Wordsworth, Mary (1770-1859). - Letter, from an unstated address, to Mary Hutchinson, at an unstated address, dated 14 February (1850). WLL / Wordsworth, Mary / 3 / 199.

14th Feb <?1850>

My dearest Sister

Your letter has only reached me this mg. tho’ it bears the date of the 11th I am therefore doubtful about this reaching you before you leave the Stow on Saturday. However as I know it is always a pleasure to your dear Brother to hear from us – it shall not be my fault, by delay, that he should not have that gratification – to hear, tho’ it be but a stupid despatch. I cannot say that we are not disappointed at your delay – but can not be so selfish as not to be pleased that your Br. under his present perplexities has the comforts of your

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presence. But really we are amazed to think of the changes he has made – now when he ought [to] be more self-indulgent, to tax himself with the duties of his [Bailiff] – If we did not think & hope that it was a prelude to his giving up Farming altogether we should say he was demented tell him this with my love from me.

We shall be very glad to receive the girls, & the sooner the better – for the Quillinans & the two younger Arnolds are all agog for their assistance in their choir at the Chapel – which these girls with the assistance of Mrs Fleming (who is now by the bye gone to Bath)

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have taken up with much avidity, & it seems to be a great interest to them – they attend at the Chapel 2 Evegs in the week to prepare for the Sunday - & we have now such a nice sensible Curate, who keeps order among them, & reconciles their opinions as to choice of tunes – which sometimes clash – where there is no Leader, But enough of this.

What a long severe changeable winter – rain & snow – then, in a moment almost, as the night before last, a change to severe frost – beautiful walking! – in sunshine on hard ground yesterday – to day again all white - & slush & to think that we are in Lent!

Tho the cause of dear Lady Rolfe having deferred her visit was a painful one – she

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having been confined by a bad cold & cough) it is much better, the weather being what it is that she has deferred coming Northward until the 27th of March – Having determined to pay her visit to Devonshire first – which she had [[?]] not doing until she left us. – So that dear Mary you may have a chance of meeting yet.

William gives but a bad acct. of Fanny – she says she is thinner – but I will enclose his report.

John has placed Johnnie at a school at Brampton – [whence] he proceed to Edinbg & spent 3 days – much to his satisfaction, & brings a good report of Jane – Now poor fellow he is all alone writing sermons & visiting his Parishioners – We must go to see him.

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God bless bless you & your dear Brother my beloved sister – We are all well & join in love MW.

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Object summary: WLL / Wordsworth, Mary / 3 / 199