Item 151 - Letter from Mary Sidgwick to Henry Sidgwick

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Explains that she is at Saltford House near Bath to visit Julia[na] Kelly (née Boyd), formerly of Burfield Priory, who married after the Sidgwicks left Clifton. Announces that she is on her way to see Mr and Mrs C. Ward [perhaps the brother of Henry's aunt Mary Jane Sidgwick, and his wife] at Stapleton, and then is going on to Cheltenham to see Mr and Mrs Lace. Reports that she got both Henry's and Arthur's letters at Bedford, and that she found William at Oxford, suffering from a toothache. Adds that they discussed their winter gathering, and that William was agreeable to the proposal of staying at Sydenham. States that Henry's Aunt Croft's sister and her husband are about to take up their residence there. Asks for Henry's and Arthur's opinion. Mentions that Wellington College was proposed as a meeting place for all the family on Christmas Day, and states that she has written to Minnie to ask her about her plans.

Intends to go to Rugby to enquire about a house. Regrets that Henry could not see Minnie and her baby. Reports that Elizabeth 'still continues to take the place of nurse....' Thinks that Henry's uncle at Bedford [William Crofts] would be glad to see him, and suggests that Henry might give him 'some useful hints about his son William as to the books he ought to have....' Explains that the latter is in Mr Fanshawe's first class and has a good chance of an exhibition. Would like to hear about Henry's German experiences. Describes her time with her friend Julia as quiet, but adds that there is little to do. States that she meant to see Old King's Parade and 'and all the neighbours who still remain', and that she might get to see Miss Powell.