Item 45 - Letter from Caroline Trevelyan to Elizabeth Trevelyan

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.