Welcombe, Stratford on Avon - Glad to hear that all is well; hopes the extra nurse will stay until the A[bercrombies] move as she thinks the large party is too much for Elizabeth's nannie's nerves, though she is very good for Julian alone. Mary and H[umphry] leave today, to general regret. Thinks people are 'very foolish to take Belgians into there [sic] own families'; the money they spend would be much more efficiently used by the Committee. '[Q]uite wonderful how far Janet makes it go'; never realised she was so capable; hopes she will not over-tire herself, though understand why people do too much as the war is 'so pitiful & ghastly'. Finds it hard herself to stay at home and do so little, and 'one's power of helping in money is rapidly diminishing'. Nothing yet settled about No. 8 [Grosvenor Crescent], but it is not too expensive now. 57 men from Snitterfield have joined the army; they see 'a good deal' of the regiment based at Stratford. Lucky that Elizabeth is not nearer the sea because of the bombing. Charlie seems well; the little girls [Marjorie and Kitty, perhaps Pauline?] are to come to London soon.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon - Annie [Philips] is staying with them and is well; she takes a 'good walk' with Sir George in the afternoon. Has news of Bob in London; hopes he will not catch Mary's cold; was glad to hear from Mary that she was deferring her daughters' returns as they would catch colds if they came to London in this weather. There is influenza in Stratford, and the town is full: over a thousand soldiers, plus refugees and wounded. They went to see the hospital, which is 'a curious sight'; 'really wonderful how everyone is working'. Sir George is fairly well, and 'enjoys talking to the officers'; they miss the children. Sure the Abercrombies will be sorry to leave the Shiffolds when the time comes; asks if David could stay a while longer, or if he would be 'an anxiety'. Hopes Miss Evans has come back better; asks if Nurse Godwin has gone. Sends love to Robert. Sir George has recently read her "The Old Curiosity Shop"; it is a 'child's book, but the characters are vivid, and dreadfully exaggerated'. They have just started "Middlemarch", which is very good to read aloud. Has little time for reading as she is doing the accounts and 'making all sorts of resolutions of economy'. Booa [Mary Prestwich] sends her love.
Rome. - Glad that Elizabeth would like to stay at Grosvenor Cr[escent]; thinks it can easily be arranged, though she should see [Mary] Prestwich who is there now and talk it over with her. She and Sir George will not go to London before Easter this year. Does not want her servants upset, so Prestwich must arrange it with them. Is improving steadily, but does not see how she can get home before the end of the month. Thinks it is an 'excellent plan to send Julian to a class', though she suggests not taking him up before the end of January because of the fogs; she and Sir George are very glad to be able to help. They are more cheerful now as Sir George has 'settled down' and is doing some writing. Does not like the idea of C[harles] and M[ary] taking the children to Cambo in this 'arctic weather'. The 'poor baby' [Marjorie] is to stay at Rounton. Sends love to Robert; Sir George is reading [Dostoevsky's "Brothers] Karamazoff"; she tried to but could not.
Robin Ghyll, Langdale, Ambleside [on headed notepaper from the Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge]. - News about Bessie's grandson is 'really glorious'; expects that if he is dark he will be like his mother [Ursula], with 'just a general background perhaps of Trevelyan blackness'. She and George think the name 'splendid'; wonder why 'Philip' was chosen, and whether it is a 'general reminiscence' of the Philips inheritance which would 'amuse Aunt Annie'. The Trevelyans are 'doing well' for grandchildren at the moment, with Thomas Arnold [Humphry and Molly's son] and also Marjorie and Patricia's children; thinks there are currently 'a round dozen', counting Kitty's three, then Patricia's next is expected at Christmas. Thinks young mothers are very 'brave' now, to come out of hospital after only ten days, then only have a nurse for three weeks; she herself 'recovered so slowly' after Mary was born that she cannot imagine how she would have coped with the baby on her own. True that the child is 'much more neglected nowadays... popped in the pram and left to sleep out for hours in all weathers'. Thinks that 'Humphry's Molly's' two eldest 'did suffer from it' but are recovering now, though the second still has trouble with consonants at over three and a half; Janet suspects this may be 'a result of early shock from cold', and remembers having to speak privately to the doctor to 'make him speak to Molly'. She and George are spending time Robin Ghyll; have not been there together since June 1939; it is 'wonderful, as always' but though the weather in the south has been 'scorching', they have had heavy rain. George went back to Cambridge on college business a fortnight ago and brought their cook with him on his return; she is a 'nice adventurous person, and loves coming out on the fells' with them, but even George is 'content with short walks now' and they 'feel quite proud' when they walk over to take tea with Nelly Rawnsley.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thinks Elizabeth is right to change [Julian's nanny]; thinks she had become 'really unsettled and uncomfortable'. Hopes Miss E[vans] gets married, since waiting for it seems to have made her more nervous, and that Elizabeth will find someone who can do some teaching if she wants. Feels a little disconnected after six months in the South. [Charles and Mary's] 'Cambo children' are nice; they took Mary out with Marjorie for a drive yesterday. Charlie is coming home tomorrow; George is 'extremely interesting about Italy', and hopes to get Geoffrey Young's ambulance there; expects he will go with it and be very useful. She and Sir George are reading "Emma Darwin [: A Century of Family Letters" edited by Henrietta Litchfield]; very odd that the Wedgwood family, at least the women, 'seem to have taken no interest at all in the pottery'; would think they 'would have been so proud of it'. Glad Julian recovered quickly; thinks he will cope well with all changes.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - All pleasant here so far; the only people here are Phil and Liza [Price], Hugh Bell's son [Hugh or John] and a friend of his who are 'quite nice boys', Kitty with her children, Marjorie and Patricia. There had been a shooting party, and he saw George and Janet for a minute before they left; thinks he will cycle over to see them soon. Glad he went by the early train from Ockley, as it meant he was in time to get a 'corner seat' on the Kings Cross train; his compartment was full throughout the journey, with 'quite nice people' including soldiers and later several merchant-service sailors; the corridors were 'rather crowded' so although he could have got to the restaurant car he was glad to have a packed lunch. Thinks Bessie had better go by train from Newcastle to avoid the 'long cold wait' he had in the Haymarket for a bus, reading Anatole France. She need only bring his small scarf. The school-children are 'very quiet'; the Bell boy plays piano in the evening '(not very brilliantly)' and Marjorie the oboe, but apparently Charles usually reads "Vanity Fair". Last night, however, he had to 'put on his general's uniform' and go to dine at Morpeth with 'a lot of Officers and the Duke of Gloucester - rather dull, C. says'. Hopes Bessie is also having the fine weather. Has not yet been round to see the woods and fallen trees. Will be very glad when Bessie comes on Tuesday.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Bessie's letter of Wednesday arrived this morning. Suggests she catches an earlier train to avoid crowding. Glad Bessie 'got a better impression of Litty [?] and had some interesting talk with her'; afraid he 'did not succeed in getting on easy terms with her'. Bessie can now have a rest before Wallington, though the house is not noisy despite the 'swarms of children'. Marjorie has just come with her family; Kitty is away for a few days from Monday, but will be back soon and see Bessie. The radio is working again, but he does not think it is much good for the [BBC] third programme. [Christopher] Hassall has sent him his script [for a programme on Catullus], typed by the BBC, and wants Bob to read both script and translations. Went to see John Dower a couple of days ago, and is going again today by bus; will walk back. John wants to show him some new poems; he is in bed, but likes company though it makes him tired. Pauline is 'very admirable'. Thinks Philip would get on well with Oliver and Diana [Lodge]; luckily he is too young 'for Oliver to indoctrinate him with his aesthetics'. Is trying to arrange to dine with Irene [Cooper Willis] on Tuesday night; has booked a room at the National Liberal Club.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Arrived late after a 'rather uncomfortable journey', and found the car waiting for him with 'Norah Richmond and a Miss Grant in it', who remembers meeting Bessie at Wallington; Norah is a 'handsome very independent young lady, who paints'. Is staying in the West room, he thinks for the first time. Molly 'seems cheerful' and is pleased with 'Mary's successor and with the man about the house'. The District Nurse will look after his leg. Many children here: he thinks Elizabeth, Janet and Katriona, and Marjorie's whole family will come soon as well as Patricia's two. George wants him to come [to Hallington] for a couple of nights so will probably stay on 24 and 25 August before travelling back to London on the 26th. [Claude] Colleer Abbott has written asking Bob to visit him, but he must refuse; expects he can see him soon in London. Is not too tired by the journey. Hopes Bessie had a good day in London, and had 'nice talks with Ethel and Sam [Clausen]'.
Wallington. - All is well here; the house is kept 'quite warm nowadays' and they 'shut the windows more'. Is breakfasting in his room, but getting up soon after that; has been for some short walks though not yet as far as the garden; is leading a 'lazy life, lying on the sofa a great deal', but has also done some Homer translation. The house is quiet as there are no children here yet; the Weavers are coming in a few days, as are Kitty and her family. The only other guests have been 'Dr Boon and his nice wife and children' who have now left. Charles and Molly 'seem quite harmonious, and in good health except for Molly's laryngitis'. The Geoffrey Youngs have been away, but are now returned and are coming to tea tomorrow; he has been 'very unwell lately'. Bob is staying in the 'tapestry room', which is comfortable though there are 'no clothes pegs, and of course no water'; however, the house seems 'tidier and cleaner than it has been for a long time'. His eczema seems better. Hope Bessie has had a pleasant visit from van Stuwe and feels well and happy. Catherine [Abercrombie] is well, and getting on with Charles and Molly. Very kind of Tet Htoot to send the letter by Bob's grandfather [Sir Charles Edward Trevelyan: see 17/171]; will keep it to show Joan [Allen], and write to thank Tet Htoot. Asks to be remembered to Miss Goddard and the rest of the household.
Wallington. - All well here; Marjorie's family have gone to Cambo so they are 'left in quiet here'. His eczema is better. Will be coming home on 20 April. Catherine [Abercrombie] may go to Edinburgh for the night soon. G[eorge] Ma[caulay] T[revelyan] has been for lunch, 'rather gloomy'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear all well at the Shiffolds, and that Mr Withell is 'taking up the problem of the pipes'. They [he and Catherine Abercrombie] will leave on 20 April, arriving home that evening. Marjorie and her children have just come, but he has not yet seen them. His legs are generally much better. Asks Bessie to send some of the 'colourless lotion' in their bathroom. Can walk more now without getting so tired. Glad Bessie is having a 'quiet time'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Bob's visit was timely, as Sir George was not well and it did him good to talk; he has recovered now. Hopes Elizabeth will see Dr Cornish; the nettle rash shows she needs treatment. Does not think she should eat porridge: she herself gets a rash when she eats it. The children are stopping until Monday since the weather is cold. Though Marjorie was indeed 'very dull & stupid' when Robert was here, she has brightened up; she is backward in learning but 'quite intelligent... and rather good with her fingers'. Hopes Miss Clark will teach her. The little one [Florence] is a 'vigorous clean little imp'. Glad Julian is improving; thinks children gain self-control as they grow. Wonders whether Elizabeth will get to London soon; would be good for him to see other children's work. Is interested to hear about Jan Hubrecht [his diplomat posting to Tokyo] is 'a fearful long way to go', and she half wonders at him taking his wife and children. Booa is definitely recovering, but slowly; she has been ill for three months. Sir George liked 'the Butler book' [Henry Festing Jones's edition of Samuel Butler's notebooks?]. Caroline would like to read the Tagore. Read 'the Poetry Annual' ["An Annual of New Poetry", edited by Robert Trevelyan?] with interest; 'if not very striking [it] is thoroughly pleasant reading'; asks when she should order it.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Cold weather here, with some rain and hail, but the house is 'kept fairly warm'. Kitty left this morning; her children stay here. Marjorie's children are 'nice but noisy, talk the whole time, but are charming and amusing'. Going to tea tomorrow to say goodbye to the Youngs. Catherine [Abercrombie] was driven by a friend to Edinburgh, and stayed a night with [her son] David. [Claude] Colleer Abbott is coming on 18 April for the night. Molly's laryngitis is better, but she needs to be careful not to talk too much. Very glad the Bluths are better; asks Bessie to give them his love. Is better himself in general, 'but it is a slow business'; the 'lotion bottle' and parcel arrived all right.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - There was a strong hot wind last night; Mary and the children's journey north by sea from London must have been rough. Supposes Julian will be home [from school] this week or next. Annie [Philips] is here; was happy to rest for a while, but now wants to be more active; is going to Newcastle for the day tomorrow. Letter is continued next day: Annie has gone by the early train; she is lunching with Mrs Wild. Originally enclosing a letter from M. C. [possibly Margaret Cropper?] which 'shows that she appreciated Surrey'; a pity she is 'so grave'. Will soon start to think about Elizabeth's visit. Sir George is 'fairly well', but needs much looking after and is 'easily tired & fussed'; Caroline says ruefully they are both 'getting really old!!!'. A postscript on a second sheet says that Mary and the girls got home last night; the sea trip was enjoyable but they are very tired; Marjorie looks thin and as if she has suffered from the heat.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Happy to have a good account of Julian will be glad to see him. 14 or 15 [August] will suit them for Elizabeth's arrival; hopes Bob will also come for a few days. Will take lodgings for a week from 22 August at Whitley Bay for Elizabeth if she likes; it is nearer Tynemouth than Newbiggin, probably a little larger with more trippers, but a nice place and more convenient for getting to Newcastle to catch the express. Originally enclosing a letter from Mrs Aynsley [?], the widow of a farmer, who has gone there for a fortnight; they can give Elizabeth a hamper of food to take.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Had planned to write her next letter to Bessie, but will write instead to Bob as she wants to thank him for [the new edition of] "Windfalls"; has much enjoyed reading her 'old favourite, "Simple Pleasures"', with much else that is new. Geoffrey and Gillian are here, and they will read some of the book aloud after supper. Hopes Bob will be able to come to Wallington in either August or September, whichever suits him best. Phil [Morgan Philips Price] and Lisa will be here on 12 [August], though she believes there are no grouse; Kitty and her children go south on 9 August and will return early in September; Pauline and her children will be at Cambo all holidays; Marjorie will come for a week on 14 August then again on 28 August. Does hope Bessie will be able to come at some point.