Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Sorry to say that 'dear Carry', who has been in very good health for weeks, has had a 'violent' nose-bleed all this morning. Dr Burt, who is excellent, has spent all morning here and at Stratford fetching remedies and Annie's maid Wilmhurst is 'very attentive', but Dr Burt says she will not be well enough for the visit from Elizabeth, Julian, and Miss Barstow to which they have been looking forward unless she recovers then regains strength at once. Caroline asks if the visit can be put off till Thursday, which shows how ill she must be.
2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Did not get Bessie's letter at Welcombe, but at Stocks, where she was from Saturday until returning to London, so she could not pass on her 'tender messages' to Caroline. Her cold was 'at its height' when Janet arrived last Wednesday; she 'nursed it in bed' and did not come downstairs to entertain the Sidgwicks [Arthur and Charlotte] until Friday morning; think the cold had gone by then but 'she looked white & drawn', knows Mrs Sidgwick was worried about her. Has had no news of her since they left on Saturday morning, but she was better then and intending to take some sun. She did not call in Dr Burt, and 'doctored herself in the most primitive way' with bed-rest and 'bread & milk'; Janet thinks she should try 'some form of "sour milk" now', which sometimes has a 'wonderful effect on old people', and Caroline has not been strong since her illness in the spring.
Wishes Bessie could see her children more often; she must come to stay with them at Stocks Cottage in May or June; meanwhile she is back in London in case Bessie is coming up for the day soon. The little photograph [of Julian] was 'very sweet, with Booa [Mary Prestwich] as the angel of benevolence'. They have not 'read about the Dowager Empress' and Janet's own history has not 'got on very well at Stocks, which [she always finds] a hopeless house for working in'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Was very sorry to have to write as he did yesterday [about Caroline's severe and debilitating nosebleed]; Dr Burt has been again this morning; she is weak and must stay in bed all day; not possible to predict whether it will recur. Will write again tomorrow.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Very sorry to tell Elizabeth that 'the poor little twin [Hugh] cannot live'; his illness is meningitis; Dr Still [?] came from London but could do nothing. The one comfort is that he 'sleeps & has no pain'. Mary has little time to write; she and Charles will be deeply grieved as 'they are so wrapped up in the children'. Glad Julian is well; sure he will be 'more free & active' [after his operation] which will 'keep his liver in order; nice that he gardens. Hopes the 'Scotch governess' is suitable; thinks they are 'generally more ready for country life'. She and Sir George are both very busy; Dr [Cyril?] Burt has called on Sir George and thinks him 'wonderfully strong'. The 'Hawtry's' [sic: Ralph Hawtrey and his wife?] must be 'an amusing pair'; glad they are happy. Janet and the children are visiting next week; does not know if she has let her house.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Very sorry that her illness has led to Elizabeth's visit being put off; hopes she can come on Thursday, since Sir George and Dr [Cyril] Burt say Wednesday is too early. Had 'such a loss of blood' and the remedies made her 'uncomfortable, but is now recovering. Janet has been for two days, and kindly looked after Sir George. Longs to see Elizabeth and Julian. Glad Mrs Tovey is better; sure Elizabeth's care will be good for her.