Pièce 130 - Letter from Mary Prestwich to R. C. Trevelyan

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Wallington. - Had heard about the 'great event [his engagement]' in 'Mr Robert''s letter this morning, as a 'great secret', but thanks him for writing to tell her about it himself. Is very happy, and trusts the marriage will bring them 'great happiness mutually'; thinks from all she has heard of his fiancée that he has made a 'wise choice' for his own happiness, and she hopes for Elizabeth's. Hopes Elizabeth will find 'warm hearts to receive her' when she comes to England. 'Sir George and her Ladyship seem very happy about it; she will be a daughter to them'. She herself hopes that Elizabeth will 'let "Booa" [her family nickname] take her in as a part of you'. Has a 'warm feeling for the Dutch', increased at present by this 'unhappy war [the Second Boer War]'. Glad that Elizabeth is going to 'take you in hand, and try and make you tidy', though she does not know yet 'what a task she is undertaking'. Also glad that, as both Robert and his mother have told her, Elizabeth is 'intellectual, and refined, and accomplished'; he will find that as she herself has 'so often tried to impress upon you... it is not impossible to combine the two qualities (tidiness and intellectuality)'. Will have to 'try and turn out' some of Robert's boxes when he invites her to his new house, or fears Elizabeth will be 'still more shocked'. Will write to Anne [?] and Deane [?]; sure they will be pleased to hear the news.

Very kind of 'Miss Bessie' to say she is looking forward to knowing her; will always be pleased to do whatever she can for either of them. Is going with Robert's mother to Cambridge on Saturday, and will 'take tea with Mr. George on Sunday'; is sorry George will not be at home for Christmas, as she loves to have them all here; perhaps this will happen more when they are married.