Reference
Z699/242a-b
Title
Louisa Hooper to Edward Harris Strange 25 May 1849 Kennington 5th mo.25.1849
My dear Cousin
I did not think to have troubled thee with my scribble so soon, though I intended doing so when I could collect some willow shavings &c. to send to you, but the time for my doing this appears now rather uncertain.-
My object in writing is chiefly to allude to a small domestic matter which I left unsettled, and which I consider may be best decided rather promptly - I allude to Emma's wages;- thou mayst possibly have arranged it with her since I left, but in any case I feel sure thou wilt excuse my reminding thee of it, as she spoke to me on the subject the day before I came away, and I told her I would speak to thee again - & I added that thou thought 2 too much of an advance.- she will very naturally feel unsettled until she knows thy wishes in this subject - and it has occurred to me that this might stand in E.Yates' way as to a right understanding with her on other points.- I think if thou approves it - it would be well to offer her 9 for this year - with the promise to raise it to 10 next year if she suits you in the mean time - as she would then have become quite valuable
I hope I need not assure thee how very often since we parted at Marston thou hast been remembered by me with feelings of sympathy which neither tongue nor pen could sufficiently describe -
I rejoiced when I found myself alone on my homeward journey, for thou wilt readily believe that the scene I had left as well as that to which I was returning, were vividly before me - each wearing its own shade of recently departed happiness. Very few have been the times in my experience that on arriving at a journey's end I have not seen my precious Father's face awaiting me, & I knew that on returning to thy home even after thy little absence thou too wouldst miss a welcoming smile -
But I see that in proportion as our own tarrience in this life is prolonged we must expect such rendings asunder of its choicest ties, and though the heart can never become impervious to such wounds (which indeed is a cause for gratitude) perhaps it may be taught to grow more submissive to the Almighty Will of Heaven -
I had the satisfaction to find all at home pretty well - dear Mama the chief exception - and I do not look to her getting much stronger without a change of air & scene - her spirits are lower than I have often seen them - but this is likely - especially as the subject of removing from Kennington becomes daily of more serious character.- it is not the happy theme it once was with us.-
When I returned I found a large party returning here from Thornton Heath - one of whom Bessy Tuckett is now our guest with Harriet May -
I have with them & Caroline attended the 4 sittings of the Y.M. already held - they have been interesting but not strikingly so - and the warm weather so suddenly set in, rendered them very fatiguing:- so having been to our meeting for worship this morning - I am staying at home this evening with Mama.- Emily's sprained ankle only allowed her to go to one meeting a day -
How beautiful Ampthill Park is now! I have been thinking of the dear children enjoying their accustomed walks - and I hope even Baby's teeth do not prevent this.-
Mama asked me directly I came home, how many of them I had brought, and indeed I should love to have some of them - but suppose I must defer this pleasure for the present - they all like my scheme for thee to bring Gertrude before long - and I do wish thou couldst manage it.- We could fetch her from the station or any part of London & thee with her if thou wouldst allow it, for our capital horse is indeed all they described him, or will be, when he is fattened up a little, and we shall be glad of work for him - and his little old driver, who looks so like Punch that we call him our Charivari.- he is a man our former coachman employs for us -
I have seen the dear Tottenham folks several times, and thou wilt imagine they were all eager for news from Ampthill.-
I find I must bid thee farewell as Mama & I are going to see Uncle & Aunt Arch, who are impatient to see me I am told - therefore I must only send a great deal of love to Gertrude & Teddy - who may hear more of me soon perhaps - and unite with Mama in a message of dear love to thyself -
How anxiously I shall listen for any information from Ampthill of thy household going on comfortably and satisfactorily.- and I shall never recur to my late sojourn under thy roof without the greatest interest & pleasure.-
I am thy very affectionate Cousin Louisa Hooper.
My love to E.Yates.
Envelope: penny red
E.H.Strange Postmark: AMPTHILL
Ampthill 26.5.1849
Beds.
Date free text
25 May 1849
Production date
From: 1849 To: 1849
Exent
No. of pieces: 2
Format
paper and envelope
Level of description
item