Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - The weather is intensely cold, but [Charles and Mary's] children do not seem to mind it; Elizabeth must take great care not to get a chill. The present Sir George sent was all his own idea; he wants Elizabeth to have 'the best nurses & doctors' and any 'luxuries' she likes without worrying about expense. Asks what Julian would like for his birthday; there is a good little toyshop at Stratford. Charles and Mary seem to be recovering and hope to go to London on Wednesday. Hopes to come and see Elizabeth at the end of the month. Tinson [the gardener] is sending some sea kale.
1917 Club, 4 Gerrard Street, W.1. - Has just arrived from Welcombe, and is waiting for Bob. They will have two 'most momentous meetings' this afternoon at [Sir John] Withers': first, with Kenneth Cross present, deciding on the 'future of the Shiffolds'; then with Mr Whitlock, Mr Place, and Mr Watson to sign the sale contract of Welcombe, and also if possible to settle details of 'preferential treatment to tenants etc etc'. Hopes all goes well; had quite a time in Welcombe on Wednesday going through the inventory with Whitlock, and deciding what to keep; whenever she goes there she finds something new, this time some 'really fine old pewter plates' which she did not however reserve. As soon as Whitlock left Engelbert and Helen [Röntgen] arrived, and 'had to be shown round & everything explained. Engelbert had 'the greatest difficulty in grasping the situation' and thought the Trevelyans were 'mad to sell such beauty!'. She then had to go and 'sooth anxious minds' of Tinson, Hall [?], Florence and everyone else [staff at Welcombe?] who are of course all worrying about what will happen; it is 'very sad for the Tinsons', and she almost feels most for them. Expects Julian had a good time at Oare yesterday [visiting Mary Fletcher], since the weather 'suddenly cleared'; hopes he got onto the Downs. Asks him to let her know how he is getting on, and his address at Bath; tells him to 'look out for [Jane Austen's] Anne Elliot & her relations'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to hear good news of Elizabeth and Robert and especially that there are 'pleasant friends to take walks with'. Would have liked to join them on the trip to Amalfi and have 'seen the lovely pergola again'. Glad the rumour about Mr Fry [that he had died] was not true; wonders how it started. More people drop in for tea than at Wallington, which is good for Sir George in the winter as it stops him getting 'too absorbed in his writing'. Henry James is coming for a few days on Saturday, and Dorothy Ward 'to help amuse him'. Is writing an interesting 'Life of Mazzini' by Bolton King, which is 'very well written'. The local recollection of their parties last summer is 'still vivid'. The weather is fine and mild, though TInson 'remarks that "we shall have a pinch for it, later"'. Wishes she had seen Ravello and Amalfi in the sunshine. Tells Elizabeth to find out about the homeopathic cold medicine; has often heard it to be 'very efficacious'. Asks if Elizabeth would like to join the [Grosvenor Crescent] Club; Caroline must arrange it before 20 February if so. Charles has gone to Paris with introductions to politicians. Sends love to Robert, and is glad his play 'prospers'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Has been in bed most of the time since coming to Welcombe; would be very glad to see Elizabeth, and hopes to be up by the time she suggests. It is very dull for Sir George when she cannot get downstairs. Thinks everyone will be glad when the election is over; Charlie's seat seems safe [Newcastle Central] and he is in 'high spirits'; Stratford is 'too Conservative to be changed'. The garden looks very pretty; they have a new gardener, whom she has not yet seen, while Tinson [the old gardener] goes to live at the Lodge. Sends love to Bob. Hopes the '"discussion"' on Saturday was interesting.