Welcombe, Stratford upon Avon. - Amused by Elizabeth's letter, and glad Robert is returning so soon. Both Lord Welby and Lord Davey are 'very good talkers', and Lady Davey is 'charming' so their visit has been very pleasant; she tells Caroline that there is a house to be let at Fernhurst called "Ropes"; just built, by a Miss Coats, who now thinks there is 'not enough view & is going to build another'. Lady Davey also says that Blackdown Cottage is very damp and has no foundations; Mrs Frederic Harrison [Ethel Harrison] was 'very ill there with Rheumatic gout' and two people died in the house while they lived there. Likes to think of Elizabeth and Robert both at home again, 'with the good Enticknaps'. S[idney?] Colvin is not coming; she is glad as the 'row in Stratford seems to be growing, & he is in it' while they wish to keep out of it. Was very good to have Elizabeth to visit them; Sir George sends his love, and 'much appreciated' the letter from Robert.
Pensione Palumbo, Ravello, prov. di Salerno. - Explains how the rumour of Fry's death [see also 4/46 and 4/47] spread: it originated from [William] Sharp who told the Grandmonts at Taormina that he had seen an obituary; they then wrote to Helen [Fry], and to Bessie who wired to the Enticknaps who replied this morning that the Frys were both well, and only then told Trevelyan. Hopes the obituary was not that of Fry's brother, cousin [Lewis George Fry] the painter or any other near relation. Has finished the first act of his new play, on a mediaeval theme. His "Cecilia Gonzaga" is coming out in a month or two. Johnson has been bothering him over the £10 Trevelyan would not pay [for printing “Polyphemus and Other Poems”], claiming it is Fry's fee, which Trevelyan does not think has been paid. Does not want to quarrel with Johnson as he has the remainder of the edition but thinks he is trying to swindle them. Asks whether the Frys have changed houses; also whether he has done anything on their Claude, whether the Bellinis [works by Jacopo Bellini discovered by Fry in Venice which he hoped would be bought by the National Gallery] will come, and about 'the Cosimo and your petition to the Balfours'. News from Ravello about ‘the Kershaw’, Madam Palumbo, Tufti, Francesca and Mrs Reid. Fry’s portrait of ‘Old Pal. [Pasquale Palumbo]’ is much treasured by Madam Palumbo. They are reading [Richardson's] "Clarissa". Going to Palermo in about a month, and hope to see Lina. Berenson is in good humour with Fry; Trevelyan has been correcting some of his proofs.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Sorry that the journey to Rounton was 'so agitating'. Mary has written to say the wedding went well; Elizabeth's account is amusing. Expects she misses Julian, but they are glad to have him for a little longer at Wallington; he has been playing with his toys then was happy for Hearne [the butler] to carry him upstairs. Hopes Elizabeth and Robert have a good Christmas Day; asks to be remembered to the Enticknaps; hopes Gussie got home safely. Will be nice if Elizabeth comes to fetch Julian on Thursday. Sir George says there is a good review of Mrs [Janet] Ross in the "Nation"; she hopes Robert will lend her the book ["Lives of the early Medici as told in their correspondence"]
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Elizabeth's letter arrived by the evening post yesterday, as always. They are having a heatwave; sorry it was not better weather for Elizabeth's visit. Pleased to hear about the good beginning on [Elizabeth and Robert's new] house; tells her to be careful of the long walk there; she and Sir George went to Greenleighton yesterday with Booa [Mary Prestwich] and Cooper, taking tea, and she felt quite worn out. Has had a nice letter from Paul Hubrecht, who seems to have much enjoyed Northumberland and writes 'wonderfully good English'; criticises the British lack of facility with other languages. Originally enclosing a letter from Audrey [Trevelyan?] and one from 'young [Henry Graham?] Dakyns'; asks whether he is married. Sorry Miss [Lily] Noble's invitation came too late, and hopes Elizabeth can go another time; thanks her for sending it. A lady who called yesterday said there were good stone seats and garden ornaments at the Italian Exhibition in London; it closes on 1 October and the visitor was planning to get some right at the end when they would be sold off cheaply. Thought Elizabeth might like to see them, and she could let Caroline know if anything might suit them. Glad the Enticknaps are well. Hopes Elizabeth will find someone to go with her this winter; would be happier if she had a companion 'during R[obert]'s wanderings'; supposes Meg Booth would not do; Caroline does not know her well but she is 'quieter than Imogen'.
Farringford, Freshwater, I[sle of] W[ight]. - Does not know Trevelyan's current address, but so is sending this via Cole. Wants to ask Trevelyan about a bookcase he 'left as a fixture at Roundhurst Farm', which according to Cole Trevelyan discovered Mr Blaydes had taken away and insisted upon his returning it. Regrets the day Blaydes ever became the Tennysons' tenant: they have had 'no end of bother with him & lawyers' and he has taken the bookcase away again. Asks Trevelyan to let her know as soon as possible whether he 'sanctioned Mr Blaydes to take it'. They have been spending a month at Aldworth; was very 'refreshing to see neither little Roundhurst nor any of its neighbourhood altered'. Hears from the Enticknaps that Trevelyan is building himself a house and has found a wife - '"and she is a nice lady"'. Hallam [her husband] sends remembrances.
The Mill House. - Continues the explanation of his sonnet from the last letter [9/116]; after jokingly describing the poem as 'terse, weighty, thrilling, magnificent, Dante-Baudelaire-Rossetti lines', he confesses that he does not think much of it, and wishes they [the "Speaker"] had published the translations they have returned. Is getting on 'fairly well' with the new plan of his play. Has only seen the Frys once since Sunday; he is 'very busy'. Is going to see Sanger in London on Monday before he starts [for Greece]. [George?] Moore has invited to join him, MacCarthy and another on their 'wonted Easter exhibition', this year to the Lizard in Cornwall; has been the last two years and liked it, but will decide nearer the time. Suggests that she might use the library as her study while he keeps the little room; noise does travel from the kitchen, but a baize or felt door would improve matters, and the Enticknaps are 'very quiet people'. Gussie is at school all day; he has in the past been 'a little noisy' in the evening, but is improving. Sophie has asked what books he would like [as a wedding present], suggesting an edition of Thackeray, or Browning (which he has); Thackeray would be good but perhaps he prefers Meredith. Has a Goethe and Heine; has read some "Faust" and means to do more; gets on quite well with a translation and dictionary, but very slowly.
Government House, Adelaide. - Is sorry to lose Alfred Enticknap, who had a post with him for life. If Trevelyan takes Enticknap away, he will make himself 'more or less responsible for him and his wife'; thinks Trevelyan will be 'bound to provide for them, as they evidently will look on [him] as their protector & guide etc'. Is willing to let the house [Roundhurst] to any friend of Trevelyan's he might recommend, on the same terms and for at least a year as long as the tenant 'behaves himself - and is not a bore to the Walpoles'. His family are all well and send 'kind remembrances'.
The Shiffolds. - Is writing before he goes to bed to let her know that all is well; the telegram from Welcombe came this morning and they were glad that their wire [46/118] had reached her. Bessie is 'really very well, and very little tired'; the baby [Paul] is also doing well, 'sleeps a great deal, and does not cry much when he is awake'. Robert 'cannot say he seems... beautiful exactly, but on the other hand he is not ugly, and at least he has plenty of hair'. The Enticknaps say he is like Robert, but he can't judge. The nurse is 'very satisfactory' and Bessie likes her.
Sent 'the little sweets [muisjes]' to his father and Booa in the last post; it seems to be an 'old Dutch custom' to give them to friends and relations, and they should be 'eaten sprinkled on bread and butter'. Has been busy sending 'post cards and telegrams etc', will probably have more time to write tomorrow.
Tovey's concerto was 'splendidly played by Richter's orchestra'; Richter seems very pleased with it and wants to do it again. Robert 'found it rather difficult, but liked some of it very much'. Bessie sends her love and Pauls'.
Glad to receive Robert's book ["The Bride of Dionysus"]: has been a 'little ill' in bed and so had chance to read it all and get an 'oversight'; thinks it might be nice for Robert to be able to do so and 'forget the labour'. The poems make a 'grand effect'. Has seen several of the songs, as [Julius] Röntgen has been busy composing them and setting them to music; when he read them aloud in a 'compassionate tone' they made a 'great impression' on her. Röntgen has 'very musically translated' one of Robert's "Dirges"; thinks his 'own heart sang [emphasised] it with you, in remembrance of his own escaped bird' [perhaps his first wife and daughter]. She tried yesterday to read the poems while 'mending the stockings of the whole household', but found these tasks 'rather hard to unite'. Has been thinking a great deal about Robert, Bessy, the child [Julian] and the Shiffolds; keeps composing letters in her head but not writing them, and she never seems to finish the 'little presents for Bessie' . They are 'without patients' in the house for the first time, but she has much to 'learn... and do'; was reading a book by Novalis yesterday in which he compared Goethe to [Josiah] Wedgwood, which made her think of Robert's 'friends and neighbours in your solitude' [perhaps the Vaughan Williamses, relations of the Wedgwoods?]. Asks to him to greet them from her and 'Doorty, "Little Dorrit"', who wants to greet them though she 'doesn't even know whom I mean'. Hopes Bessie will translate this letter; does not think it is 'pure English'. Will have to visit the Trevelyans again. Is making a collar for Julian, which perhaps she will send for Bessie's birthday. Their 'house & hands are still full' of the Trevelyans' presents, which serve as constant reminders. It will be beautiful at the Shiffolds and in the woods now, as the spring is 'more beautiful than ever before'. There is no trace of the 'difficulties of the becoming' of Robert's book in it now; switches into Dutch. Discusses the type, says goodbye to her 'beste broeder & sister; mentions the Enticknaps
The Mill House, Westcot, Dorking. - Sorry to hear about Bessie's cold; hopes it has now gone. Has discovered some 'wonderful woodland places in the valley... the woods here are quite endless'. Impatiently waiting for spring; is usually in Italy in February and March. She should read Flaubert's letters; he expresses several things Bob feels but is 'too lazy' or lacks the power to explain. Is having difficulty getting into the right frame of mind to work, but thinks he has made his play better by his alterations. Has been reading some Heine and [Goethe's] "Faust" in German, but cannot really spare enough time for it. Much interested in the 'domestic politics' Bessie mentions, and would like to meet some more of her half-sisters; expects he will when he comes to the Netherlands soon. Asks her to thank her uncle for his kind letter; would like to leave the question of the post-marriage celebrations to her and her father; is always 'rather afraid of formal speeches and ceremonies' but would not object if they wanted it. Wonders how she likes "Wuthering Heights"; for him 'crude as it is in some ways... it beats almost all English novels'. Is pleased that [Alfred] Enticknap has got a permanent place at a nearby house, though he will still be able to do some work for him and even the Frys, who say he is a 'firstclass gardener'.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Will send this letter to Florence as expects Elizabeth and Robert will leave Ravello today; sorry that they have not had good weather. Has been very busy this week visiting Cheyne Gardens: [George and Janet's new baby Mary] is very sweet and Janet is doing well; George was worried until it was over but now is cheerful. He and Sir George, and perhaps Charlie, are going to Cambridge next Friday to vote against compulsory Greek; they do not expect to succeed but there is 'a great rally on both sides'; it is said it would be carried if it depended on the residents. The Watts and Whistler exhibitions [at the Royal Academy and the New Gallery, Regent Street] are both 'most interesting collections', and there is a 'wonderful show of Oriental China in Bond Street'. Asks if Elizabeth and Robert will prefer to go straight home or stay the night in London; is anxious to see them again. It will be interesting for them to see the [new] house and the Enticknaps' baby. Sorry that Charles Booth is still so unwell; has not quite understood whether Mary and Imogen joined them. Glad Elizabeth is not going to Holland; thinks it would be too cold and damp. There is much illness about here; Uncle Harry has bronchitis, and Nora [Trevelyan?] a bad cold. They have decided to keep the old Broadwood piano in London, and want Elizabeth to choose a little one for Welcombe before Easter. Has heard no music, but they have been to a Bernard Shaw play ["John Bull's Other Island"]. Booa [Mary Prestwich] cheerful and looking forward to seeing Elizabeth; Janet much pleased with her letters. '"Mother" [possibly Florence Bell?] is very active and... good on such an occasion'.
The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Thanks her for her letter and the cutting about Taormina: 'the place is certainly being rapidly spoilt, and the funiculare will complete the process'. There has been little recent 'development of the "affaire" [of Florence Cacciola Trevelyan's will'. They were very sorry to hear of the death of Lady Trevelyan, Audrey's mother; saw in the papers today that it was due to a 'fall in her room'.
Happily, Enticknap has recovered quickly: his wife has gone up to London today to bring him back, though of course he will not be able to work again yet. Bessie and Paul are well: Paul 'takes more solid food now'. They are staying with the Russells in Oxford next Saturday to Monday; next week the Whiteheads are staying with them for a few days (Whitehead is 'the mathematician at Cambridge with whom Russell collaborates').
Glad she is having 'so pleasant a time' in Rome, and that his father is enjoying himself; will write to him soon. Weather recently very stormy. Sorry they have 'made the viaduct into the Borghese': fears it 'will go a long way to spoil it... but the fashionable world were determined to be no longer confined to the Pincian for their evening drive', he supposes.
The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Hopes his parents continue to enjoy their time in Rome; they have missed some 'very bad weather' in England. He and Bessie went to stay in Oxford with the Russells on Saturday, and the Thames valley was 'completely flooded'; soon after they left Oxford, the wind blew down their finest cedar, at the head of their drive. Fortunately the trunk 'just missed' the stable; the branches did some damage to the roof but this can be put right. The night before, their 'little dog Jan died of pneumonia and jaundice': they are 'much distressed'. Paul is well, though starting to be 'troubled by a double tooth' which has nearly come through. He is 'getting very good at pulling himself up by the bars of his bed or chairs' and stands like this for some time.
They have heard nothing for a while about 'Sicilian affairs [the will of Florence Cacciola Trevelyan]', but does not doubt the lawyers 'are disentangling the various knots as carefully as they can'. Supposes his parents will soon think of returning. Booa stayed a few days with them last week, and seemed well after her holiday at Eastbourne; thinks she enjoyed herself both there and here. Visited [James Stoddart] Bain the bookseller in London, who said he was 'selling a lot of [Sir George's edition of] Macaulay's notes', and hoped his father might publish more; Robert 'rather discouraged' this hope, though sympathised with it.
Enticknap is recovering well from his illness, though will not be able to do any work for some time. Is glad his father likes 'the continuation of Ferrero'; does not think the Augustan volumes are yet translated into French, but expects they will be soon.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Hopes Madame Grammont [Bramine Grandmont Hubrecht] will arrive safely today. Mary writes that she thinks Elizabeth is getting on well; hopes she will be 'quite convalescent' by the time Caroline sees her. Approves of the changes to the household planned for the Shiffolds: the E[nticknaps] have 'been most useful & devoted' but the strain on all sides is now too great; wishes they had 'sent the young man [Gussie] to be a sailor' and fears they will not be able to 'control him'. Sir George enjoys the publication of his book, and 'the letters & reviews are a continual amusement'. Will send a toy for Julian's birthday.
The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Hopes his flowers reach her; his first since last summer, when he sent 'some Asphodel and some Mallow' ["Mallow and Asphodel", his first book of poetry]; they are mainly wild flowers. Explains the symbolism of all the flowers he has chosen, including ivy 'as the sacred plant of Bacchus' whom he worships 'in no vulgar sense, but as he was worshipped in the true esoteric mysteries'. Asks whether he should bring his poetry over to Holland or leave it in London. His father has written [to the lawyers] to say the papers must be ready to sign on Wednesday afternoon. Is going to London tomorrow; his parents will not return from Welcombe until Tuesday. The Enticknaps have given him a pair of brass candlesticks, which they could have in the dining room 'for ordinary use' or for reading in his room. [Charles] Sanger and [Robin] Mayor may cycle over for lunch or tea. Has had a 'delightful walk' and 'devised a new way of doing a mediaeval prose story' he has wanted to write for a long time. Has not done much German recently; will bring Wagner's librettos, which he thinks are 'damned fine poems'.
8 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Had a good journey, and it was nice to travel with Robert, who sat with them before his dinner. Hopes Elizabeth was no worse for Caroline's visit; felt she was very tired when she left; she must not expect to get strong at once after such a long illness. Sir George likes the idea of Elizabeth coming to Welcombe to get some real rest, and then go to the sea a few weeks later. Has been to Nicoll's this morning and 'seen the shops boarded up after the onslaught of the Suffragettes'; thinks their actions 'really terrible' and '[p]laying into the hands of the enemy'; the coal dispute is also 'very disappointing & anxious'. Sir George is 'excessively gloomy' but has not mentioned leaving London again. Was glad the motor came to the door as it gave Julian such pleasure. Good to see Mrs Grammont [Bramine Grandmont Hubrecht]; hopes she will soon be better. Did not see 'any use in talking to the Ent[ickna]ps yesterday' but if Elizabeth agrees would like to send a message saying she is sorry 'the arrangement about Gussie had to terminate' and that she hopes he will do better elsewhere; does not wish to be unfriendly to them. Annie [Philips] is coming to lunch and taking her to a concert at the Queen's Hall.
The Shiffolds.- His parents will already have received his telegram saying that the baby was born at 3.50 on Sunday afternoon; Bessie is 'very well, and had an easy time, and the baby seems strong and healthy'. He is 9 pounds and a quarter, 'a good weight', and a 'good colour'. Dr Cornish seemed 'very satisfied with both him and Bessie', and will come again tomorrow afternoon.
Molly came down from London this morning with Charles and Janet, and Bessie lunched with them; Charles and Janet left immediately afterwards, just as Enticknap was going for the doctor. There was a 'dreadful storm of wind and rain all the time', but nobody seemed the worse for it, and the doctor arrived in time.
They had their parents' letter [10/81?] this morning and are glad Robert's father is recovering, 'though slowly'. Expects Molly will have written them a better account of everything than he will be able to give; she has been a 'great help' and they are 'both very glad she could be here'. Everything so far has gone as well as it could, and the 'baby seems to have had a fine start in life'. Will be a 'great pleasure' to them when his parents are both able to see the baby.
Has 'so many letters to write' that he will say no more now, but will write again soon.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Originally enclosing the programme for a concert by Isaye [sic: Ysaÿe] which she went to with Robert on Monday; has never heard him play before and thought him wonderful; wishes Bessie had been there. Will look out some things for the Mill House when they go to Welcombe on the 10th. Describes the music stand [Charles and George's wedding present], and provides a small sketch. Glad that Mr Enticknap has found regular work. Sir George is well but tired 'after a long spell of work'; will take a holiday at Easter, and hopes to 'play golf & take long walks'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - The Trevelyans have been to stay for two days at a 'little inn' at Wooler, visiting Flodden Field and Ford Castle. Continues the letter next day, after having been interrupted by 'the school treat'. Today a 'party of High School mistresses from Newcastle' are spending the whole day at Wallington. Hopes that there will be fine weather when Elizabeth comes in early August, and that she will stay while Annie [Philips, Caroline's sister] is there; understands that she and Robert both want to settle down at home so they must not feel bound to pay a long visit. Sure the Cambo Exhibition, which is on 18 Aug, will amuse Elizabeth. Charlie will be at home for the first half of the month, so there will be a family party with friends too. Delighted the Enticknaps are being helpful in getting everything in order. The clavichord [by Dolmetsch, decorated by Helen Fry] will be very interested to have. Meggiy [sic] Price asked about the piano, so Elizabeth should write when she is ready for it. Supposes she is not finding much time for the violin at the moment; the drawing room at Wallington is good for music. Wonders whether the 'Cambridge table has arrived. G[eorge] was very angry with his old Mrs Larkins about it'. Apologises for a 'most disjointed letter' since the young ladies have arrived and she has taken them for a long walk since starting the letter. Marie [Hubrecht] has sent her a 'capital photo' of the wedding party. Cannot get their furniture from Thunnissn [?] due to the continuing strike at Rotterdam. Will pay Elizabeth for the carriage of the goods from Welcombe.
Fortezza, Aulla, Lunigiana, Italy. - Sends a 'thousand congratulations on the happy event'; they [he and Lina] were glad to get Bob's letter with news of Paul and Bessie. Glad the Enticknaps approve. Is following Bob's plan and goes for walks with 'pockets full of books' everyday, but rarely reads them, instead sits 'basking in the sunshine & the stillness'; describes the surroundings. Lina is 'doing away with the pigions [sic] because they don't pay'; he objects, but will have their tower room for 'a study from which to wander in the roof garden' as compensation. Needs Bessie 'badly to paint the ringhiera [banisters or railing]'; sends love. They miss the Trevelyans both very much this Christmas.
The Shiffolds. -- Bessie seems to be doing well still; the doctor is not visiting today, so he may not write this afternoon. Aunt Annie is coming to lunch, and perhaps George. Is 'very sorry to hear about [Gussie] Enticknap': has written to Keith [the head gardener at Wallington] asking him to 'write at once, if he has not done so already, to tell the Enticknaps the reason for giving [their son Gussie] notice', and also to write to Robert himself. Of course his parents should hear directly from Keith, and Robert can say nothing to them until then, especially as he does not know what Gussie has done. [Alfred] Enticknap will doubtless try to find his son work somewhere else as soon as he can, though he will have to stay here until then. Hopes very much he will 'turn over a new leaf'. Nurse Godwin and Robert thought it 'best to tell Bessie, since she is getting on so well' and would soon have to hear about it anyway; she 'says she will not worry about it.
The Shiffolds. - Bessie has had 'another quite good night' and is getting on 'quite well'. Mrs Grandmont is coming next Saturday; Molly may come for a night before that. Dr C[ornish] says that 'as far as he can see the kidney trouble is quite at an end', but will 'keep analysing etc to see if he can detect anything wrong'; however, he thinks it was 'solely due to pregnancy' and has not yet revealed any further weakness.
Thanks his mother for sending him Keith's letter; thinks he has 'behaved very wisely', and neither he nor Bessie has any doubt that 'his suspicions [of Gussie Enticknap] are correct'. Is sure he will 'write tactfully to the Enticknaps'; his mother will see that he and Bessie cannot speak to them of the matter until they have heard from Keith. Expects Keith will give 'general unsatisfactoriness and untrustworthiness' as his reasons for dismissal, and they will 'have to accept that'. Bessie tends to think they will be 'sensible' and feel that Keith had ' very good reasons, which he cannot fully share with them'. They will certainly look out for work for him at once; until it is found he will have to stay here, but 'they are the last people to wish him to remain idle. They are unwise in some things, but not in that way'. Perhaps Gussie could 'go into the navy, where he would be under discipline'.
Bessie sends her love; she is 'longing to write', but thinks she should put this off for a few more days. Robert will write next tomorrow afternoon, not in the morning. Adds a postscript sending thanks to his father for his book, which has arrived; will 'write directly'.
The Shiffolds. - Bessie is 'going on very well'; the doctor came today and was pleased, he will not come again until Thursday. [Edward] Keith's letters to Robert and the Enticknaps came this morning; Mrs Enticknap has 'on the whole taken [Keith's dismissal of her son Gussy as a gardener's boy at Wallington] sensibly, and is not making a grievance of it'. She is 'Of course... slow and rather stupid in not seeing how unsatisfactory Gussy is', but that was to be expected as she 'cannot be told the full truth'; however, she does 'to some extent recognise his weaknesses', and is willing to try to find 'the right kind of employment for him'; it might be best for him to go into the Navy, or a trade such as 'carpentering or a blacksmith's'. She is 'perfectly nice about it' towards Robert and Bessie, and seems to accept that Gussy had to be given notice. Robert thinks Keith 'has behaved very considerately and wisely'; will write to him about it.
Will write tomorrow; will finish his father's book tonight, so may write to him instead of his mother.
The Shiffolds. - Bessie is 'going on very well'; Dr C[ornish] came today and 'seemed quite satisfied'. Molly should be here in about an hour. Nurse Godwin is leaving tomorrow, and Nurse Shepherd arriving.
Asks her to thank his father for his letter [12/189] and the enclosure, the 'old Harrovian's letter'. Bessie has met him: he called here a 'year or two ago' when Robert was out, and had his book with him. Bessie says he was 'a rather mild seedy-looking sort of man, probably a little mad, though excitable'; his letters seem to Robert 'quite mad'. Bessie wishes she had looked at the book more carefully, but it 'seemed to be poor stuff'. Robert thinks the 'poor wretch was probably tramping the country', visiting the Old Harrovians whose addresses he could find 'to try and make them buy a copy'; he sent a letter to them afterwards which was similar to the one to Robert's father, and 'seemed quite mad'. Will write soon to his father and return the enclosure. The old Harrovian was 'much older' than Robert, and 'certainly not at the Grove in Bowen's time'.
The Enticknaps have generally taken things [the dismissal of their son Gussie from the gardens at Wallington] 'more sensibly' than Robert expected. They are angry with Keith, which 'cannot be helped, as they cannot be told the real reasons [for Gussie's dismissal] so naturally they thought he should have written earlier to warn them'. They are though 'anxious to do the right thing with Gussie now; Robert and Bessie think they are right in 'wanting to apprentice him as a carpenter, or possibly a smith, and having him to live with them'. The Enticknaps see that this would mean leaving the Shiffolds and are ready to do this; Robert thinks they are 'right on the whole', and they have been 'perfectly nice' about it. It will of course be difficult to replace them, but with luck Robert and Bessie may be able to find a childless married couple. Meanwhile, perhaps a cottage could be found for the Enticknaps nearby, so that Enticknap could come for the day. In some ways Robert and Bessie are sorry to lose the Enticknaps, as they had 'great merits' and 'in important things were thoroughly trustworthy', but they also sometimes gave them 'a good deal of trouble', and in the long term their leaving is probably for the best. Since the change cannot take place at once, Gussie will need to be here for a while, but Robert thinks he will 'be on his best behaviour'. Bessie has talked everything over with Mrs Enticknap and is not at all worried. They have had a 'reference about a married couple', but expect they will have found a place by now'.
The Shiffolds. - Bessie is doing quite well; Nurse Shepherd is here now instead of Nurse Godwin, and Nurse Fry leaves today. Bramine Grandmont has just come; George and Janet are visiting for the day tomorrow. Has already told her that the Enticknaps will probably leave soon, and so they are looking for replacements; they have heard of a promising-sounding couple but fear they will already have a place, still, they are enquiring about them.
He and Bessie had hoped 'the Vaughan William[s]es of Leith Hill Place' would have let the Enticknaps have one of their cottages, so that Enticknap could stay on as their gardener; they could then have employed a cook, and Gussie could have 'got carpentering work in Forest Green, and been under his parents' eye'. However, since the Vaughan Williamses do not want to let the cottage permanently, this seems impossible; there are 'no other cottages near enough'. It is a 'comfort' that the Enticknaps are 'friendly and considerate', though no doubt have a grievance against Keith [head gardener at Wallington]; this cannot be helped, as 'they can't be told the whole truth [about why Gussie was dismissed]. Fears it will be 'very difficult' to find a married couple who fulfil all conditions, but they may be lucky. The Enticknaps would not insist on leaving immediately, so they can 'make a shift for the next month or two'. Robert and Bessie think Mrs Enticknap is 'perfectly right in wanting to leave', since the work is 'very trying for her, and her health is not very good'; she would do well with a 'quieter life', and would 'look after May and Gussie better'. They are 'most sorry to lose' Enticknap: he 'has his faults, but is 'in many ways quite invaluable'.
Julian is very well. Hopes his parents will 'keep well in London'.
The Shiffolds. - Bessie is doing 'quite well'. Mrs Grandmont is now here; she is 'not in good health', but will benefit from the quiet, and is a 'good companion'. There is a 'possible plan' for finding successors to the Enticknaps; will let her know if it comes to fruition. George and Janet visited yesterday, and both seemed well. Robert's proofs [for The Bride of Dionysus... and Other Poems] are starting to come; there is little to correct, but he will have to go through them with Donald [Tovey]. Julian is very well.
The Park, Prestwich, Manchester. - Is staying here for a weekend on his way home; Aunt Annie has a 'bad cold' and does not well, but he thinks the cold is getting better and she will 'have a quieter time now than she has had for the last few weeks'. They have had a 'very successful Hunt', with fine weather most of the time, and 'some good runs each day'. Charles seemed very well, though 'was careful about going down hill too fast'; he and George seemed very cheerful, and 'Molly kept us all very lively in the evening'. Robert 'was hare twice, and was caught twice each day', though he 'gave them two very good runs'. A 'young Cadbury, fresh from Cambridge [Laurence John Cadbury?]' came for the first time and 'is quite an acquisition, as he is a great runner, and also a thoughtful and interesting young man'.
Thanks his father for sending Charles Adams' letter [originally sent with 12/194]; his brother [Henry]'s illness is 'very unfortunate', but it looks as if he will fully recover; 'had no idea' that Adams was so old. Is just going out to call on 'old Mr [Edward?] Broadfield, whom Aunt Annie tells me I shall probably find in bed' though happy to talk; will go to London tomorrow, and home on Tuesday, since Bessie does not want him back till then as their 'domestic changes [the replacement of the Enticknaps, cook/housekeeper and gardener at the Shiffolds, with the Elmses] will not be completed until then'. She and Julian seem to be very well. Aunt Annie joins with him in sending love to his parents.
The Shiffolds. - Forgot to return the enclosed [a letter from Charles Adams, see 12/194] to his father in his last letter; hopes Mr [Henry] Adams is now recovering. Returned home on Tuesday, and 'found Bessie and Julian very well'; Bessie was 'a little tired by the moving [the replacement of the Enticknaps as cook/ housekeeper and gardener by Elms', but now seems all right. All seems to have gone smoothly, and so far Elms has been 'satisfactory'. Mrs Enticknap was 'not in the right frame of mind evidently, but Enticknap all along has been very nice, and has made things easier'. It is 'really a relief to have got rid of Mrs E[nticknap]'.
Spent a weekend with Aunt Annie; she did not look well, but seems to be recovering from her cold, and will have an 'easier time'. Thanks his mother for her present of the teak seat, which is now on the lawn, it 'looks splendid, and will be a great thing to have in the garden in the warm weather'. Is 'very sorry to hear that Booa [Mary Prestwich] is ill', and hopes to hear good news about her soon.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Glad the long journey went well; is sure Elizabeth's uncle and Marie are glad to have her and Robert with them for a while; hopes they will 'leave them in better spirits'. Understands how sad it must be to find her aunt's place empty. They are glad to be back; Sir George is eager to return to work and starts tomorrow; she is 'in a confusion of letters, accounts, intervoews, & general arrangeing [sic]'. Charles and George are leaving tomorrow, 'to the West of England, & to the Appenines to walk'. If Robert 'goes off', Elizabeth must come and spend the day with Caroline; they can put her up for the night if she wants. Hopes she will find the Enticknaps and the house all right. Elizabeth and Robert have missed the census, which she and Sir George 'just came in for'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that Elizabeth enjoyed the visit to Chillingham, and that Mrs Cochrane plays well; seems to remember she is a 'better musician than Mrs Saxton Noble'. Hopes that the three weeks in the north have done her good. A 'big gathering of Liberal women' here yesterday, with a meeting then tea 'in the tent'. The shooting on Thursday was spoiled by a wet afternoon; Sir George has rheumatism in his hand. Janet 'very funny about the forgotten photograph'; she is 'a dear affectionate little person'. Keen to hear that 'the house business is prospering' and that the building of Robert and Elizabeth's house can start soon. Misses Elizabeth very much; was so nice seeing and 'nursing' her. Wants to hear about her trip to Holland, and what she decides about the violin.; also how the Enticknaps were. [John Joseph?] Nixon was 'much distressed' to miss Elizabeth and Robert. They have not yet finished [James's] "The Tragic Muse" as there has been little time for 'long reading'; has quite forgotten it and is interested to hear how it ends. Alone now till 21 September; Charlie leaves on Monday.