Pièce 144 - Letter from Caroline Trevelyan to Elizabeth Trevelyan

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Grand Hôtel, Florence. - Have just arrived and found Elizabeth's letter of the 14th; glad to have news, but wishes Elizabeth were 'less bothered'; it is hard that she has 'nurse trouble' after 'such a strain and sorrow' [the death of her cousin Bramine]. She must not worry about Julian 'being naughty'; is sure that he has felt the 'depression' and that a change would do him good; thought him quiet when she saw him. Would probably be best for them to go to the sea, but that would be dull for Elizabeth; she would be welcome to stay at Gr[osvenor] Cr[escent]; suggests arrangements, and initially writes that she will enclose a note for Emily [Lee, the cook?]; in a postscript suggests that Elizabeth should write herself. Julian was naughty last year but it 'all went off'. Is afraid the Malvern nurse may be too churchy'; suggests that Annie [Philips] could find one 'trained in her institution'; the training sounds sensible, and Elizabeth need not have an inexperienced nurse as 'they keep a hold over them for three years'. Sir George is coping with travel better than she expected; they stopped at Milan, Padua and Bologna on the way, and will stop at Florence for a week. Very sorry that Elizabeth is at home and troubled, while they are enjoying themselves. Their rooms are very smart. Hopes to see Robert tomorrow for lunch or tea, and to 'entertain the poets' [Lascelles Abercrombie and Wilfrid Gibson] some day. Hopes the [Ambrosius?] Hubrechts were not badly affected by 'the journey & the trouble'; she thought he 'looked older' and felt sorry for him; she was so cheerful. Worries again over Elizabeth, and wishes they could talk; stresses that she does 'a great deal to make other people happy'.