My dear Chris
I was very glad to hear from you the other day. I wondered how you were getting on and when you would write, but was not quite sure where to write to you.
You must have had a nasty time of it with the steamer and were fortunate in getting off so well in every way.
Now you would like to hear a little home news, although you will hear most from your Father. We have a very nice governess for the children in place of Charlotte and I need hardly tell you that I like the change very much, although it does give me more to do.
The children get on well with their lessons. They learn Latin, French, music, drawing and the usual English. All of them are learning the piano down to Essil. She plays her little scales and exercises so nicely, and her little fingers look so pretty as she turns them about.
Jean is coming home today for a week or so. She has been teaching in a school in Gloucestershire. She goes after Christmas to a lady in Wales where she is to teach two children.
Jessie is with an old widow lady at Richmond, and Edith with a lady at Upper Norwood. They are all coming home at Christmas for a few days and Mr Elkin and a friend of his are coming down, so we shall have a big party.
Your old friends the Bissetts are still in Bedford. ???? is engaged to a young fellow and ???? to a Mr Edmunds – neither of which are likely to come off for some time.
May is in Germany as companion to a lady. May Cheyne (Mrs Berkeley) is coming home this month. She has been very ill for a long time and is coming for the change.
I hear your friend Lambert is at home working up for ??????? which he is to go for about Xmas.
I am going in for French now. I hope if I am left at home next year I shall persuade your Father to send us all over to some quiet place in France. It would be a nice change and so good for the children.
I must write you a longer letter soon. Now goodbye, with much love from us all.
Ever your affectionate Mater,
Cecilia Elmslie