Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Glad to hear that Elizabeth got through the journey all right; she must be delighted to be in the Netherlands again after so long. Glad she likes 'England to live in'; supposes she feels there is a 'broader and more varied outlook', but expects it is good to bring up children in the 'quieter atmosphere of Holland'. Julian is quiet enough here and has been pulling his train around the corridors; he wanted to be alone and told Booa [Mary Prestwich] to go and talk to Nannie. His nurse sensibly did not let him go to the birthday party [for Geordie] as he would be too cold and not enjoy it so much; the party ended with 'fireworks and a bonfire'. The children and Miss Richardson [their nanny?] are coming to tea in the nursery today. A niece of Booa's has been killed in a motor car accident; her husband, a doctor, was driving. Brown has been in a bicycle accident and is 'very bad', but she thinks he will pull through. Thinks she will have a Christmas tree this year and give two parties, one for the children of the family and some friends, and one for the schools; suggests around the 10-13 December, before they go to Welcombe the following week. Sir George is very cheerful, though anxious about Roosevelt: hopes he will be second [in the US election]. She hopes that 'England will play a decent part, & help to settle the [First Balkan] war'. The Holts are sending one of their daughters to Miss Weisse [her school, Northlands].
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thinks Elizabeth will have had a good passage [to the Netherlands]; hopes she is quite rested by now. Glad she left her friends so comfortable, and hopes Mr B[ottomley] will recover in the south. The [Richard Durning?] Holts came yesterday before lunch then at 9.30 in the evening drove to Newcastle with Charlie. Julian came down after tea and behaved very well. It is Geordie's birthday tomorrow and there will be 'great festivities'. Charlie looked well and will return on Thursday if possible for the Northumberland County Council. Miss McCrachan [?] is coming to tea today, but in general she now expects to be very quiet. Asks Elizabeth to let her know when she will be back; wants to organise things such as Christmas trees. George 'says "every one ought to have one war they can enjoy in their lives" & that he is having it'. It [the First Balkan War] is 'certainly most dramatic'. Asks to be remembered to Elizabeth's sister [Mien Röntgen] and hopes everyone is well.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Hopes Elizabeth will have a good crossing to the Netherlands; Julian is well though he has a small cold, and 'his voice is to be heard all over the house'. He likes to play with his sheep and look at pictures, and is always particular about saying goodnight to the photographs of his parents. Charlie returned on Thursday night looking well. They are 'all delighted at the Turkish collapse [in the First Balkan War]; Sir George has been 'quite excited and could not believe the first accounts'. Wonders how interested the Netherlands is in Balkan affairs. Hopes 'the Powers' will 'behave decently & not try to back up the Turks'. The [Richard Durning?] Holts are coming for the day tomorrow, before catching the night train to London.
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, Northumberland. - Glad to have news of Paul; the photograph of him touching Theodore's foot is 'delicious'. The new MP for Hexham, [Richard Durning] Holt and his wife, are staying at Wallington, as are: Aunt Annie [Philips]; Josephine Lawson; the younger Hugh Bell, in whom Sir George has 'discovered a great likeness to [Edward] Bowen' and thinks it 'extends to character'; and Sir Francis Blake. He and Caroline are 'much interested about [Laurence] Binyon'; wonders if [Sidney?] Colvin thinks he is 'breaching on Stephen Phillips's domain'. Glad Robert liked what he saw of [Macaulay's] "Marginal Notes", which Sir George has now typed up; Longmans are going to publish it.