28, Queen Anne's Gate, S. W. - Has just received Robert's letter [with the news of his engagement] and 'warmly welcome[s her] new niece'. Has 'always had a great liking' for the Netherlands, having stayed at the Hague with the Howards [Sir Henry Howard was British ambassador there], and thinks there is 'such a likeness' between the nations. Has been 'sorry for any possible strained relations' due to the [Second Boer] War, and hopes Robert and Elizabeth's engagement is a 'happy omen'. Asks Bob to tell Elizabeth that the Croppers at Ellergreen already make a link with her; has heard Miss [Eleanor?] Cropper on the subject. Wonders if Bob likes the Hague, and Delft, where her 'favourite hero of all, William the Silent, was done to death'. [Her son] Edgar is here and also sends 'warm wishes; [her other son] Frank is in the country.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear Elizabeth is enjoying Seatoller so much; showery weather is normal for the Lakes. Has been fishing, and Sir George has been fishing; he and George are working hard every morning and the house 'seems to be a sort of literary mill for turning out books & lectures'; suitable as it is very quiet with few neighbours. Glad Elizabeth is 'becoming more of a walker and a climber'; hopes she will keep it up in Surrey. George's beard is growing; will see how it suits him in a couple of weeks; very nice having him here. Glad Elizabeth's aunt is getting out into the country and hopes she will be better soon. Almost forgot Robert's birthday and only sent him 'a shabby line'; asks when Elizabeth's birthday is. Asks to be remembered to the Croppers if Elizabeth sees them. Glad to hear of Mr [Herbert] Jones's engagement to Lily Hodgkin. Elizabeth had better tell Anne Pearce who will get things ready and give them tea. Charles is still in town.
Robin Ghyll, Langdale, Ambleside. - Thanks Bessie for the donation [to the Russian Exiles Relief Fund]; agrees about the 'special satisfaction' given by sending it now; 'too vile to think that the British Fleet is going to salute that blood-stained wretch [Tsar Nicholas II] tomorrow'; imagines the sort of article the "Times" will write about it. Still plenty of rain here, but also 'beautiful evenings' and fine periods when the babies can get outside; fortunately she had good weather going to London for her 'little friend's wedding', since she cycled ten miles into Windermere with all her luggage. Humphry is still 'most adorable'; dear of Bessie to have liked him so much, and Janet 'will always feel that he's a little bit your baby'. Hopes Bessie is keeping well, and not having any more backaches; asks whether she is going straight home when she leaves Wallington. Asks her to tell Caroline that she and George are going to the Croppers on Monday 23rd, but that since Maisie will not arrive till the 26th Janet will probably not go to Wallington till the 28th or 30th; expects George will travel ahead, but 'even he is very anxious to see Maisie and the baby [Anne Cicely]'. The Whiteheads are going to take Janet and George's house for the last half of September; Mrs [Evelyn] Whitehead did not say how North was, only that she herself was 'rather ill'.