Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to get Elizabeth and Robert's letters and to 'hear a better account' of Elizabeth's aunt. Hopes their visit will do her good. Trusts the Grandmonts will manage the long journey, and that he will be better for southern sun. The Arthur Sidgwicks are paying a visit; he is Henry Sidgwick's younger brother, a 'great friend' of Sir George's, and 'very clever and amusing'; she is 'very excellent & enthusiastic & badly dressed'; they have brought 'a nice young son & daughter with them'. George's friend [Frederick John?] Pollock is also staying, and [John Henry] Whitley, the new MP for Halifax, is coming on Monday. Will give the servants a dance after the guests leave next week, and spend a week in London before starting their travels. Thinks they will reach Naples at the end of January then decide which way to take to Sicily. Thanks Robert for his letter and 'the names of books &c'; New Year's wishes; expects the Hague is 'much excited about the Queen's marriage'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Hopes that Elizabeth and Robert have got through the heavy snow in Italy, and that Ravello is warm. She and Sir George leave on Wednesday for London and hope to start for the continent on 16 January, staying at Paris for a couple of nights then reaching Milan by 21 January before travelling on to Florence, Rome, and Naples. Would be glad if Elizabeth and Robert could spend a few days with them at Naples; they will then go to Sicily for three or four weeks and stop at Ravello and La Cava [de' Tirreni] on the way back. Has been very busy packing, and is going this afternoon 'to say goodbye to poor Mrs Young'; reports that Canon [Edward Mallet] Young has died suddenly. Had a 'pleasant visit' from the Sidgwicks and Mr Whitley and have been alone since Thursday; the servants enjoyed their dance on Friday very much. The Queen [of the Netherlands]'s marriage 'seems a very pretty and natural affair'; hopes it will be very happy.