Welcombe, Statford on Avon. - Glad Elizabeth has arranged a time [to go up to London for medical treatment]. Suggests sending [Mary] Prestwich to stay at Gr[osvenor] Cr[escent] so that she can visit Elizabeth every day, send news of her to Wallington, and take her home. Will return to Wallington on Thursday afternoon and arrange it then if Elizabeth would like it. The Mass [by Beethoven, at the Leeds Festival] was 'splendid'; hears Dr Joachim said it was 'overwhelming' and she 'felt it almost too much': the strain on the sopranos at the end almost distressed her. Nice for Elizabeth to have some clavichord lessons; 'such a good way to help them [the Dolmetsches?]' and hopes they are getting on better. Is going to Birmingham tomorrow for a committee in the afternoon, and will sleep at the hotel in Newcastle.
The Park, Prestwich, Manchester. - Anxious to hear what Elizabeth has decided [about treatment carried out or advised by Dr Scharlieb]; hopes she has managed to arrange a room in the Home. Joined Annie [Philips] on Friday at Leeds 'where she had quite a party of relations' and made everything 'quite comfortable at the hotel' for them. Went to a concert in the evening, and the morning performance on Saturday; will send Elizabeth the concert program. The Brahms and the 'Russian music' were very interesting. and Elgar's "[Enigma] Variations" 'curious & amusing', if music can be described in that way. On Saturday, there was a 'very fine Bach cantata' and Beethoven's Mass in D. The chorus at Leeds is 'wonderful', and she thought 'the Band splendid'. [Joseph] Joachim was there, and his solo violin part was 'lovely', show she could not see him or the other performers because of the 'rows of hats'. Came to the Park on Saturday afternoon, and spent a quiet Sunday with Annie; is going to Welcombe this afternoon, then returning home [to Wallington] on Thursday. Asks what news there is of the book [Robert's "Polyphemus and Other Poems". Thinks Sir George and Miss Martin 'are getting on all right'.
Boveney, near Windsor. - Will be very pleased to come and give her a clavichord lesson next Thursday if that day is convenient; is also writing to Helen Fry. Would go to Kingston on Thursday morning, give her two lessons there, then come to the Trevelyans' house for an evening lesson and accept the 'very kind invitation' to stay the night before giving Mrs Fry her lesson the next morning. Her lessons are usually six guineas when students come to her house; there will be a difference given railway expenses, but she expects not too great if the Frys pay half; expects that if she charges 7 guineas for twelve lessons Mrs Trevelyan will 'make very rapid progress' since she is so 'clever'. Asks her to excuse the poor English; it would be better if she were 'not in a great hurry'. Very glad she liked the walnuts; asks if she may bring a pot of her plum jam on Thursday, which she has made fifty-eight pounds of.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Relieved that Elizabeth will only have to be in London for four or five days [for treatment carried out or advised by Dr Scharlieb]; advises her to 'get it over as soon as possible'; expects she will be a good patient and that she will not 'feel much pain, as there will be nothing to heal'. Will not come down to London if Elizabeth feels 'quite comfortable about it', though she and Sir George are agreed she will come at any time Elizabeth wants. Reassures her that it is not serious, only 'an unpleasant "setting to rights"'. Is going to meet Annie [Philips] at Leeds today then they will go on to The Park together tomorrow. Booa [Mary Prestwich] thanks Elizabeth for her letter; she is sending a cream cheese. Miss Martin is staying with Sir George while she is away. Has heard of Mrs Butcher's and knows it is 'a good place, & excellent nurses'.
Boveney, nr Windsor. - Should have answered her 'kind letter' before, but has been very busy. Had the 'public examination' yesterday in the Bankruptcy Court, which went as well as possible; the trustee advised him to apply for his discharge at once saying he would not oppose it. He therefore hopes to be 'out of all this trouble' soon. Thinks her idea of having lessons on the clavichord 'excellent'; sure she would do well and 'become very fond of the instrument'; it would also be 'very convenient' for the Dolmetschs as the Frys also want to continue their lessons. His wife likes the idea and will write tomorrow suggesting a day. Has not yet made the clavichord key, but will do soon.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Will be eager to hear what Mrs Scharlieb thinks and what Elizabeth decides to do; very sorry she has something 'so unpleasant to look forward to' but sure she will be better afterwards. Would like it to be when she is in London herself, but Elizabeth must decide; Sir George says he will pay for it. Thinks Elizabeth and Robert's arrangement with their landlord very good; sure they will want to move before long but does not think the time has come yet. Hope [Roger] Fry has returned and the book ["Polyphemus and Other Poems"] 'will advance properly'. Quite cold at Wallington now; Sir George has a fire in his study but otherwise they only have them in the evening; hopes Elizabeth will keep herself warm. Sure Elizabeth would like to keep chickens and have her own eggs. Has seen 'Miss H's' letter and will get her article. B[ernard?] Shaw is 'really beneath contempt'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear things 'are comfortable at Pinewood'; they hope to go there for a day in November [to see the Knutsfords] as they will probably be in London for a while to give Sir George 'a little change'. Very amused by Elizabeth's account of the church, which must have been the Irvingite [Catholic Apostolic] Church at Albury, for the sect founded by Edward Irving; describes this; Elizabeth should read Carlyle's life of Irving in his '"Reminiscences " and "Miscellanies" if she is interested; Mrs Oliphant also wrote a 'very readable life' of him. The Duke of Northumberland of the day 'was a great Irvingite'; believes 'the present family also belong to the Church'. Asks if Elizabeth saw the 'Silent Pool' at Albury, which is very pretty. Tells her they should not be in a hurry to move. Thinks it a good idea to be revaccinated if there is smallpox about. Asks what she thinks of doing about Mrs Scharlieb; good that she is stronger, but this does not mean she should not 'have the weakness put right'; Mrs Scharlieb might advise her by letter what she should do. Will be in London for a few days around 4 November; asks her to remind Robert to reply to his father's letter if he has not 'as it seems rather indifferent'; a postscript says that a reply has just arrived.
The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Robert and Bessie send thanks for the present of fifty pounds, which will 'more than cover the income tax'. Glad there has been good weather at Wallington; it has 'just broken' here, and the 'autumn is well upon' them. Discussion of a reading by Sir George in the text of Lucan; hopes he will convince Lord Ridley [see TRER/12/45]. Must read Carlyle's letters; Aunt Annie has an early letter, which he and Bessie thought 'admirable'.
Has just returned from town, where he has been discussing his book [Polyphemus and Other Poems] which will probably come out early in November. Bessie sends love.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear the news of the 'Pinewood relations [the Knutsfords]; sure they are happy to have made it up with L[ionel?], though she does not understand quite 'how things stand about him'. Expects Dolmetsch is 'very interesting to talk to about music'; he has a 'touch of genius'; asks if his 'money difficulties' are settled. Sent some game on Thursday as it was the last grouse shooting on Wednesday and Sir George thought they should go; they should be eaten quite soon. Expecting the H[enry] Y[ates] Thompsons and R[obin] Mayor today; Charles leaves on Monday and G[eorge] on Tuesday. Glad Elizabeth has recovered; 'curious how hurtful fruit seems'. George read an extract from his history yesterday, which they 'all thought very good'. Hopes Robert is refreshed by his 'outing this week'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that Elizabeth enjoyed the visit of her friend [Miss de Natrys]. Sorry to hear she has nettle rash, which is a 'horrid thing'; she herself had it for several weeks on her return from therr travels this year. Glad Robert is better and hopes he will soon make progress; asks if he is working on the novel. Asks if [Roger Fry's] illustrations [for Robert's "Polyphemus and Other Poems"] are finished, and if the arrangement has been made with the publisher [Johnson]. Theo [Llewelyn] Davies is here today, as are Mr [Charles Francis, Jr] and Mrs Adams; the Adamses are American, and he has corresponded with Sir George for a long time so they are keen to meet each other. Tomorrow they are expecting the G [?] Buxtons and two daughters. Asks Elizabeth to write from Pinewood to say how Aunt Margaret [Holland] is. Hopes Robert and Elizabeth will be able to make their landlord do the repairs.
Boveney, nr Windsor. - Will be a pleasure to visit her, to 'do up the dear little clavichord', and give her a lesson about tuning. She should expect him in Dorking on Tuesday by the 11.27 train.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to have Elizabeth's letter with better news of Robert, and that Miss de Natrys is visiting. Sir Alfred Lyall, and Gilbert and Mary Murray, are at Wallington till tomorrow: 'all of us like the talk much'. George has been overworking and took a couple of days off; he has 'started again with fresh vigour' and she hopes Robert can do the same. Asks if Elizabeth has been playing [the violin], and whether she has anyone nearby to accompany her. Has to get another laundry maid: the one they have 'really will not do'; this is a bother to her and Booa [Mary Prestwich] as laundry maids 'are not easy to get'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Sorry to hear Elizabeth is 'a little depressed' and Robert 'not happy about his work'; there are 'always ups and downs with people who write' and 'these mental worries are like illnesses'. Sure that Elizabeth will be able to help him; when things went wrong with his work before he 'would fall quite ill, and throw it all up and rush away'; as an artist herself she will sympathise with him. She must 'keep up [her] own interest in other things' and help him to forget his work when 'not engaged upon it'. The Gilbert Murrays are coming to Wallington tomorrow. They have had pleasant walks and drives recently; Charles has been reading Homer and 'modelling in clay' while George works in the morning; in the afternoon they go for long walks. The croquet hoops remind her of Elizabeth, but no-one plays now. Booa [Mary Prestwich] is pleased the melons were not spoiled, and will send another cream cheese soon.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - The 'bits of furniture' Elizabeth and Robert have got will be a 'great improvement'; the hall is so pretty it was a shame to keep the 'ugly bookcase'; thinks the sideboard will be a 'nicer & more permanent present than the wine'. Glad that Elizabeth liked the Joneses [Herbert and Lily?]; 'always delightful when friends keep up to one's ideal'. Had a party of visitors this week but they have now all left: Sir Kenelm and Lady Digby, old friends of hers and Sir George's; Charles [Roden]? and Victoria [Alexandrina?] Buxton; and Jack and Alice Pollock. They 'made plenty of noise in the evening over various games; there was a shoot, when the 'girls went to Rothbury & spent the day on the Crag Side Hills'; another day everyone went to Rothbury Lake and Crag. Charlie went off for two days walking with Charles Buxton, who is 'better & stronger than he was'. as is Victoria, but they still both have 'very delicate health' which is 'most unfortunate as they are so full of life & interests'. Sends love to Robert and hopes 'the publisher [Reginald Brimley Johnson] has been amenable'; it 'will be most interesting to see the drawings [by Roger Fry; for Robert's "Polyphemus and Other Poems"]'. Hopes the Frys are well and the baby [Julian] 'flourishing'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Note to say that the figs were not sent after all; Booa [Mary Prestwich] discovered they would not stand the journey and forgot to tell her; hopes Elizabeth is not too disappointed. Booa is going to send a cream cheese. The weather is much cooler; C[harles] and G[eorge] cycled to Hallington yesterday and thought it very pretty, and nicely kept especially as Florence [Trevelyan] has not been there for eighteen years. Hope they found all well at the Mill House; sure Mrs E[nticknap] will be glad to have them home; expects Gussie has 'grown an inch at least'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Thanks Elizabeth for sending her birthday wishes, though it is 'really too old to be noticed now'. Glad she enjoyed The Park, which is 'a nice old house, & a curious relic of the past'; it was less 'encircled' by the town when she was a child, and they used to 'ride about country lanes'. Annie told her she was going to give Elizabeth the necklace; thought she would be pleased with it. Poor Miss Fitch 'the older one, she is 19, who played Eviey [?]' has jaundice; Mr [Charles Augustus?] Fitch's housekeeper told Caroline he 'did not "understand young people" & was "much too kind to them" & gave them "too many good things to eat". Miss Fitch is still in bed and will not be able to leave for more than a week. [Edward] Keith took thirteen prizes at Rothbury show. She and Sir George are reading Carlyle's early letters aloud, which she 'much prefer[s] to Johnson'. Sent some figs yesterday; hopes they arrive in good condition. Asks about the Jones [Herbert and Lily?]
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - She and Sir George are very pleased Elizabeth and Robert enjoyed themselves, and that Elizabeth 'so thoroughly appreciate[s] this country'; there is 'little to attract outwardly in the manufacturing districts' and it is 'only the interest in the people who live there' which makes life tolerable. Very quiet on Saturday, as George and [Maurice?] Amos went for a mountain walk, sleeping at Eldon and returning on Sunday evening, while Charles went to Hepple and returns today. The Philipses have come, but they have had a telegram from Sir W[alter] Phillimore saying that his wife was ill so they could not come; a blow since the Nobles had already failed them, and only Miss Riddell coming today to be company for the Philipses. They seem happy, however; hopes 'the girl will not find it very dull'. She seems nice, but Caroline wishes she would not do her hair 'so large'. Booa [Mary Prestwich] was glad of Elizabeth's letter, and asks her to say that the box will be sent today. George has recovered his bag with everything in it; there was nothing 'consumable on the spot' like Elizabeth's wine. Hopes the 'two quiet days' at the Park [home of Annie Philips] will rest Elizabeth before she starts again. Will be interesting for Elizabeth to visit Mr [Herbert?] Jones at Hawarden.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Hopes Elizabeth finds her 'new quarters' comfortable. Has reserved rooms at the Windsor Hotel in Glasgow, and thinks she will come on the early train arriving between 2 and 3 in the afternoon; thought of going to the E[xhibition] that afternoon for a first sight, and wonders when Elizabeth and Robert can be there. Hopes it will not get too hot again until they have left Glasgow. Does not think Elizabeth's [Dutch news]paper is coming now.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Very pleased that Elizabeth and Robert will come to Glasgow [for the International Exhibition]; hopes it will be cooler by the 29th; has written to book rooms at the Windsor Hotel. Suggests returning to Wallington on Wednesday; [Roger] Fry will come on the 1st or 2nd August. Asks if Elizabeth would like her Dutch papers to be forwarded.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Asks whether Elizabeth and Robert would like to go to the Glasgow Exhibition; very much wants to see the pictures, but neither Sir George nor George will leave their work. They could come up from the Lakes on Monday 29 [July], met her there, then travel back with her to Wallington on Tuesday or Wednesday; she would pay all the expenses. Elizabeth could go straight to Wallington if she did not feel up to the trip to Glasgow, and Caroline would meet Robert there alone, but she hopes she will come.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Elizabeth's box and the key have arrived, and her things have been unpacked; is glad she is in a cool place and 'none the worse for the journey [to Seetoller]. Has no more time to write since George has been 'reading his first Chapter... for the last two hours'. Is glad Elizabeth saw Mrs Scharleib.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad Robert and Elizabeth are going north; there has been a change in the weather today and 'perhaps the great heat is over' though there is no sign of rain yet; yesterday was the hottest day she remembers here, and though they walked before breakfast in the shade of the east wood, the sun was 'too fierce' to go into the garden. Would prefer Robert and Elizabeth's visit not to be earlier than the 29th or 30th July, as originally planned; has arranged some activities for the end of their stay, when Annie [Philips] will also be there, and there would be 'domestic' problems if they came on the 25th. Will write to Mr [Roger] Fry and invite him for the first week in August; would be interested to see the drawings he has made [to illustrate Robert's "Polyphemus and Other Poems"] if he could bring them. Hopes Robert will protect himself against any 'serious loss' in publication of the book. Hopes Elizabeth will not be tired out by London and the journey. The 'new corner seat' is very comfortable but 'needs much "turning down"'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Sorry to think of Elizabeth in London for two nights; hopes she will not tire herself. Tells her to write when she is settled at Seatoller. The weather is delightful at Wallington; had to go to Newcastle on Saturday but hopes will escape other expeditions for the moment. Wishes Elizabeth and Robert were here; afraid hot weather will not last. Asks when she should invite R[oger] Fry to come and see them. A postscript suggests travelling at night if the heat continues.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that Elizabeth is coming north earlier; the weather is so fine that they have been wishing she and Robert were with them now, but thinks the arrangement 'very good' and will expect them at the start of August. If Robert will let her know the time, she will invite R[oger] Fry to meet them here. Has deferred the school children's party till 16 August, as Sir George thought it would be nice if she and Robert were here. Asks if a garden party would 'bore' Elizabeth; thinks she should do something this summer for the neighbours. Asks if she should get Miss [Mary] Wakefield to come and perform: her 'lecturing is very bad, but her singing was very popular'. Tells Elizabeth to send a box of clothes direct from London if she likes, and asks if they are going to The Park [home of Annie Philips] in July or after the visit to Wallington. Thinks Elizabeth is right to go to Mrs Scharlieb again; tells her to asks how much she ought to walk.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Arrived on Thursday evening and found Sir George 'quite poorly with a cold', but he is more or less recovered now. It was 'very vexatious about the Stratford election', but it is 'no worse than before'; shows 'how little reaction there is yet [to the Second Boer War?] in the country'. 'Even the local paper is ashamed of the rioting'. Glad that Miss Martin has been to see Elizabeth, and glad she likes her; she is 'a wonderfully sensibly, & thoroughly genuine person, & the boys owe a good deal to her, in their early training'. Hope Robert had a good time while away. Looks forward to their visit; Robert 'must bring some work, & then there will be three ills grinding out words'.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Surprised it has been a week since their visit to the Mill House; she has been busy with arrangements for moving, and also 'rather agitated over a coachman and a footman'; thinks everything is settled now. Sir George left this morning; she is spending tomorrow with Aunt Annie [Philips] and going to Wallington on Thursday. Hopes Elizabeth and Robert have 'enjoyed the woods' and kept cool in the hot weather. Accounts of the 'Stratford riots are very shocking'; is afraid there will be 'much [electoral] intimidation'; feels she should be there but supposes she would not be much use; wishes she were younger and could 'show them what [she thinks] of them!!'. Hopes Elizabeth is feeling better and the medicine and quiet are suiting her. Aunt Alice [Dugdale] wonders if she and Robert will be in town again and whether they will visit her; Caroline said she did not know, being unsure whether they wanted to visit. Sends a present for Robert for his birthday. Has just received Elizabeth's note: glad to have 'a good account' of her; hopes Miss Martin will come.
Princes Hotel, Jermyn Street. - Is about to leave London until September. Cannot remember how many lessons she had with him last autumn; knows it was 'so few' that it is not worth while worrying about it.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Journey very comfortable; Sir George 'was very tired, but is quite right this morning'. Enjoyed seeing Elizabeth and Robert very much; the house is 'very pretty & nice'. Sorry she broke Elizabeth's glasses.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W; addressed to Elizabeth at The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Is coming to Dorking tomorrow; does not expect her to be in as he could not give her longer notice, but will take his chance; tells her not to alter any arrangements she may have as he will be quite happy, and perhaps call on the Frys.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Happy to go with Elizabeth to see the doctor; says she should make the appointment herself and gives Mrs Scharlieb's Harley Street address. Will be back in London on Monday. Glad Elizabeth is going; believes the doctor is 'very able in all such matters. A real pity the dress will not fit. Sir George is recovered from his [rheumatic] 'feverishness' now. Aunt Margaret [Holland] cannot have them on the 13th, and Sir George will not go in Ascot week, so thinks their visit will fall through; asks if they could still visit Elizabeth and Robert for a day as Sir George 'seems anxious for it'. Will 'ask the Sangers &c' but fears she is now 'getting too full'.