The Dell. Bonchurch
Thursday March 3
My dear Henry
Our anticipation of fine weather being near at hand when you left, is now fully realised – and we keep lamenting that you went away at such a moment. Yesterday was quite summer and today also: soft breeze from the west, and bright sun. Matilda’s deafness seems much the same – we suppose it will wear off in time, the doctor’s suggestions being of no avail, altho’ the remedies had a fair trial – I don’t suppose this affection is of much consequence, as there is no pain – and she appears otherwise brisk & cheerful – She & I took a drive yesterday in the Midge (closed) to Shanklin, alighted at the same place as you did the other day with Ela, but walked down to the Seashore, instead of taking the cliff-path. – I enjoyed it very much, particularly while walking on the sand; – and from the descending road we overlooked the gorge of the Chine, which must be very pretty in Summer when the trees come into leaf. Today Matilda & the children go to the dancing class: which prevents their doing anything else in the afternoon – I think Ela & I will have the Midge (open) & drive along in the opposite direction. (to St Lawrence). Charles has started with John for a walk to Brading. – We are very glad you have dry fine weather for Lacock – but all the same you must stay only the very shortest possible time – the ten days’ absence that Matilda & I granted you – And please to recollect that their time will be up very soon. – and who knows how long it may be f before we all meet again? People that live far off in Dumfriesshire are not so very accessible! – Charles was not at all pleased with your message about failing to see the Museum at Salisbury. He says it is so very near the hotel he cannot understand why any amount of rain should have prevented your going there – But I can feel for the discomforts of such a journey – which would indispose you for everything. I had no idea you would be delayed at Ryde: and hoped you would have crossed to Stokes Bay before the wind rose that evening. Tuesday was very wet here, as well as with you. Matilda had a letter from Mamie written on the 25th – a Birthday letter with no particular news – but it gave a message of thanks to you from Rd for yours just received. – No change in their proposed time for going on to Rome. Weather at Pisa splendid, and their apartment on the sunny side of the Hotel Vittoria was as warm as a ‘serre <chunda?>’ –
Ela’s love – your affectionate
Constance
Stokes received the cheques safely – & sent me a stamped receipt for the amount. – My Maid writes that she can wait with her friend until I require her.