Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - He and Caroline are very pleased with what Robert says about Charles's intended marriage [to Mary Bell]; they are 'delighted' by Charles's happiness and 'freedom from restlessness'. [All their sons] are 'very nicely settled now'; hopes the plans for Robert and Elizabeth's new house come about. They have Sir John and Lady Evans, the [Thomas?] Hogkins, [Herbert Woodfield?] Paul, and the Henry Gregs; Greg is their trustee, 'a very nice, clever fellow, and a good liberal'. Went to put out his 'best blue tie' in their honour, and was reminded of Elizabeth by 'a faint, delightful fragrance'; regrets not having asked her to play for him more often. Glad Robert saw Arthur Coleridge, 'the most pleasant - perhaps the most characteristic' of a large family in which each generation is 'pervaded with a certain intellectual and emotional flavour'. Is anxious about politics: fears the Duke of Devonshire 'may have a great deal to answer for' and the 'end of his career may be very disgraceful to his glorious name'. Is reading the fourth book of [Cicero's] "De Finibus" and wishes to discuss some ideas about ancient philosophy with Robert.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to hear that Robert and Elizabeth are having fine weather; it is awful here. Caroline had a 'sharp attack of influenza' but has been careful since. Aunt Margaret [Holland] spent a few days here which did her good after Aunt Alice [Dugdale]'s illness and death. Sir George Young also came for a Sunday, read some of his 'very powerful translations' of Victor Hugo, and told them much about Hugo himself; Sir George is a 'sad, very powerful personage... rather difficult with most people' but they are very old friends. Quite a large party today: Charles; Herbert Paul; Meta [Smith] and her daughter Margaret. They are charmed with [Stratford] and its associations, which form 'a contrast to the dirt and humbug' being printed about Shakespeare in the papers [that he was not the author of the plays]. Mrs Charles Flower said it should be 'seriously argued' as so many people thought 'there was something in it'; he replied that there could not be 'something', only 'everything or nothing'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - They 'can think of nothing but the elections here': it is 'more wonderful than one could have imagined'. Apart from [Joseph] Chamberlain holding Birmingham [West], it is 'an absolute débacle' for the Tories; expects Elizabeth and Robert have read the news in the "Man[chester] Guardian". They have been very anxious about the Stratford seat, but it was won by Kincaid-Smith; she did not believe it possible but Sir George always said he was a good candidate for the place. Glad to have come here as they were 'able to do a great deal in a quiet way' and no help is needed in Northumberland. Charlie's majority [at Elland] is 'magnificent'; he is now helping Geoffrey Howard [at Eskdale], and George is helping F[rancis] Acland [at Richmond], both of whom may win. Delighted that [Henry] Chaplin is defeated [at Sleaford]. Elizabeth will 'rejoice at Broderick's defeat' [St John Brodrick, Conservative MP for Guildford, lost his seat]. Remarkable how the last government is being rejected everywhere; hopes the new government can 'rise to the occasion'. Sir George has been 'almost too much excited' but she thinks all the results with personal significance are now in. [Charles] Fenwick is of course safe; thinks Northumberland will be 'entirely Liberal & Labour'. The festivities prepared by the Stratford Tories, who did not think they could lose, have inspired much ridicule. Glad that Elizabeth continues to like Aulla [home of Aubrey and Lina Waterfield] and that Robert is happy. They have several new books: Holman Hunt; [Herbert] Paul's life of Froude; [Winston Churchill's life of] Randolph Churchill; 'Charles Lamb' [either his letters, or E.V. Lucas's biography]; they are also reading Keats's letters aloud. Asks if Elizabeth will visit Holland on the way home.
Hôtel Floresta, Taormina [headed notepaper]:- His mother’s news about George was a ‘great surprize’ to him: is sure George is ‘doing the wise thing in going to Madeira’, and hopes that on his return he ‘will be himself again, and ready for his tripos’; supposes George is ‘so far forward, that the loss of a month or so will not be serious’. Now remembers that George ‘did not seem particularly bright at Welcombe’. Hopes the ‘Spanish Got has not ordered a quarantine at Madeira for Cholera’: almost every year it is ‘seized with a senseless panic, and most absurdly compells all visitors to wait some weeks before landing’; since Cape liners cannot wait, passengers have to go onto the Cape or be ‘transferred to some ship returning to England’.
There was a case in Robert’s Chambers in which a ‘miserable traveller sued the Castle Line (Donald Currie’s) for breach of contract to land him at Madeira’; Chambers were acting for the company, and [T. E.] Scrutton thought there was no case, but Robert ‘rummaged up a rusty old case of Commonwealth times - something about a tenant refusing to pay rent because Prince Rupert and an “ungodly company of horse” had cut down his fruit-trees’, with which the ‘poor traveller’ was ‘confounded’, and Robert ‘gained great éclat for it was a very subtle point of law’. Sir Michael Hicks Beach was ‘shipped to the Cape in like manner’ a few years ago, instead of Madeira, but he was ‘patient and did not sue’. Hopes George does not suffer this fate.
Wishes he had wanted to come to Taormina, but perhaps he is right: the ‘Cacciola library consists partly of Hallington books, but the greater number, and many of the more valuable ones, have been ordered by Louisa or her [Florence Cacciola] and sent out from England’. Is ‘nearly siroccoed out of existence’: the wind has blown continuously for five days, for the last day or two bringing ‘a slow drizzle, and muffling in a mist as impenetrable as a London fog’. The weather should change soon, as it ‘usually lasts only 3 or 4 days’; everyone is ‘more or less seedy, and in the sullens’. Two Roman Catholic priests from Oxford are here; one, ‘a [Charles David?] Williamson is a delightful creature’, and they have become friends. Williamson ‘seems to have met the Herbert Pauls at Venice last year’, having known Herbert well at Eton but then not seen him; now they seem to be ‘great friends again’. Williamson says Herbert Paul ‘doesn’t at all like being out [of Parliament’.
Hope C[harles] will ‘get on the School-Board’. Is ‘very glad to hear that his father has begun writing: ‘“Our Unhappy politics”, as Shelley calls them, are not worth wasting time and trouble over just now’. Hopes ‘[John?] Dillon will do well, but his prospects are not bright’; supposes ‘[Thomas] Sexton could not accept’, yet his conduct resembles ‘Achilles sulking in his tent without sufficient reason’. Robert’s new friend Williamson is ‘very intimate with Dillon and the Matthews [a reference to the Mathews, family of Dillon’s wife Elizabeth?]’
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Pleasant to get Elizabeth's letter 'with an atmosphere of Italy about it'; was very sorry to leave Rome; the journey home was not pleasant but they 'arrived without misadventure'. Spent a day in London; Janet and George came to lunch; she seems well but George is tired, having been working hard to finish his Meredith book ["The Poetry and Philosophy of George Meredith"]. He is going now to 'electioneer' for Charlie and F[rancis Dyke] Acland; was in a 'very pessimistic modd', but she thinks things are 'very promising'. Is not sure about the local constituency; the candidate [Malcolm Kincaid-Smith] is 'not very good, & it can hardly be won', but 'even Birmingham is fluttered' and Lionel [Holland] is said to have hopes. Aunt Margaret has gone to stay at the 'Plough & Harrow Hotel' in Edgbaston to be near him; they are much amused and only hope she does not over-tire herself. Sir George is 'fairly well'; expects he will be all right when he gets to work. Cooper [Elizabeth Cooper, cook?] has come to Welcombe with them; she can get about but is not to work this month. They will be very quiet this month; she is not going to Charlie's election; is sure Mary will be a 'capital help'. Mrs Whitby has 'taken them all in - Pauline and nurse [Lister?] included!'. Glad Elizabeth had 'an amusing dance & fête'; asks how long they will stay, and if Robert's work is going well. Asks her to remind Robert to write to Sir George. Asks what Mr [Aubrey] Waterfield is painting. The Burlington House collection is 'not large, but well worthy seeing'; there is a 'most delightful Franz Hals' and much else. They have brought many new books to Welcombe: 'Holman Hunt, [Herbert Paul's life of] Froude, Churchill [Winston's Churchill's life of his father Randolph, etc etc' but spend much time reading newspapers. Has 'an election map to mark' and the accounts to do. G[eorge], J[anet] and Mary are coming to stay after the election. Booa is glad to have the Trevelyans back. The 'heating answers very well'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Elizabeth and Robert are very kind about Charlie's engagement; she and Sir George are 'more & more satisfied about it', as Mary 'writes very nicely', and Charlie is 'extremely happy in a quieter way' so she thinks 'her influence must be good'. The family are 'very well thought of' and her father has been 'frank and sensible'. Thinks Mary was much in love when she was here 'and found it difficult to behave quietly'. Charlie likes the family; hopes they will visit next month. The Bells are going to Berlin for a fortnight while Charlie goes to his constituency. Has had many letter; 'rather an undertaking' to have two sons engaged at once. Hope Elizabeth and Robert soon have their agreement so that the architect 'can get to work [on the new house at Leith Hill' in the fine autumn weather'. They are going to Belsay [home of the Middletons] and she will tell them why Elizabeth could not come. Dr [Thomas?] and Mrs Hodgkin, Mr [Herbert?] Paul, Sir John and Lady Evans, and the Henry Gregs are all staying; they are 'agreeable & easily amused'. Would like to asks the Russells back again, but next week must be quiet, and there is 'so much to settle'. A postscript says she knows Elizabeth will tell her about Holland when it is settled.
India Office, London.—Refers humorously to her ill health. His holiday at Inverness was ‘all right’, but a contrast to his memorable visit to Archerfield. Makes arrangements for visiting Penrhôs.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear that 'the contributions to [Elizabeth's] commissariat turned out well'. Amused to think of her playing croquet at the Rectory. They have had a quiet week, with only George there as Charles has been 'away shooting and visiting'. The Archbishop of York and his wife are coming today 'which amuses us much', as well as Miss Dalrymple, Dorothy Ward and Carr Bosanquet. The [Herbert?] Pauls and Theo [Llewelyn?] Davies are coming tomorrow, so they will be 'quite gay till Monday'. [Sir George's] elbow is much better; he is reading her a 'most amusing novel by Bernard Shaw... discovered in a Socialist magazine called The Corner'. Will be in London on 9 Oct and hopes to come and see them; asks whether she should stay the night. Booa [Mary Prestwich] is 'rather envious of the blackberries' are there are none in Northumberland. Sure Elizabeth will 'think Pinewood [the Knutsfords' home] very pretty'.
Alderley Park, Chelford, Cheshire.—Thanks him for helping them get to Alderley. Has been ill in bed for several days. Advises him of her expected movements, and invites him to Penrhôs.
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Transcript
Alderley Park, Chelford, Cheshire
Saturday Sept 16th 1911
My dear Mr Montagu
I owe you two Collinses really for twice having turned an odious journey into a possible one by clipping off a large piece at one end. I really believe I should never have got here on Tuesday {1} if it hadnt been for you, as it was we managed along all right with the aid of numerous meals and two games of chess and arrived here in pouring rain and a thick fog to find rather a dim little party gathered together, Humphrey Paul {2} joined it yesterday. As a matter of fact I’ve no need to complain as I went to bed on Wednesday, the tennis cure which I followed at Archerfield, having only proved very fleetingly successful, and remained there all yesterday and have only just got up in time for lunch. I’ve had further chance of testing the truth of my theory that I dont mind being ill. Its certainly better to be at home under these conditions, as I feel extraordinarily unvital and limp. I go back to Archerfield on Tuesday for a bit, then here again, then Penrhos.
I dont know when Mother asked you to come, I dont suppose any particular time as our plans werent fixed, but now they are. To go to Penrhos on the 10th {3} for a fortnight, and any time during that period which you want to come will fit in equally well.
I hope you are having fun in Inverness.
Yrs
Venetia Stanley
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Written in pencil.
{1} 12th.
{2} Perhaps a slip, or a nickname, for Herbert Paul.
{3} Of October.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to get Elizabeth's card and find she was out again; she must take care of herself; glad the weather has improved. Herbert Paul, Theodore [Llewelyn Davies], and Mr [J. W.] Mackail are staying with them; Mrs Paul and Mrs Mackail are ill. They make an 'amusing trio, & the talk is very good'. Hopes the Booths will reach Ravello soon; Theodore has seen some of the family and thinks Charles plays to stay at Ravello with Meg for a while; he will be good company, but they 'must not let him convert [them] to Protection[ism]!'. Very pleased by the North Dorset [by-]election; thinks the country is 'heartily sick of the Tories' but that they will keep hold of office for 'some time longer'. Sir George does not know Mr [Thomas Stewart] Omond, but he seems to have written many things as well as his book on [poetic] metres. She and Booa [Mary Prestwich] are pleased the shoes fit Elizabeth. Planning to go to London on 16 February.
States that by Herbert [her son]'s kind help she is in time to greet Nora the following day. Sends their love to her and best wishes that she may have comfort and the joy of knowing her work is of increasing value. Remarks that Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir seems to be occupying much attention. Has just come from a visit to the O[gles] in London; reports that everybody she met spoke of the great pleasure the book was giving them. Liked the review of it in the Times Literary Supplement, but did not like the one by H. Paul. Adds that those to whom she spoke in London said that the effect of the book was to make them feel as though they had been talking to Henry again.
States that the effect of melancholy to which the reviews allude could not be avoided 'because the letters naturally deal so much with his theological feelings and his deep thoughts on life.' Claims that he was 'so bright and happy in his intercourse with his friends', and how he showed his best side when he felt 'the answering sympathy'. Refers to his complaint of the want of humour in George Eliot, and declares that she has just been reading some of her work, and 'had been feeling this so much - in spite of Mrs Poyser [in Adam Bede] and the 4 aunts'. Declares that they are glad to see that Arthur Balfour 'is so much better for his sea air' and hopes that Monday night won't try him too much. Reports that she had lunch with Nevil the previous day at Lincoln College, and that he could only spare her three hours. Refers also to Arthur. Has been reading [Memoirs of] Archbishop Temple , and remarks on how carelessly it has been edited [by E. G. Sandford]. Remarks that Henry's memoir is 'a charming size', and that one volume is much more likely to be read than two.
Sidgwick, Sarah Isabella (1832-1918), wife of William Carr Sidgwick