Pièce 32 - Letter from Elizabeth des Amorie van der Hoeven to R. C. Trevelyan

1 item: letter with envelope

10 Prinsegracht, the Hague; addressed to Bob c/o B. Berenson, 3. Via Camerata, Firenze. - Discussion of the pet name 'bobboy'; her uncle has now stopped calling Bob 'Varello' and now favours 'le petit chéri' which she hates. Bob's 'little plum' reached her, still smelling quite sweet, but 'flat as a pancake'. Discussion of her aunt's slowly improving health; that and the nurse give her far more leisure, and she had a very good practice this morning. Has just finished writing a long letter to her youngest step-sister [Henriette], who is married to a doctor and lives in north Gelderland, and was very musical but had to give up her studies in Berlin because of a nervous breakdown; she has been in a doctor's care in Lucerne since last summer and Bessie did not know whether she knew of the engagement, but received a letter from her this morning. Asks if Bob forgot to enclose the 'little relic' he mentions; knows he thinks 'the Sicilian cook' brought them together and teases him for not following the chain of causes backwards. Her aunt is much the same; feels her uncle could do more to cheer her since she has 'little or no confidence' in Bessie herself. Hopes Bob will enjoy his time with [Bernard] Berenson; is glad Mrs C. [Mary Costelloe] will not be there as things will be easier for him. Bramine and Tuttie [Hubrecht] reached Taormina on Saturday but Bramine at once fell ill so Tuttie is nursing her. Has to go to the dentist again before Bob comes. Has received the letter from Bob containing the ticket which brought him to Ede and the fragrant green leaves; asks if this is really 'a little green myrtle bough... the bride's ornament'; very dear of Bob to send it; puns on Joost van Vondel and fondle to suggest how she will thank him. They now hear that Bramine is recovering but Grandmont is now ill.