Wordsworth, Mary. - Letter to her sister-in-law Mary Hutchinson (nee Monkhouse). - Undated 1852(c.) (a letter which also mentions the desk is postmarked 1855). 1990.1.96.

My dearest Sister

I am trying to write with a pen one of a set which I have found in a desk of poor Aunt Sarah, & which has stood, otherwise empty for the last twenty years under my Washing Table - & which I am now getting brushed up & repaired for Willie’s use. He dear fellow has had a glorious week

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skating upon the Lake at intervals from close study – for never were more lovely, sunny days but such intense frost as I scarcely remember, & so bitingly cold! But as to snowy lanes that you speak of – Our road upon which I walked yesterday to call upon Mrs Fletcher, for the first time I have been down the hill – I found as I had been told

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the road perfectly dusty & not one speck within my vision – Of snow to be seen, until I got within the Gate leading to her door where lay some patches between the rocks on the shady side of the bank, - but the front was covered this morng & the roads, & indeed the snow had continued to lay upon the low part of the Mount, since the last fall – the keen frost not having allowed the sun

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to carry it off.

So far I have written to try the dear little stumpy pen – which as far as I can judge it performs wonderfully.

W. & I were talking abt. the desk - & missed the Afternoon Chapel Bell – He is now gone to enquire after Mrs Harrison, who is laid up by Influenza, & I cannot read, & must not knit – I hope I may be forgiven thus talking gossip like with you, to be ready when I have a better

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reason for writing.

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My love & condolences to poor Emma Sunday Afternoon

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Object summary: 1990.1.96