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8 January 1885
My dear Chris
You must think I have quite forgotten you. I have sent a paper each week.
Just as a reminder I have been very busy for the last month, with sewing. Jessie has gone to her first situation as governess and I had so many things to make for her. She went yesterday. She has gone to a Mrs Hart at Ashford in Kent. She will have two little children to teach, and be a companion to the lady who is a widow, she is to get £20 and her washing. It is really very good for a beginning and I only hope she will stay some time. I hope to hear from her in a day or two and shall let you know how she likes it.
I have been a cripple for seven weeks. I have torn the tendons at the side of my right foot and have not been able to put it to the ground since. I don’t feel quite satisfied with the way it is going on so I am going to see a London doctor. I may not be able to walk again for 2 months. It is awfully annoying and dull – and depressing also.
Mr Elwin came down for Christmas so he brightened us up a little. He managed to get me out for a drive – I had not been out for more than 6 weeks.
Mr Malden has not found anything to do yet, so the marriage is as far off as ever. He comes here once or twice every week. I do not see much of him. I wish I could like him more for Edie’s sake. She is very fond of him and he of her, and that is the main thing.
May Cheyne is staying here – she came yesterday. I am very glad to have her as I was getting awfully dull. I hope now something good is in there for her. I will tell you more when I write next time as at present it is only known to one or two.
I have just been writing a letter to Melbourne on the chance of the Sobraon not having started, but I hope she has before now made up her passage list and will sail early in the month.
I have just been writing to your Uncle Robert today to ask him if he will come down on Saturday and look at my foot. I am still a cripple.
The Grammar School theatricals come off tomorrow night – some of the girls are going. I have of course missed everything this winter. There has been no skating and everything has seemed very dull.
Gardener’s father died a few days ago. The funeral was to be today. He has gone home for it.
How are your speculations getting on now? – you will be getting quite rich. I hope you liked your gun and have had good sport with it. I suppose you did not see Ida. She was too far off.
I dare say some of the girls write you a little news. Dot and Coral have gone to Madam Schoc****** tonight to a party. I expect they will be in a great state of excitement when they get home.
Essil is still the pet of the house. She is a quaint little monkey.
I told you how well our first pigs turned out. We have four more getting quite a good size. I shall make quite a small fortune out of them.
Lizzie Bissett came to see me a few days ago. She asked very kindly after you. She was looking very nice and pretty.
I think of sending Alec back to school again. I am sure he would only waste his time if he stayed at home, and he has got on very well this term and come out first in almost everything. He will get a prize and be moved up into Mr Dymock’s form.
Now I must say goodbye dear Chris,
With much love.
Ever your affectionate Mater
Cecliia Elmslie