Item 155 - Letter from Mary Sidgwick to Henry Sidgwick

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Hopes that the letter reaches him, as she hears from Mrs Dakyns that he is moving his quarters. Reports that she left Brighton ten days previously and went to Rugby, and then on to Bedford. States that her work on her new house was not as advanced as she had expected, but hopes that it will be ready soon. Has offered their old servant Fanny Ladbrook some weeks' work, for which the latter was very grateful as she has had to leave her home, her husband having become a bankrupt.

Elizabeth is to come 'with the dear babies' from Wellington College, and they are to stay with her while Minnie and Edward are abroad with Mr Martin. Imagines that they will be in London the following day 'to see the Exhibition.' Announces that the following morning she is going with a group of ten 'to Town to have [her] first sight of the Exhibition....'

Reports that William met her at Rugby and helped her with the arrangements for the new house. Remarks that everyone she had known well there seemed gone. Describes the house as 'very tiny', but intends to make it comfortable, and hopes that the family 'shall have many happy days all together in it.' Remarks on the hot weather which they are experiencing. Discusses William's plans to see the Exhibition, and a possible trip to Wales or his joining a reading party, including Mr Ellis, at Harwich. Claims that she has heard nothing about the route that Mr Martin intends taking with Minnie and Edward, and suggests that Henry may meet them somewhere.

Confesses to having read no newspapers for a week, on account of the appalling news from America contained therein [the Civil War]. Reports that Henry's Aunt Henrietta is there in Bedford on her way to Yorkshire. Reports that Willy [Carr Crofts] was 'first after the 2 Exhibitions [and] the Examination' and received great praise from Mr Fanshawe for his Latin composition. Adds that the girls have grown much. States that she told Henry's Uncle Lace about him having been spoken of in the Isle of Man.

Reports that she has just heard from Minnie that she and Edward intend to set out on their tour about 7 August, and that they will be about a month away. They think of going through Normandy, and then to Auvergne and 'down South'. Would like to know how Henry is, and how long he intends to remain abroad. Reports that Arthur and his party reached Oban the week before the previous one, and 'are located at a Mr. [William?] Ralston's...' Sends kind remembrances to Graham [Dakyns].