Blackwell Family
Kitty Barry
From Titterton, Frances
undatedTitterton
Dec. 6th
Glencoe,
Broxbourne,
Herts.
My dear Kitty
I am delighted 
you have had such
a nice letter from
Paul. I thought it
was very unkind
of hm to write you
any thing unpleasant
and I cannot say 
it was quite the thingto promise on his word
of a gentleman to let
you know how he
was in three days and
then not do it, and then
not to answer Dr. but
there is much allowance
to be made for the young
and I understand what
comfort he is to you
no matter what may
be his faults, have I not
a son of my own! I do

hope he may have no 
disappointments from
society. I know the
world well and how
unforgiving it is for
some things. I can
imagine he enjoys
it for no matter
how much you may
think he does not care
for it, he does and it 
natural it should be
so, it is of his age, but
he will never gainany thing from his fine
friends, and when he
awakens to this fact
which sooner or later
always comes it will
be a hard pang for
the poor young fellow.
Dear me! if parents only
knew the suffering
in store for their children,
I think they would 
be more careful, for
the fault is theirs
entirely, and it seems

sad news. I have not
heard from Miss M.
in ever so long I thought
both she and Miss A.
had grown very old
poor Miss M's back is
so much rounder
my love to all the household
dear Kitty affectionate
compliments from
my hubby, and a 
bow wow from our
four legged children
Affectionately Francesbetter the next day. I
am stoning raisins
for my pudding, can't
say I like it. I am
glad to know Mr. Henry
and Alice are busy, it 
will take away their
thoughts from their
sorrow. Some day when
you write you might
find out whether my
letters reached them.
I wrote directly I heard
through you of the

to me dreadful that
the children must
always feel the fault
they have been powerless
to prevent. I knew
of a young girl in this
sad position, and
knew the father well
a man of high nobility
and the mother a
lady in every way
the girl herself was
very rich throughher father, charming in
every respect having
been most carefully
brought up. She became
engaged to a young
officer, who was really
in love with her.
At the last moment
he drew back saying
were it ever found
out, life would be impossible
for both of
them, as no one would
receive them. It is

horrid, but alas true. 
Another young girl 
I knew of had better
luck, making a splendid
marriage. but her
father was a Prince
of Bourbon, and her
mother a Duchess of
one of the oldest families
in France, but
that is the exception
not the rule. I am
very pleased you understood
the knittingdirections and you will
soon get to do it very
evenly. I have finished
Leon's stocking, and
am now knitting silk
ones for my oldest
"child". The weather is
unpleasant and it
changes about so it [it] is
anything but healthy.
Leon has had fever
again, but says he
went to tea all the 
same and wasChurchfield House
Cheshunt
Aug-Sep 1st
My dear Kitty
Did you get my
letter on your way
through London?
It was addressed
to Thackeray's Hotel
as you said in your
letter you were going
there and now
I see you went to the
Kingsley Hotel instead
Do write
for my letter
to Thackeray's
if you
did not
get it
better it
should not
be lostI wrote directly to Dr Emily to say I would call. I thought she went to Hastings with you or I would have gone at once. Of course I must go to her, not she take the trouble to come to me. I for one am sure not to know Dr. Cushier cannot in the very least remember what she looks like.

it getting better. It seems wonderful the whole affair was so serious - I am not well, all perfectly natural of course, but none the pleasanter for that.
Sick, dizzy, depressed, the usual story and needing a fair amount of patience to bear it all with out "giving trouble"an expression of a little friend of ours when he has been naughty. Leon's eye at last getting better it was "phlylctoris  conjunctivitis," whether it is spelt right I don't know, neither can I pronounce it nor do I know what it means. My Harry has been again in

the wars, came down very heavily on his left side in playing tennis, cut open his thy in two places, and such a bruise, the last however was some days in coming out, making me very anxious until it did come. All is now getting on very well, and he has gone for acycle ride for the first time in 10 days. My sister in law pretty well. I thought yesterday of dear Miss Marian, it seems to me much more than four years ago but I could not wish the dear friend back. What lovely weather.
Love from us both to you both dear Kitty, Ever your affte
Frances

I am very sorry to hear such a poor account of Paul, it is most fortunate he did have his health looked to, and open air cure does wonders. Harry is pretty well, but with these sudden changes he recoughs a little. If you did not get my letter you will not know Harry appliedfor Bow Street Court vacant through the tragic death of Mr. Cavendish, chief Clerk, a very old friend of Harry's. You will have read the account of the accident in the papers. I do not think however Harry will get it he is not old enough. I am so glad Mr. SamThe Laurels Cheshunt
Aug. 14th
My dear Kitty
I enclose the letter
to Miss Marian I do
not know why I find 
[it] difficult to write, but
[I] suppose because I am
not a letter writer. How
wonderful the things
our poor dear says, it 
is indeed a lesson to one
so very independent
and a very hard one.
Does she ever speak ofTheosophy now, or do you
think she has forgotten 
it? You know she wished
me once to write to a
Mr. Mead the secretary
of the Society to tell him
that her health was running
down but that she
wished him to known
that it was through
a little book of his, that
she first commenced
to think of Theosophy
and the great comfort
she derived from it,
but in after thought,

she seemed to prefer
I should tell him after
her death, I promised
of course to do so although
I cannot say I much 
liked the idea of going
and at the time when
she spoke she was rather
muddled so I wonder
whether she would really
care for me to do it, & 
from what you have 
some times written, it
seemed to me she had 
rather returned to her old
faith. Tell me some timewhat you and Dr think. I hope the little lady, who made her appearance so suddenly is well as is the young mother. How glad I am the household is quiet but I am afraid of that Ada from whom all mischief has come but I do think it dreadful Miss Anna will not see Dr, and I only wish Dr Leough would stay away, no body wants him. My foot still not as it should
 
be and I am feeling depressed by not finding a house, we must stay on the Great Eastern, all other lines are too long a journey for Harry it would be bad for his health. Until we are settled again we shall neither of us be well. I cannot sleep it is hateful, and I am afraid Harry is getting much the same way. We need change, but cannot take it. Thereis a nice house to be sold here but it is too expensive. My sister in law could buy it for us so easily, but since she has become a widow, she is harder than ever with her money. She used to send me £2 for my birthday, she has now put an end to that. I am so sorry as I kept it for Leon, she can't spend the half of what she has. Good bye dear love to you and Dr from us both
Affectionately Frances

To day our last sewing party, and tea at the Vicarage, in between times I knit for the coming home son. It is not rain, the sunshine never lasts long, the wet makes it so difficult to get about. What amuses me is that I should be asked to do Parish work, and get onso well with the Clergy when I never go to Church. I had intended to write to Miss Anna, but shall do so on Sunday my letter day. All love dear Kitty to you and all the households
Most affectionately
Frances

Aug 7th
The Laurels
College Road
Cheshunt.
My dear Kitty
I was indeed surprised to hear Mr. George and Howard had arrived, as I did not know they had decided to come. Of courseI expect to see them and have written to Mr. George to ask him. Harry has ordered a larger bed, as Leon's was too small for two, and I do hope we shall get it end this week or beginning next. That is the trouble of this 

house it is too small although much pleasanter than Glencoe. I can imagine Mr. G found changes in the Dudley Rd. I find the two ladies there very much changed within a very short time. I am sorry to say our Cruise has done little if any good to Harry. He is alwaystired and has no appetite. Leon also has been ill with abscesses on his foot, that have had to be lanced several times. He is better fortunately now.
I am always deep in my knitting, my stockings are lovely and appreciated. Love to Dr and your self. Kindest comp. from Harry. 
Affectionately
Frances

St Hugh Harlow
July 14th
My dear Kitty
I am and have been feeling so very tired that Harry is anxious I should have a change as soon as possible, so I have put off the dutch girl and would come down on the Saturdaythe 23rd if it would still be convenient to have me that day. I am sure I do not know why I should feel so tired it is very stupid, as I do nothing that ought to tire me so. The weather

was fine yesterday and all went off well. We made more money than was expected, and I am so glad, the Vicar is so pleased. Poor Mrs. Towne, the Vicar's wife has taken very ill the day before the Feteand for some hours we though all would have to be stopped. She is better again, but I am afraid her health is in a very serious condition.
Love dear Kitty from us both to you and Dr.
Affectionately
FrancesChurchfields House
Chestnut
July 12th
My dear Kitty
How I should like to meet you and dear Dr in Scotland. I shall keep your letter with your plans, but we are so undecided I can arrange nothingas yet and must let you know later. If you do stay a night in London I hope to see you, if I have not just got one of the American Waller girls with me.
Every thing has been most difficult for me, I had to send away my house maid, in 24 hours her temper was so awful. I did not 

know what she might do. As it is she has smashed almost every thing we have in the house, really the servant question makes life very hard, and if it were not that we so love a little corner of our own, I think we would live in a Hotel. The heat is some thing awful, poor Harry is almost dead in the air of his Courtand at the same time
they are building
all round him
and the continual
hammering makes
hearing the cases
almost impossible,
he says he feels as 
if his brain was
going.  What a time
poor Mr. George is 
having about the
will.  What horrid
girls to have made
such work, and to

think you may have
that Nannie, well
I hope I shall not see
her.  We are now not
going to America until
the spring when
Harry can take a 
longer holiday, but
he is so undecided.
I suppose it is his 
health.  I had a 
pleasant letter from
Emma.  I cannot
realize Anna is so 
old, but then lookat my own son,
and myself -
It is so hot I can
not write any
more - Love to you
and Dr from us 
both
Your affectionate
FrancesBurchfield House
Cheshunt
June 16th
My dear Kitty
I was glad to
see your writing at
last but you give
sad news, and my
heart goes out to the
poor Mother; one
never knows how
one's children may
turn out. How thankful
I must be that

roses but we do
need rain.
Love from us
both to you
and Dr.
Ever afftly
Frances
Leon has never given me cause to blush, or sorrow in any way, he is well and very busy, no free time until Oct, he is loved and respected by his superiors, and men, a great thing in his favour I think. I have at last seen Sidney Titterton's wife, they both came [for] a fortnight ago for

two nights. Bessie is a very pleasant woman but very highly nervous, and delicate, the wonder is to me she lives. They were on their way to Broadstairs to see her Father, a retired Admiral of 93. Of poor Sidney there is rather alarming news he has some thing the matter with his spine, and great care must be taken or he willgo into consumption. He is only 40 , and his dear little boys need their Father more than most children, they also are so delicate. Although Sidney is fully aware of his condition, he never spoke to his brother of what must be done for his sons in case of his death, I only know from Bessie. Harry is made

trustee. It is not bright and we are sad about other family matters also. Then we have had to put our dear little Jimmy in his last sleep, the poor little fellow was very ill, had a sort of fit in my arms, and we think a tumour must have burst. He was in suffering and Harry himselfgave the Prussic acid, and in a few seconds without the slightest struggle or pain he passed away. My poor tender hearted Harry was completely prostrated, had a terrible chill in the evening and gave me a fright. But he was right as our poor little faithful friend had only loving 

hands around him to the last. We do so miss the little fellow and Diane seems to cling closer than ever. We had almost made up our minds to go to America in Sep. but now I think we shall only go in the spring, when Harry could take more holiday. Mr. Sam seems to wish I should take chargeof my small belongings and I feel it is not right to ask him to continue, if he really does not wish to, this could be arranged when I was there and I should be so glad to see old friends once again. Letters from Lizzie are sad, she dislikes living with Miss Waller who is very mean, and works her hard, giving her only board

and lodging. When they go away, she (Miss Waller) will not go in the same train as she will not pay L's journey, it is too dreadful considering what L. has done for the whole family. One of Estelle Waller's girls is on her way to England to spend two months with her great Aunt. We are going to Westgate to spend fromJuly 1st to 8th with the Welckers who have a house there, and in Aug. we think of going to Scotland. Do tell me dear when I could spend a few days with you, and Harry perhaps come the weeks end to fetch me back. I do not know how long it is since I saw you and dear Dr but 

it seems ages. I do so hope poor Kharki has nothing the matter with him, distemper is such a sad illness for the poor creatures. I can imagine you miss Sarah, faithful servants who take interest in the family where they live, are no longer found. And to me it makes house keeping sadand difficult work. Harry is not well worries over his mother and sister dreadfully, and no wonder, but they never pay any attention to any thing he says, so for my part I will not hear the complaints made. My poor sister in law very sad the 5th anniversary of John's death is very near. Our garden is full ofSt Hugh Harlow
June 6th
My dear Kitty
I should have answered sooner but Harry has had another bad fall from his bicycle hurting the muscles of his right arm, and the Dr thinks him lucky to come off so wellFor several days I was obliged to dress and bathe him, no easy thing, women's garments are far easier to get into, but now he can attend to himself and with the exception of not yet being able to lift his arm up high, he is him

self again, but for along time he has not been well, he grows thiner and thiner, and looks a ghost of himself, but declines absolutely to consult with anyone about his health. I am very worried and depressed and suppose not feeling well myself only makes matters worse. I cannot for the present leave my "boy," and really the weather is so dreadful I am only thankful to remain indoors. I remember seeing Mrs. Belloc in the Ave. d'Eyleau. I can imagine how she found Miss Anna, and then

to any one who will listen. Miss A. never talks of any thing but the treasure, really her mind is not right on that subject. I am sure a new word has been invented to give utterance to the disgust felt about Mr. Gladstone's funeral. What is Miss A's Pioneerwork. I am sure I never heard there was any and am curious. Ada I am certain is enjoying her self, and finds it easy to make a Hotel of Sunnyside. She is a detestable girl, so sad to think she is with Miss A. I do hope when I am in Hastings Miss A. will not speak of

that odious Dr Gough, I am sure to give vent to my indignation the infamous man. I shall get the Garden of the Soul for Mary. Am so glad Mrs. Belloc told you about it. My poor sister-in-law is to be taken home from Wiesbaden this week. I wonder how she will stand the journey, yesdear Kitty we poor humans don't see the Why's. How extraordinary the War is, surely the must stop soon. I do remember Will Browne, just imagine his having a son old enough to go to the war, poor fellow!
Love to you and Dr dear Kitty from us both.
Affectionately
Frances

St Hugh Harlow
May 22nd
My dear Kitty
The weather has been so fearful that I think if it is quite convenient I will come a little later, as I should like to get out in the air a little a thing I do less and less. Do you know I amgetting so like my Father. Such a disinclination to move I know is bad to give way to it, but all the same I find my self, making to myself, such very good excuses to remain indoors. Just now I have two really horrid broken chilblains, and cannot walk if I would. Once, and only once years ago in Roseville, dear Miss Marian showed me her Mr. Jone's picture, and told me some thing of the history, but she told me in after years how wise it was she did not marry. I wonder what that dear Burr did dream about. My "dears" often havenightmares and I wake them up at once. Poor little Jemmie's lump does get so big, but he certainly does not suffer yet. Harry always takes him a short walk before taking his long one with Diane, and Jem chooses his own way looking back and telling Harry most plainly "follow me" which his dutiful Father does. Then

he comes home to me perfectly contented to let the others go on. He is so wise, and knows his walking days are over. From Leon comes contented news, but none to say he can come here.
My poor sister in law remains the same, the ulceration now healed, may come again at any time and the sickness go on for a year moreher letters are very down hearted, and there is reason. Poor soul, why may she not die!?. I will write to Miss Anna when my visit has really been decided. Harry better, but we are both very tired.
Love to you and Dr from us both
Ever dear Kitty
Affectionately yrs FrancesLaurels
Chestnut
May 13th
My dear Kitty
I have just sent off a few flowers to poor dear Miss M. but the cold weather keeps every thing back so that we have not one half we ought to have at this season. How sad the condition is, and as you
town. How wonderful Dr is. Love to you all dear Kitty from us both
Your Affect
Francessay that door does no end of harm. I dislike Ada more and more as the way she imposes upon Miss. A and keeps that fat lump of a niece, who she stuffs as hard as she can, it is really too bad, but there is nothing to be done. I do hope Dr L. will catch it, and like you cannot understand that nurse

should be in a tremble when one has done no harm or wrong. Where is the fear necessary. I suppose it was the baby of some wretched girl gone wrong, how sad life is. And the death of Miss Lamb, trouble always trouble. I have lost acquaintances in that dreadful affair in Paris, but my dear friend the Countess[M??zech] was not there. Although she was to have sold with her sister and niece on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday on Tuesday the day of the fire she was going as a buyer but got there after the fire. She lost very dear friends, but no family. She says it is fearful to see all

April 14th
The Laurels
College Road
Cheshunt.
My dear Kitty
I reached London safely but in a very hot crowded carriage, glad at last to get out and find Harry waiting for me. We took a chop at LiverpoolSt. reaching house at 9 P.M. to be almost tumbled over by my four legged children, and the girls had finished cleaning the dining room, wonderful for them. I was very tired and went at once to bed, but not to sleep. I can think of nothing but poor dear Miss M. [(Ma??y)] and wonder how much longer she will remain in this state of weary waiting as I sat by her bedside, and watched the poor patient face, the eyes sometimes opening to smile upon. My whole soul went up in prayer to God, told her pass peacefullyfrom this world which has been one long sorrow and disappointment to her. Oh! My dear, dear Kitty how sad to be obliged to wish for the end of the dearest and truest of friends. I shall write soon to Miss M. (my poor dear Mainy). I shall never be able to speak of her to

others by the little name I used to call her by when I was too small to say any thing else, it does not seem respectful enough. The rain is coming down hard. I am thankful to have made my flying little visit in dry weather, andthank Dr and you for your kind welcome and care of me. Harry is to smoke the cigar this evening, he was highly amused and thanks Dr, and with our love dear Kitty to all households, ever most affectionately
Frances

St Hugh Harlow
Sunday
My dear Kitty
As I wrote on my card the stylo is lovely, and I am so very much obliged but you should not have done it as I feel sure the old one will never be so nice as this one, and did youreally need No. 2? I do hope your hand is getting better, it is a dreadful thing and in this hot weather you must not wear those black gloves as your hands get hot and moist. And I feel sure as you say the dye came off and got into your hand some how. I am glad Miss Jebb likes me, as I think she is so very pleasant and Mrs. Tubbs was very kind the twice I went to her house. I only wish we could live nearer, it is nice to be able to see pleasant people in addition to the dear old friendsHarry not yet certain when he can get a way, and my sister in law longing to have me in Wiesbaden, it is so difficult to arrange things. As I very much dislike the idea of leaving Harry behind but I must say I should make more fuss than he does 

about being kept at it so long with out rest of any kind. I can sympathize with poor Dr, how I do hate having my own private rooms turned out, and upside down it is fearful. I went to the high church of course. So funny how much at homeI feel and then I go back through the Vicarage garden, and have a small chat with the Vicar, and he never bothers me about my faith. I made a call of ceremony at the other Vicarage found both Master and Mistress at home but I stayed 15 minutes

and departed, both said they had not seen me in such a long time, but no allusion was made to my having given up their church, but I should not mind if they did as I would say the truth. And I don't suppose it would over please them. On coming homefrom Church, and just when I had got my dress off I hear such creams from a dog, and flew into a dressing gown and made for the gate where I found such a darling puppy hound stuck in the gate. I soon had her out 

and up in my arms, where the dear little thing just laid it's head in my neck like areal baby, and seemed so happy. Of course I brought her in, and Diane in a sort of Motherly way gave several licks, and Jemmy was in smilingadmiration. I put the little thing into one of the baskets and it was off to sleep in no time. It was swarming with fleas, and I had at last to make up my mind to take it to the Police Station. No one knew who it could belong to so the inspector

a very nice king man said he would take it up to the kennels. It is the custom to put out the young dogs to be walked as it is called, and prizes are given for the best cared for, this one evidently had strayed from it's home, but people should take bettercare, as the poor little thing was in great sorrow. Such a charming little creature took to me at once. We have finished "Wives and Daughters" dear Molly was happy at last. Shall I send the book back, or bring it when I go again to see you? And you have not

said how much the pen costs dear. And then give me the name of this ink as I see once must not mix, that is perhaps the reason my pen went wrong. Now I must write to my poor sister in law. she looks for the Sunday letter. Mary Dunmer [?] diedon the 2nd of Aug of pneumonia, only one week illness. And poor Fletcher says she was happy to go, her life has been so full of sadness, poor Mary! She hardly ever wrote to me it was as if since trouble came to them she hid away. I feel very sad when I see so many deaths of such old friends, but for Mary herself it is happier as she really had little to live for, it is hard to think how families run down. And in this case it was not their fault. What the two poor very old Uncles (brothers of her Mother) will do without her, and her poor brother I do not know, for they all adored herShe was 6 months older than I am. Now I am really going to say good-bye.
Love from us both dear to you and DrAffectionately
Frances
My Shoes arrived from Hall's, never have had such comfort in England before for my poor feet.

Sunday
The Laurels,
College Road,
Cheshunt.
My dear Kitty
I am glad you have hold of the money matters, as if Miss A. were to continue to do so she would forget what was her own as she has done in the case of the £100 for that Miss de Postis certainly a sharper, and I know that Miss A. has helped her, as she told me so some time ago although to what extent I am unaware. The woman is not respectable this Miss A. also told me but years back. It is so so sad to think that Miss A. cannot leave that Triel business alone. As to poor Miss Marian it seems to me 

she cannot live on much longer, and for her poor dear self we cannot wish it. I could go and return the same day, as I suppose my presence is quite a useless one. And as Harry is not well, he has had such an attack of neuralgia that for a few hours I thought he was going out of his mind. He is better but run down as he always is atthis season of the year and above all if he has had no change within a twelvemonth. It is not serious only I have had so much lately to make me nervous I cannot help worrying. Poor Miss M. my boy with fever so far away, my Harry not him self, and the fearfully sad letters of my poor sister in law. Oh my dear Kitty, it makes me feel Titterton
to KBB T3 stitches including the seam stitch, slip a stitch knit the next one passing the slipped one over the knitted one as youthe same thing only not adding one stitch after you have passed the slipped stitch over the knitted one at each end, where no more stitches are left St Hugh Harlow
Aug 24th
My dear Kitty
I thought you were away or I should have written. How strange Miss Anna is, but with her very one is either an angel or demon, and for the momentDr L. and Bride are of the former, it is wonderful how she thinks she never speaks of anything to any one, and how most seriously she told me no one in Hastings knew any thing about Triel, poor Miss Anna. I do think

it all so sad. If I had only had Miss A. to go to, I should indeed never have wished to return to Hastings. I cannot forget the sadness I had in Dudley Rd and yet how kind Miss A. has been to me with the one exceptionbut I could not have stood Dr L. or Ada, they are more than my small patience can bear. The heat has been awful, and this house an oven without shade of any kind, and a South aspect, so that the sun stands [in the sun]

on two sides from early morning until it goes down. Poor Harry, not even yet do we know when he can get away, nor are my sister-in-law's plans fully decided, it shows how impossible it is to speak ofwhat one's movements will be in advance. One thing is certain for Leon's holiday we shall be in England, then Holland is sad just now in my circle of friends, did I tell you my friend the Baroness de [Heeckeren?] died on the 12 Aug, 

only 42, leaving two young sons, it was so sad, and we believe the result of a bicycle fall of nearly a year ago. Harry has been unable as yet to get Mary's present, but he will do it before we go away. I found my Hastings shoes so satisfactoryI have just sent for and received another pr, the first I have found in England really comfortable. This afternoon I must make a call at the Vicarage, do pity me I was invited to a garden party and did not accept, but the call must be

made all the same. I have given up going to Church there and now go entirely to St. Johns. I told Mr. Towne I was not so high, he smiled and said "he did not wish people to conform to any formalities they did not agree with but he wasgratified I liked his preaching so we stand on a perfect understanding, and mutually like each other, his son goes to church in light cool flannels, and a straw hat, and it does look so much more 

sensible in this stifling weather. Mr. Farrow has not yet come down on me for leaving his Church, but I am prepared for the battle to come, he is a disagreeable man. All dislike him but yet seem so fearful of speaking out when theyare sat on and it is so funny how all watch when a meeting takes place between us. Now Kitty, it is not likely I will not stick up for my own rights and since he has sat on me once or will, I do have 

an occasional good squat in my turn. Harry's sister still giving trouble, she is not only foolish, but going wrong, but don't speak of this dear. Will you put the address on the enclosed letter to Miss Jebbplease, I do want to know whether I could get any of that lovely embroidery from the ladies Miss Jebb spoke of. Pleasant letter from Alice. I do hope Agnes will come out of her

trouble all right, they seem to be having fine times now. I am off to lunch, my four legged children have been asking me to go for ever so long. how is poor old Burrgive him a pat for me.
Love from us both dear to you and Dr.
Affectionately
Frances
Thanks for pencil
I am looking out for it.St Leonards
Thursday 11 a.m.
My dear Kitty
You are good
the books are
just right and
nurse delighted.
Poor soul she
has been working
hard for 
this operation,and they may
be thankful
they have her
in the house.
I am sorry for 
poor Dr Leslie
who is a good
operater, but
has not the 
first notion
about the necessary

preparations.
I am really very
nervous about
the whole affair
going on over my
head and I think
of the poor soul
as she comes back
to herself again.
Harry comes in
an hour, I shall
be glad to see
my man.
Love dear to you
and Dr and 
thanks from 
your ever afft
FrancesGlencoe Broxbourne
Tuesday
My dear Kitty
I was most pleased to get your welcome letter, and read Alice's, always so bright, and well written. I can imagine they were taken by surprise as no one on the other side knew any thingeven the courting. 
I have had a very pleasant
letter from Howy
which I shall answer
shortly. Please thank
Dr for letting me know
about her visit to London,
I hope some future 
day to see her there,
but just now the
great question is "settling",
I am commencing to see
clear, but the difficult

thing is the finding
places for every thing
and I am sure we
hope both of us never
to move "any more".
I am perfectly happy
dear Kitty, my husband
is as good as gold and
kind does not give 
an idea of his devotion
to me. When he is at
home he puts up curtains, 
pictures, bracketsand can turn his hand
to any thing. Fortunately
Ellen is not shocked
by our Sunday doings,
and you must tell
Sarah from me that
she looks after me
and we get on very well
together. I hope she feels
comfortable in our
service, I always try to 
make the servants feel
as if it were home to
them. Next month

a young girl who Ellen
knows is coming to
us we have had difficulty
in finding one.
I think Ellen has a decided
liking for the Master,
you know he is full
of fun, and sends her
into fits of laughter
often enough. We are 
off to Paris tomorrow 
much to our disgust
but it has been promised
so we must go, but wenot think we shall
leave home often in
the future. I am very 
glad to hear such good
accounts of Miss Marian, 
so that I fully hope in 
the warm days she
will come here, now 
we are frozen in and
I find difficulty in getting
warm. You can 
imagine my worry about
Leon. He would

like nothing better than
getting into English
Merchant Navy, but
it would put him back
for years. He must commence
from the lowest 
and become an Englishman
of course. Then I 
think it hard for his
family who have
given him his education,
and now when
all the hardest is over
and in a few monthshe will be an officer, it
seems absurd to throw
over his career. I hope
things will look brighter
when I see him. I do
not send Xmas cards.
Our united good wishes
and compliments of the
season for you and
Dr dear Kitty, and
with much love
Yours Affly
Frances