Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Always glad to hear from Bessie: her letters 'bring back many happy memories'. Apologises that the letter is not in her own hand: it is so difficult for her now that she hardly writes to anyone but John [Tovey]. He is on the India-Burma front, and finds the climate very trying but is otherwise fairly cheerful. The death of Donald [Charles Edward Tovey, her husband's nephew?] a 'great loss' to the family; Duncan [Tovey, another nephew?] is also unwell; Mollie [Tovey?] and family seem well, but she had hoped to see them here and a holiday and they were afraid to travel. Feels as if [Hubert] Foss has lost all interest in the biography [of Donald Tovey?] and will never finish it. Is glad Bessie has been able to have Julian and his family with her, and that the flying bombs have not been near. They have been fortunate [in Edinburgh] and quiet except for planes overhead. She goes out occasionally in fine weather, and has been on a few short drives.
39 Royal Terrace. - A long time since she has written, though she often thinks of Bessie and Bob and their kindness. Let herself be persuaded to try the gold treatment [for arthritis] some months ago which made her very ill; she is only just recovering. Sir John Weir told her long ago it would not suit her, so it was stupid of her to try. Quiet here so far, and hopes it is for the Trevelyans; her brother is still with her, she would not like him to be near London.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - They must wait for better weather before starting for Edinburgh: she cannot face the long journey in this cold. Donald's condition has improved over the last few days and she hopes this will last. He is being treated by Sir John Weir and having 'remedial exercises' for his balance, so the time is not totally lost. She is glad this improvement has come before they get to Edinburgh: a week ago he was so bad she thought he would be 'fit for nothing' when they got there, so would make the journey only to have to leave again. The improvement, of course, may not last.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Donald is much the same, better some days and worse on others; she has been very depressed seeing his lack of progress. Sir John Weir has been treating him for a week, but there is no change so far. Does not know when, if ever, he will be fit to return to Edinburgh. Molly [Grierson] is coming on the 27th, but probably only for one night, which Clara does not think is long enough to judge Donald's condition and how much he can do. Christmas wishes.