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Essilmont
17 May 1885
My dear Chris,
I began a letter to you some days ago but was really so hard pushed for time I could not get it finished. I must try and get this done today but you know I have always lots to do, and these other young people are so lazy they never think of writing.
I hear the ship was off the Cape of Good Hope on the 6th inst. so she is making rather a long passage. She won’t be here before the end of the month. I was glad to hear of her getting so far as she has not been telegraphed from St Helena yet.
Alec seems to be getting on very well at school. He is getting lessons in shorthand. I thought it was a study he might turn to account out with you.
All the children are back at school. Essil is the only one at home. I am so glad they are fond of it, and learn their lessons easily. We began our painting lessons again last week. Coral is having drawing lessons – she is very fond of it and has great taste for it.
Do you go in for any painting now?
We have a splendid show of blossom this year. I hope we shall have no late frost. The cherry, pear and apple are lovely.
I had a letter from May Cheyne that was – Mrs Berkeley that is a few days ago. She is out at Jamaica and seems very happy.
Katie Porter has been staying with us for a time. I think she and EK will make a match of it before a couple of years. He is getting on well. He has just got something to do and begins with £100 a year which is very good now a days. She is a good girl and has behaved very well about it all and deserves to be happy.
I do wish Edie had made a better choice. You would never care for Mr M. He is not a gentleman. There seems no prospect of his getting anything. He comes here every Saturday evening to tea and spends the evening.
Jessie gets on very happily in Kent with Mrs Hart. She was home for a week at Easter and I went as far as London with her on her return and gave her a little disapation (sic) in the way of the theatre and Japanese villiage (sic). She enjoyed the treat.
Did I tell you I thought of sending Jean to Germany for a year to a lady who wants an English girl as companion for her daughter – a girl of 14? She will not get any salary but just a comfortable home and it will be very beneficial on account of the language. It is just what I want for Jean – especially if I go out with your Father this next voyage as he wishes me to do. We must shut up house – let it or sell.
May 17
I was so busy with cleaning that I quite missed post day. This must go now. I shall hope in my next to tell you of the arrival of the ship. I had a long letter from your Father – I think I told you. He hoped to be in the end of the month. We are all well.
With much love,
Believe me, dear Chris,
Your affectionate Mater,
Cecilia Elmslie
29 May:
Charlotte was ill and I have had so much to do your letter was forgotten. No news of ship yet – I am expecting to hear any minute. We have had W and SW winds for more than a week.
All well.
Yours etc
C E