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.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad that Robert has found 'so satisfactory a location'; he has done well to escape the bad weather; there is already a 'considerable flood' which may develop into a record one. Has begun reading for his book [the next volume of "The American Revolution"] so can only 'trifle with the classics'; has been reading Horace and discusses the "Ars Poetica". They are much interested in Elizabeth's [translation?] work, and send their love. The election at Ayr was a 'very good' result for the Liberals. Henry James, [Alfred] Lyall, Mrs [Alice Stopford] Green and Miss [Lilias] Noble are coming on 6 February; he and Caroline go to London on 12 February.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that Elizabeth's visit to Holland [owing to her uncle's ill health] "ended in pleasure instead of sorrow"; has heard that she has visited Gr[osvenor] C[rescen]t. Arrangements for Booa [Mary Prestwich]'s and her own visits to the [nursing] Home to see Elizabeth. They have guests tomorrow for the shooting on Thursday and Friday: the A. Elliots, Lord Ridley, and Miss [Lily?] Noble; Charlie also came home for a week last night. Sir George was very pleased to get Robert's letter; supposes he will stay in London to be near Elizabeth; originally encloses a note from Miss Martin.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Returned 'quite comfortably', and found Sir George 'well & cheerful'. Miss Martin had been 'a very good companion'. Sidney Lee, Miss [Lily?] Noble and Ella Pease came on Sunday, but they are alone again now. Will send Elizabeth's Christmas present with the hamper going to Gr[osvenor] Cr[escen[t]; it will be there on Saturday morning so can be collected if she stays in town for Friday night. There will be 'a little "pot pourri" in the parcel also'; sent some flowers yesterday. Sorry Elizabeth's cough continued to trouble her; asks if it is gone now and what the doctor thought of it; also when they plan to go abroad. Good that Elizabeth can leave Mrs E[nticknap] in charge of the house. Hopes Mrs [Helen] Fry keeps well and that 'the event [the birth of her child?] will come off soon'. Madame Grandmont has written kindly, and seems 'cheerful about her husband' Wishes Elizabeth could see the 'school children's [Christmas] tree. It is so pretty in the Hall'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Look forward very much to Elizabeth's arrival, and the appearance of Robert's book ["The Bride of Dionysus"]. Describes an emendation made to a typographical error in Austen ["Mansfield Park"] by Verrall ["On the Printing of Jane Austen's Novels", "Cambridge Observer", November 1892], which Miss [Lilias?] Noble also discovered.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Mary called Dr Williams to see Phyllis, who is still unwell, so she stopped by on the way to examine Julian. She thinks he should wear the belt for a year, which should solve the problem [an umbilical hernia?], but that he is strong, healthy, and large for his age; she also thinks he risks becoming flat footed, so Caroline has spoken to his nurse about having a support put in his shoes. The sneezing does not matter; but she will give him the medicine which Dr Cornish has sent. Yesterday they took Miss [Lily] Noble to Belsay [the Middletons' home] and saw everyone but 'Mrs Hugh' who is doing well [after giving birth], and there were many enquiries about Elizabeth. Miss Noble then went home in her motor car. Julian was 'drawing motors this morning with great energy'. She is going to a nursing meeting this afternoon, then to tea with Mary. Hopes Mr B[ottomley] has recovered from the journey. Asks when she should start sending her letters to Elizabeth to the Netherlands.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Julian is well: is still getting time outside, and spends the evenings with them playing with his toy sheep. Yesterday he got to the piano in the drawing room and 'recited about the motor car'. Mary brought Pauline and Kitty to lunch and they got on well; Booa [Mary Prestwich] took Kitty and Julian to ride on the rocking horse. When Julian was walking home through the wood with Caroline and Sir George, they worked out he was saying 'the sky is gone', meaning the trees had hidden it. Miss [Lily?] Noble came for Sunday. Mrs [Hugh] Middleton gave birth to a son last week, and Mrs Anderson has been very ill. Hopes Mr [Gordon] Bottomley has recovered from his journey
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Hopes that the preparations are going well, and that Elizabeth's poor friend [Gordon Bottomley?] copes with the journey. This morning there is a thick mist, and Julian will not go out until it clears so she is writing in the Hall while he plays with his toys. His cousins came to tea yesterday; Booa [Mary Prestwich] 'gave them a performance with the dancing kittens and the black man', and it was bed time when they left. Nurse is sending a parcel of washing. Grace cannot find the Kodac [sic: Kodak camera?]; does not remember Elizabeth having it when she came from the Park [Annie Philip's house]. Had a nice letter from Margaret [Vaughan Williams]; very glad she enjoyed her visit. Miss [Lily] Noble is coming today, and the Dick Holts next Sunday. Julian is 'making "his kisses"' for Elizabeth on a piece of paper [enclosed] which 'he thinks a great joke'; hopes Elizabeth does not miss him too much. Sends the "Times Literary [Supplement]" which is amusing this week.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Glad Elizabeth spends her evenings at Leith Hill Place; sure it is helpful to them [the Vaughan Williams family] and more cheerful for her; hopes that Robert will return soon and Julian will 'greet him affectionately'. Pauline has had influenza, but is recovering, and nobody else seems to have caught it; Mary was fortunately at home, and Charles away. They have decided to leave a week earlier, as Sir George is worried about strikes; he also wants a change, having finished his book. The school treat therefore needs to be put forward and she has a lot to do in a short time. They plan to spend the 7-18 December in London, then go to Welcombe. Miss [Lily?] Noble visited for a night; seems to know Elizabeth's friends the Oranjes well and like them; her engagement is off 'in quite a friendly happy way'. Says Elizabeth should 'get a shawl for "Hannah Priscilla"'; is sure she will like it; Julian can have a coat next year if Elizabeth likes, but not a fur coat 'as no one should walk in one'. Sends a diary for next year, and hopes 'pleasant things may be put down in it'.
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'.