] and M[ary] settled at North Street, a 'bright little house' which they have made pretty, furnishing it 'economically' and suitably for a small space; their [wedding] presents looked nice, and they have an excellent book collection. Mary looks very contented, and 'Charlie's hair is curling as it has not done for a long time!'. One of the two small drawing-rooms has two pianos in; if they play them together their neighbours will think it noisy, but 'they are humble folk, & the children who swam in Westminster will come & listen in the street!'. George looks as if he needs a holiday; Caroline is glad the wedding is not far away, on 17 March. Janet looks very happy and says she is busy with her trousseau. Dorothy has returned and said to be 'much better for her journey'. Saw the H[enry] Y[ates] Thompsons yesterday; they start for Sicily tomorrow; Caroline will ask Mrs Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan] to let them see her garden. Asks whether Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] would let them call on her; thinks she would like Dolly. Harry is telling people that Caroline and Sir George like their new daughters-in-law, but will not say 'either of them come up to Elizabeth in character or walking!'. Glad he has the right impression, though of course they will all have a 'separate place' in their hearts; Mary is good, sensible, and suits Charles, but 'needs a little polishing'.
If there are things at La Croix which would be suitable for a bazaar at Stratford, asks if Elizabeth could buy her two pounds worth; she can send them by post if she likes. Going today to see if they can find out about Aunt Margaret [Holland]'s health; fears it is her 'old trouble, clots'. Meta [Smith?] has reached Egypt; is said to be better. Very glad life at La Croix suits Robert's work. Caroline has found a cabinet at Stratford which she thinks will suit their new house; asks whether the work on that has begun yet.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Sorry that Julian is not gaining weight; he may do better with the 'non-peptonized milk'. Glad that Elizabeth is going away for a while, though understands she cannot go far from home. Robert is having marvellous weather. She is quite well now, and happy to be 'very quiet'; Mary's children are coming around 20 July; she joins them on the 25th and they go to Cambo a few days later. Sends a jacket for Julian and will make a larger one for autumn if Elizabeth tells her the size. Glad Mrs Catt is improving. There is much rebuilding going on at the Portico, to give 'the young men [gardeners?]' a sitting and bed room and Mrs Davidson a back kitchen, plus 'better sanitary arrangements, which will not be finished for some time; Gussie [Enticknap] can therefore not be taken on for a while. The W.L.F. [Women's Liberal Federation] went well on the whole; Mary 'thought Lady C. [the Countess of Carlisle?] lost her temper too much' but 'the northern delegates were delighted with her'. Sir George is 'no worse for his expedition & was glad he went'; at least a hundred and fifty PCs were sworn in.
8, Grosvenor Crescent. - They have just arrived in London, in pouring rain. Glad Elizabeth and Robert continue to like La Croix [-Valmer?]. Expects it must be difficult to give a sense of period language in their translation work; sure that between them they will do well. The gathering at Welcombe was pleasant: Henry James, 'as delightful as ever', Miss [Lily] Noble who 'always brings an atmosphere of culture and friendliness', Sir Alfred Lyall, 'the agreeable man of the world'; Mrs [Alice Stopford] Green, earnest and serious, who 'occasionally treads on all our toes!'. There was lots of talk, and they managed some walks [despite the weather]. Yesterday and this morning she watched some flowering shrubs being planted in the garden at Welcombe; hopes they will flourish. Going to North Street [Charles and Mary's house] tomorrow, and will write and tell Elizabeth about it. Has had a letter from Mad[am]e Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan], who is pleased with the photographs Caroline sent her
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Robert gave lots of news about Elizabeth in his letter; interesting that she is translating again; asks whether she finished the novel she was working on last year. There must be a great deal of Dutch literature 'unknown to other nations' as the language is rarely learnt. The poem must be curious; asks whether the language differs much from modern Dutch; it dates from a 'great time in the countrie's [sic] history]. She and Sir George have been seeing neighbours and going into town she has been to London several times. There are great floods: 'the Avon is out all down the valley'. Hopes Elizabeth and Robert will continue to like La Croix [-Valmer?]. They are feeling happier about politics; Chamberlain is 'not gaining ground' and the Government 'make a most wretched show' in the House of Commons. They are expecting H[enry] James, Miss [Lily] Noble, Mrs [Alice Stopford] Green and Sir [Alfred] Lyall for a couple of days tomorrow, and go up to London on the 12th. North Street [Charles and Mary's London house] has been 'started', with 'no drawbacks', and she looks forward to seeing it; Cheyne Gardens [George and Janet's London house] is also progressing, and Janet is very pleased with it. The "Independent [Review]" for February is good, and much attention is being paid to it; hopes it is 'establishing itself'. Has subscribed again to Rolandi [the foreign language bookseller and library], so asks Elizabeth to let her know if she hears of any good French books. Notes that 'the modern world seems to find it necessary to have a millionaire for hero!'. Asks if Elizabeth has anyone to accompany her violin playing. Aunt Margaret [Holland] is still too ill for visitors, and does not even have letters read to her.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Had planned to write her next letter to Bessie, but will write instead to Bob as she wants to thank him for [the new edition of] "Windfalls"; has much enjoyed reading her 'old favourite, "Simple Pleasures"', with much else that is new. Geoffrey and Gillian are here, and they will read some of the book aloud after supper. Hopes Bob will be able to come to Wallington in either August or September, whichever suits him best. Phil [Morgan Philips Price] and Lisa will be here on 12 [August], though she believes there are no grouse; Kitty and her children go south on 9 August and will return early in September; Pauline and her children will be at Cambo all holidays; Marjorie will come for a week on 14 August then again on 28 August. Does hope Bessie will be able to come at some point.
British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London, W.1; sent to Trevelyan c/o Lady Trevelyan, Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth, Northumberland. - Thanks Trevelyan for his letter; he is right to assume he will be reading his translations as well as the script for his talk on Catullus.
Grand Hotel, La Croix, par Gassin (Var) :- Has not yet answered her last letter, having written to his father instead; is glad to hear from her letter to Bessie which arrived today that he, George, and Charles are well. His mother's account of North Street [Charles and Molly's new marital home] much 'interested and amused' them. Hopes all will go well at Oxford [for George and Janet's wedding]; wonders if George will wear a frock coat, but supposes not 'as he will not wear a topper presumably'.
He and Bessie are both well and 'enjoying very fine weather'; he is getting on all right with his work, finishing a play he began last year but put aside having 'got into difficulties'. Now he thinks he knows 'how it should go'. Is going to review Sturge Moore's poems for George, but not until he leaves here, as time spent on his own work here is too valuable; nevertheless, has promised George he will have it ready for the May number [of the Independent Review]. Bessie is getting on 'slowly' with her translation, but it is 'very difficult work, and can't be done quickly'. They have just heard from Mrs Cacciola, who asks several questions which Robert cannot answer: about '"Andrew Johnstone (Charlotte's husband)"', and whether '"Mr Frank Snowball... is a man as honourable and capable in business as his father Joseph Snowball was"' - he was apparently a '"highly esteemed friend"' of Mrs Cacciola's mother. Robert thought his mother would probably know these people, but that as he does not know why Mrs Cacciola is making these enquiries, his turning to her 'had better been in confidence', since Mrs Cacciola could always have asked her directly. In the mean time is writing that he does not know but will find out; since Mrs Cacciola 'has so few friends in England' he feels he should do so.
Asks his mother to thank his father for her letter, and tell him Robert will write soon. Hopes the 'literary dinner went off well'. Bessie will write soon; they both send love. Decisions about their house are now 'more or less settled', though the 'road question' is still not yet quite agreed; expects they may need to spend something on it themselves 'if no one else will, possibly one or two hundred pounds'. They are leaving it to their solicitors to settle. Their friends the Hardys [G H Hardy and his sister?] have not yet come, which is a disappointment.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to hear Elizabeth and Robert have found 'such a charming place'. George has been staying, but returns to London tomorrow; he has been reading his chapter on William III [from "England Under the Stuarts"] to her, which is 'very able'. Charles and Mary are enjoying Cornwall, and will stop at Welcombe next week on their way to London. There is a delay in the post from Italy; 'something delightful' in not having a post and telegraph office. Wrote a letter addressed to Valescure, but Elizabeth will not miss much if it has gone astray. There was a 'grand victory' [in the General Election] at Norwich, and they are hoping for one at Gateshead. Mrs [Dobree] Trevelyan of Netherwitton died suddenly, having been ill for years and a few days later so did her husband, Thornton; he was a 'nice quiet fellow' and they will miss him very much. Sends love to Robert; hopes that he will continue to enjoy La Croix [-Valmer?] and that the sunshine will do him good. Hopes they have pleasant company, and that some of their friends will join them. Sir George is well and has begun reading for the next volume [of "The American Revolution"]; he is getting lots of reviews, many from America, which he is happy about. Booa [Mary Prestwich] was worn out for a few days, but is more or less recovered now. Pleased Elizabeth and Robert are out of the 'cold fog'; Britain has an 'odious climate'.
Mill House :- Thanks her for the letter and the tie, which he thinks 'a very pretty one'; wonders if he should wear it at [Charles and Mary's] wedding. He and Bessie have just been to visit the Waterfields at Sandwich for a couple of days. Their own 'plans for the house are getting on', and they are due to see the architects again next Monday; they hope the 'legal difficulties' are now 'practically over'. Encloses the 'Bryce Review' [of The American Revolution?] which his father sent him, with thanks; since Bryce is, Robert supposes. 'a scientific historian, his evident approval of the book is all the more valuable'. Hopes that, as Bryce says, his father will go on to include 'rather more... of the English Parliamentary history': what he has already said is good, but it is possible it will 'come more naturally in later volumes'.
Bessie is 'delighted' with Caroline's present of a handkerchief, and will soon write to thank her; it was very kind of Caroline to send something for the Enticknaps. Mary Fletcher, who has just returned from America, is staying with them today; they will all go up to London tomorrow 'to see architects, dentists, dress-makers etc'. They are all just about to call on Lord Farrer and 'the new Lady Farrer', whom Mary knows. He and Bessie hope C[harles] and G[eorge] have enjoyed their stay at Wallington. Have written to Aunt Margaret [Holland?] that they will dine there on the 5th, after going to the pantomine in the afternoon.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad Elizabeth's nurse is better; fears it will be a while until Julian is quite well, and she must follow the doctor's advice; hopes he recommends a move before the hot weather. The seaside would be good if not for 'change of food'; wishes it were not such a long journey north to them, but babies do feel it less than older children. Have had cheerful letters from Charles and Mary on their way to the [Man] Hunt. She and Sir George are quiet next week, though she needs to go to London to see '"my friend Mr Carter"'. Annie [Philips] is coming on the 24th for a week. The Roosevelt party of four are coming from 4 - 6 June; also present will be Charles, Mary, Lord Morley, and George so it will be a full house. Wishes it were over, as it 'will be like a whirlwind' sweeping over them and entails her getting a new black dress. Is not very strong yet. Sends love to Robert and hopes he is getting on well.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad that, although Elizabeth is not settled yet [in Italy], she has found warmth and sunshine; in England there is sun but it is very cold. Had to go to London on Monday; Arthur Sidgwick came to stay with Sir George, and after she returned they have been alone. George comes for a while today. Sir George is enjoying walking into Stratford; she thinks it is good for him to see people; is 'beginning to read for his new volume' [of "The American Revolution"] but has promised he will not start writing till they return from their time abroad. Sympathises with Elizabeth and Robert's wish to be free of 'hotel companions' as much as they can. C[harles] and M[ary] are enjoying themselves in Cornwall; it is wet and stormy, but they seem to be walking in the rain 'with impunity'; they are stopping at Welcombe for a night on their way back to London. Booa [Mary Prestwich] was over-tired when they arrived here, but is better now. George's wedding will not be 'such a business' as he is not in their house; thinks the day will be the 19th or 21 of March. Sends love to Robert. Is glad Elizabeth saw her cousin Marie. She and Sir George are anxious about the coming elections. Hopes all well with the [new] house, and that a beginning on the work will be made before Elizabeth and Robert return.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Had a good account of Elizabeth and the baby from Mary in a telephone call last night. She and Sir George look forward to seeing Robert tomorrow, and she will come to visit on Thursday if Elizabeth feels well enough. Reassures Elizabeth about not being able to nurse [breastfeed] the baby; George 'was a bottle baby' and did very well, and she knows Mrs Catt will be very careful. Sir George seems better for the move to London. Janet visited yesterday evening; Caroline hopes to see the children today. The Government 'seem to have extricated themselves from their difficulties for a time'.
Rome. - Apologises for not having written for a while; she can only manage a letter a day and knew Sir George was keeping them informed of her slow recovery. She is now free of fever and beginning to feel better; she 'never felt so bad' in her life and found it hard to maintain a 'show of cheerfulness'. Annie's offers of help have been very touching. Thinks they will stay in Rome until she is totally recovered, then return home; the alternative is to stop at the Riviera for a while, but in either case Sir George will stay and bring her home. He will probably do some work soon, and is cheerful now he is no longer anxious about her. They will stay another three or four weeks. Could not enjoy C[harles] and M[ary]'s visit, but they had a good time sight-seeing. Hopes Julian's nurse is still satisfactory; thinks it is good she 'gets him out early & makes him walk'. Glad that Mr [Gordon] Bottomley is a little better this winter; hopes their new home in the north suits him. Not many English in Rome, but many Americans; Sir George likes the American Ambassador, [Thomas Nelson] Page, and sometimes 'goes about with him'; they have gone this morning in Page's car to the Ponte Nomentano and the Campagna. He also finds Sir Rennell Rodd [the British Ambassador] 'pleasant', but has met no English friends here. Sends love to Julian, and asks them to tell him she likes watching the Italian children playing on a terrace across the road; they 'talk & shout a great deal, & everything they say ends in "a a a ah"'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - '[M]uch relieved & encouraged by the telegrams this morning'; Molly also sent one from London; sorry for the anxiety Elizabeth has had about Julian; hopes by tomorrow 'the worse may be over'. Sir George is recovering fast; a good sign that he is now feeling hunger again. Robert and Mary have been very kind about writing.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Congratulations on the birth of Elizabeth's son [Julian]; glad he is 'so strong'; hopes he 'will always be a comfort'. Very nice that Mary was with her for the birth. Sir George is definitely recovering now.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad Elizabeth enjoyed Mary's visit: she 'seems to spread cheerfulness round her'. Fears the wait [until Elizabeth's baby is born] may go on for a while. Sir George is slow to recover; he can amuse himself now 'with his puzzle', which 'is a blessed invention'. Very fortunate that Booa [Mary Prestwich] has kept well. Asks what Elizabeth thinks of Mary's music lectures, and wonders 'how much the Cambo people understood of them'. Glad Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] is in England. Has written to [Edward?] Keith about Gussie [Enticknap] but not yet received a reply; supposes 'he is seeing what he can arrange'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad that Mary has paid Elizabeth and Robert a visit; she is 'so delightfully cheerful' it will doubtless have done them good. Does not expect to hear news [that Elizabeth has given birth] for a few days more. Miss Martin left yesterday, and Sir George is recovering and taking short walks, though he still has to rest a great deal. Is sending Bob's books back, and including 'all the letters about his election [to the Athenaeum Club] which need not be returned'; Sir Steuart [Colvin Bayley]'s letter has the numbers. Bob's election has given Sir George 'the greatest pleasure'.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Very sorry to hear that Professor [Ambrosius] Hubrecht is so unwell; it sounds like a 'real breakdown' and must be very distressing for his wife, though she is 'calm & capable'; fears the 'excitement' in the Netherlands cannot be good for him. Very good of Elizabeth to take in 'these poor girls'; hopes the other [servants?] will be 'pleasant and helpful'. George and Janet are going to London for the winter soon; George is busy writing 'articles for America'. Glad that Charlie and his friends are thinking 'of what is to be done in the future & not harping on the past'; he is at home for a while but seems over-tired; they have a 'houseful of friends' and Mary 'is on the sofa in her room again'. Very glad that the Röntgens have got home again; wishes 'Miss Weisse had been kept!'; supposes Mr [Donald] Tovey will be going to Edinburgh soon. Asks if Mr Hubrecht thought the accounts of the destruction of Liège had been exaggerated. Asks if Elizabeth will want to go often to London in the winter. They will try to let Gros[venor] Cr[escemt] next season, and will definitely stay at Wallington until Christmas. Mary does not know what to do with the children, due to differing advice from the doctors; asks whether Littlehampton is a good resort, and what Elizabeth is thinking of doing with Julian in November. Would gladly pay the expense of bringing him to Wallington if he does not go to the sea: 'We must all think of expense now'. Does not think people here are feeling the effects of the war much; no one has enlisted, as 'all the young men have emigrated recently'. The farmers are doing well and the pits busy, while Elswick and other firms on the Tyne are 'working double tides'. The pinch will come though.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Anxious to know how Emma [Elizabeth's niece] got home; fears she was caught by the storm on her crossing. Quite a lot of snow here, which is not thawing though there is not much frost. Hopes that Julian is all right and will be soon out of quarantine; has not had much news from him. Annie [Philips] is 'very energetic' and walks into Stratford every day. Thanks Elizabeth for sending a book through her, which Caroline is now reading. Asks if she has heard about Mary and young George's 'adventurous walk on the Yorkshire moors'; they thought they might have to sleep out but found a cottage to stay in the end. Is up again and taking walks in the mornings; dull for Annie, but they cannot even ask anyone to tea 'in this weather'. Will be very glad to see Elizabeth when it is convenient; asks when Robert goes abroad and whether he will get to Greece; he must come to see her before he goes. Sir George is mostly well, but staying indoors. Hopes Elizabeth's 'new couple [of live-in servants: the Faggetters] continue..' [letter missing its end]
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - The invalids are recovering well: Miss Martin 'sitting up dressed' and Sir George up in Caroline's room for four hours, though he is not to go downstairs till Sunday. He is 'fairly patient, with occasional spurts of wilfulness'. Very sorry that Elizabeth is having to wait [for the baby to be born]; reassurance that it is only a week tomorrow from the expected date. Spending much of her time talking to the invalids. Glad that Nurse G. [Elizabeth's Nurse Godwin] is better. Sir George has decided he will not go to the seaside and will stay at Welcombe till recovered, when they can go to London. Everyone 'thinks Robert will come in on Monday triumphantly' [in his election to the Athenaeum Club]; Uncle Harry is obviously being 'most active'; thinks Robert will like it. Has read "L'Oiseau Bleu" [Maeterlinck's "The Blue Bird"?] and thinks it 'very pretty', though it might easily be spoiled by being put on stage; sure it is better in French than in English. C[harles] and M[ary] are going to London tomorrow. Sends love to Bob and regards to the 'ladies of Leith Hill'. A postscript written on 'Saturday morning' [21 Feb] notes that the invalids have both had good nights; they can meet this afternoon 'to talk over their woes & compare their symptoms'.