Showing 14 results

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"]

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - News of Julian, who is well and does not seem to be too much disturbed by teething. He is always very excited when he sees Hearn [the butler] and 'insists on his lifting him up to look at the pictures'. Took him for a drive to the village yesterday, and now he has gone for his 'last poney [sic] cart drive'. Elizabeth's dinner on Monday will be very amusing; hopes she will not get tired out with her busy fortnight. Annie [Philips] is coming from Monday till Thursday; expects she will be in an 'over-energetic mood'; she must have helped the two young men [her Price nephews] very much as they have been making inventories. Has had no more letters from George, but C[harles] says he is quieter [after the death of his son Theodore]. Sends love and a "Times Literary Supplement" for Bob.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Good weather yesterday, and Julian had two drives out: he went up early to the Lead Mill with Sir George, who 'walked home shooting and got a hare' which has been sent to Elizabeth; Caroline and Booa [Mary Prestwich] then took him out to Donkin Rigg Farm in the Victoria. This morning it is wet, and he is 'playing about with the engine', with Hearn [the butler] keeping an eye on him. Hopes he will have a good journey tomorrow. Asks Elizabeth where she got the 'ink pills'; would like to give Robin [Price?] some for his journey. Has left a Liberty toy swan on wheels in the dining room at Gr[osvenor] Cr[escent], which Elizabeth should take and give to Julian when he wants something new. Hopes he is '"set up" for the winter (as Annie [Philips] would say)'; sad that the nice time with Elizabeth and the boy has ended.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]:- Thanks his mother for her letter. Has not gone running yet, but since football has 'come to an end' for his house as they have been beaten in the torpids he could go out sometime. His house were 'very weak at the beginning of the term' in torpids, but improved as they went on and 'did not do so very badly in the matches'. Welldon has told him that he is to 'go in for the scholarships', so he is studying for them. Has 'been thinking about the hexameter'; has an idea he thinks 'will suit' but has not got very far yet. Charlie came second in the 'school footer Ones [?]', behind [Edgar?] Stogdon; Robert thinks this is largely due to Charlie 'slipping at a critical moment', but still he 'did very well indeed'.

Is glad Georgie is better now, and asks whether he will be 'going up [for?] the scholarships' soon. Very interesting 'that the Times should thus be smashing up' [a reference to the Parnell Commission's proof that the letters published by the Times in 1887, alleging that Parnell had supported the Phoenix Park murders, were forgeries by Richard Pigott]; asks if they are 'now proved to be wrong on everything', or if this is 'only a part of the case'. Asks if she can ask Hearn [a family servant] to get him some razors, as he currently has to use other people's, 'which are not always very sharp'. Is 'getting on very well with Welldon'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Is busy with Sir George, whose hand is healing slowly, though there is nothing wrong and the stitches have now been taken out. Thinks Elizabeth's suggestion of coming at Whitsuntide is good; it will be pretty then with the hawthorns out; wishes she could see the primroses and daffodils in the grass now. Went to the nursing meeting yesterday; it went well but she had to do 'a good deal of diplomatic work beforehand'. Miss Robinson is staying here, and Dora Arkle is staying with the Hearns; they have been sightseeing, and all go north together tomorrow. Glad Julian likes the book. Asks to be remembered to Mrs [Laetitia] Hutchison. A postscript on a separate sheet knows that they would be glad if Elizabeth could bring 'a girl to do the laundry work'; this would also allow Nannie [Evans?] a chance to get away for a while.

Apartado 847, Madrid, Spain. - Hopes that his father has by now 'quite recovered' from his fall, and that Hearn [the butler] is well again; supposes they are at Welcombe by now, so will send this letter there. Will stay at Madrid while he is in Spain, which may be for two or three weeks longer; it is a 'pleasant enough city', and not too cold at present. Usually goes out into the countryside by tram to work, and comes back when it gets dark. Has made some 'interesting friends here through [Oswald] Sickert' with whom he has been staying: 'young journalists and literary men', of whom two or three have 'a great deal of talent'. Can now read a Spanish newspaper 'fairly well', and don Quijote [sic] 'with the help of a translation'; however, he has not yet got used to the pronunciation, which is 'very guttural, and much more difficult than Italian'. The acting he has seen at the theatres 'seems very good, if only I could understand what they say'.

Bessie 'writes cheerfully', and Julian 'seems to be quite happy and in good spirits'. Robert hopes to go for a day to visit Toledo, and perhaps Segovia, before he leaves, but will not try to go south to Malaga or Granada, as 'there seem to be strikes everywhere'. The Spanish are 'going through a major industrial crisis', but Madrid is unlikely to be affected, since it is 'not an industrial city'. Luckily, they have 'a very good and liberal minded premier, Sanchez [de] Toca, who is nominally a conservative, and 'will probably steer them through their difficulties, if he is allowed to remain in power'. This is however 'doubtful, since the military juntas and the reactionaries hate him, and are trying to turn him out'.

Apartado 847, Madrid, Spain. - Thanks his mother for her letter, which reached him yesterday. Will probably stay in Madrid and not go on elsewhere, though may make a day trip to Toledo and Segovia. Is presently staying with [Oswald] Sickert, but soon will move into rooms at a pension, as Sickert's wife is coming. So far the weather has been 'beautiful' and not too cold, but he expects this will soon change'. Madrid is mostly a modern town, but there are 'some charming 18th century parts, and also pleasant parks'. Gets on 'fairly well with reading Spanish, but can't talk it much'.

Has only been twice to the Prado; Velasquez and Goya interest him most of the Spanish painters, but there are also some 'fine Titians, and other Italians'. Has made friends with 'several young men, friends of Sickert, journalists and literary men' who are 'very pleasant and easy to get on with, and speak either French or English'. Spain as a country is 'rather disturbed', and he does not think he will go to Malaga, where there is currently a general strike; expects he will stay in Madrid for a few weeks before returning home.

Bessie and Julian seem well; Bessie will have told his mother her plans of 'keeping him at home, and getting someone to teach him this winter'. Hopes his father has recovered from his fall, and that Hearn [the butler] is better. Will write to his father soon. When the weather is fine, he goes 'out by tram... to work in a park outside the town'; today it is raining, but this won't go on long. Confirms that 'plays never begin here before 10.15 or 10.30, and people get up here at 11 or 12, and don't take siestas'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Apologises for not writing sooner; knows Elizabeth will be busy with Julian 'on her hands''; hopes Miss Boucher [?] will return soon and be more content. The Bryces were here last Sunday; she is 'so much nicer for having seen more of the world', and he and Sir George had 'no end of talk'. The meadows are 'flooded up to the road' but it is not cold. The cook has gone for a holiday, while Hearn [the butler] is not well; fortunately they have no company at the moment. Maria [Springett] came from Gros[venor] Cr[escent] yesterday; the vans have been unloaded here and at Wallington, so the 'house is really given up'. The rest of the contents will be sold on Tuesday; she has brought away all they care for and is curious to know what the rest will fetch. Has never been without a house in London, so it is a strange feeling. Sir George is fairly well, though 'up & down in spirits with the news'. Booa [Mary Prestwich] was very tired, but not over-done by her hard week in London. Wishes she would not work so hard, but has 'no influence over her'. Sends love to Julian, and asks if he is strong yet.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Sure Elizabeth and Robert will have followed the election results with 'much delight and astonishment'; it is extraordinary; a 'peaceful revolution, that have far reaching consequences'. The results in Surrey, Cheshire and Harrow, as well as Wales, are 'very wonderful'; the Tories will probably only have about a hundred and sixty seats. It 'seems a great responsibility to have such a majority'; hopes the Government rises to the occasion. Charles and George have been working in Yorkshire since the Elland election and F[rancis] Acland's success is hoped for; they and their families will all be at Welcombe by Wednesday and 'it will be amusing to have both the babies'. Meta Hearn [daughter of William Hearne, the butler] was taken to hospital with sudden appendicitis; she is recovering now but her parents were very anxious. The Tories here are 'very civil'; 'of course' they do not talk politics, but she thinks it has been a 'great shock'; the 'clergy everywhere are very quiet'. The little piano is in good tune; hopes Mary will play. Asks if Elizabeth has had much music, and whether [Lina] Waterfield can accompany her.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Very sorry that Julian is so unwell again; does not like the sound of 'an asthmatic tendency'; the time in London has been spoiled but the Shiffolds would not have been any better for him. Wishes Elizabeth could find a nurse, or that they could help her; suggests asking the doctor who might know someone. Would like to come up to London to see them, but cannot leave Sir George; he is recovering 'wonderfully', and is getting some work done each day, but still needs much looking after. Asks if Robert liked the M.G. ["Manchester Guardian"] review of his book ["The New Parsifal"]; G[eorge] says the "Times" is going to review it. She has been reading it a great deal; told Robert she did not quite understand it, and hopes he is not vexed; she understands the 'fun' but does not always grasp its deeper meaning, and would know more of the characters if she had seen the "Parsifal" opera [Wagner]. The 'new poetry magazine' ["New Numbers"?] arrived this morning; asks if Robert paid her subscription, and how much it is; laments her increased forgetfulness with age. Booa [Mary Prestwich] and Hearn are also 'so old now, but excellent as ever'; Grace has been twenty years with them and Pantlin thirty. Had a good visit from George, though did not think him cheerful.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Arrived yesterday from York. Met Mr Clarke at Newcastle and gave him lunch, then drove out to Wallington. Booa [Mary Prestwich] seems much better; Pantlin is taking a holiday; Hearn has given the footman a holiday. The bad news [unsatisfactory reports of the Battle of Jutland?] spoiled their pleasure at the return. Nixon came to see them last night; he is 'more solid than ever'. Mary sent a message that they would all visit this afternoon; unless it stops raining, Caroline hopes the children will not come. Pauline is recovered, and they are going on Tuesday to the sea; Miss Clarke [the governess] is taking all four of them by herself. Enjoyed visiting Annie [Philips], who is 'very cheerful, & has such a number of people about her, of every kind'. Will be glad when Elizabeth has Lily with her to help with Julian. Sir George will enjoy arranging the books from London. Glad Elizabeth likes the things from Gr[osvenor] Cr[escent].

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Since Miss Barthorp wrote by the early post, Elizabeth will know they have all arrived safely. The inconvenience to Miss Barthorp and Julian was Caroline's fault, as she did not tell Hearn to order the fly for them; still, Julian had two motor car rides. A car from Birmingham brought Miss Barthorp, Julian, Booa, Caroline and Sir George; Hearn and the luggage did not arrive till ten at night. Annie [Philips] is coming on Wednesday for a week; she is paying visits in Somerset. Supposes Elizabeth is at Leith Hill Place, but sends this letter to the Shiffolds. Sends regards to Mrs V[aughan] Williams and Margaret; is glad she is with them.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Sorry that Elizabeth is having such a long wait (before giving birth); glad she likes the nurse. Has been busy talking things over with Booa [Mary Prestwich]; went for a long walk with Sir George yesterday afternoon. Brief discussion of blanket patterns and knitting stitches. Glad Alice went to the dance, 'as now both the girls have had an outing'. Thinking having a tea party for the 'gardiners [sic] & people close here about' but they have not yet settled this; the 'school tree [or treat?]' is on 4 January. Sir George began work today; he is well, but whenever she returns after being away she 'can't help seeing how old he looks!'; he keeps up too many fires for Caroline's comfort. Hope Robert could talk to Mr [Donald] Tovey; supposes he will take on the work [the libretto for Tovey's "The Bride of Dionysus"?]. Hearne [the butler] went to a concert in the village last night 'with the girls' and says it was 'very good'. Sir George very indignant with the Lords; she is sure it is 'the beginning of a long struggle'. Glad Robert is reading aloud to Elizabeth.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon [crossed through]. - Her journey went well; on arrival, they were relieved about Sir George, who was 'very seriously ill on Sunday'. He did not send for her, and wrote a long letter which Hearn kept for her [12/166] showing that he did not want Caroline to leave Robert and Elizabeth. Thinks it was necessary as Miss Martin is also ill in bed and Booa [Mary Prestwich] felt the responsibility too much. They have a nurse and he is recovering, but the fever has not gone yet. Originally enclosing Uncle Harry's letter; Sir George is 'distressed' that he will not be well enough to be in town on the 14th [the day of Robert's election to the Athenaeum Club]; he is writing to Uncle Harry and others asking them to help. Caroline thinks it will be all right. Was upset to leave Robert and Elizabeth; hopes Nurse Catt came, and that Nurse Godwin is better.