Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    X953/2/7/5
  • Title
    Letter to Mary from Debbie Richardson.
  • Date free text
    26 January 1870
  • Production date
    From: 1870 To: 1870
  • Scope and Content
    Written at Rayleigh Lodge, Devonshire Road [Forest Hill, Lewisham, Kent]. Asks forgiveness for long silence; ...but each week I have said I will wait until next week, and then perhaps I shall have some definite news to tell. But it seems still rather uncertain so I will delay no longer. You will have heard of the good news that has come from Madagascar and the desire to send help as speedily as possible to them. It is not quite certain whether we shall go in April or the beginning of May. I am therefore working as fast as I can with my things-- Dressmaking and household linen is now on hand as yet we have had no assistance but I really think I shall be obliged to put one dress out to make. Dear Mama has been so unwell lately some days confined to bed. All this makes me very anxious and takes much of time and thought. I am sadly afraid my leaving and getting ready is wearing her out. Precious Mama; I feel so sorry for her. She tries to be brave and cheerful before us all. Much as I should like to spend a week with you it will be out of the question. Still if I go into Yorkshire to say goodbye to my friends there I might stay one night on my way if you would like. It is not quite certain that I shall go. If I go it would be about the 15th of Feb. Is there a third class to Sharnbrook in an afternoon and what is the fare? I should then go on to Masbro [Mosborough, Derbyshire], stay one night with Mrs. Nealby[?] and with Mrs. Beatson, stay a day with my friends in Rotherham, and then go to Hull and Elloughton for a few days, being away from Home just a fortnight. They would not like me to be away longer. I should so like to have a chat with you once more if it were possible. How are you, dearie? I hope keeping well, and Baby. I am so glad he gets on so nicely. Give my love to Hugh. Is he well? also to your Mama when you write. I should much like to see her once again. I expect we shall be married the first week in April unless they send us sooner. I enclose a paper of Papa’s new book. Will you try to do what you can for us in that direction? It only came out this week. Perhaps your Uncle and Mama would do something if you mentioned it to them. James spent a very pleasant evening last Friday at Dr. Deane’s. Mrs. Deane was not visible. I see by the paper she has another daughter. Are you settled yet with a minister? May you and yours have every blessing-- excuse this short note; I really have not time to write much of letters. Ever your affectionate friend Millie sends her love
  • Level of description
    item
Hierarchy browser