X953/2/11/2

Letter to Mary from her aunt, Elizabeth Wiggins.

19 November 1875

From: 1875 To: 1875

Written at Orton Lodge [Orton, Northamptonshire]. …There was no girl at Sharnbrook Station last night: we reached there about 4:40 so as to give a little time, so I shall be glad if you will hire the one I saw for us. We did not reach home till near 10 o’clock as your Uncle attended a Committee meeting at the British School commencing at 8 o’clock. There was quite an amusing scene in the kitchen here. Chambers, the young man who wants to marry our girl, had come to fetch her, and had been waiting for us: she had packed up all her things ready to go with him. Of course, I would not consent to her leaving until we had another, so I got your Uncle to tell the man to go, and I promised him, she should be set at liberty as soon as another could be got. She said "she should not mind going without her money" so I told her she would mind if we sent a police man after her, and had her brought before the Magistrates. The young man seemed to think they had better wait than that, so at last, he went away. If you can get the girl to come next [?] Friday, Alfred will bring her from there [inserted above: Kettering[?]] in the gig and if her box is too large he will see that it comes by the carrier, so if she cannot get all done she wants her Mother might send her things a little later on. I should not mind doing her plain sewing with my machine. Let me have a line from you by return if you can; you see how we are fixed. Jethro and Miss Lowick[?] were waiting to hear all about you. I shall be so glad to hear you are remaining where you are. God can give wisdom even for secular things, and a right judgment, which we all need to go through the world as a Xtian ought, and I am sure the widow and the fatherless have His special notice. "All hearts are in the hands of the Lord and he made the Egyptians to favor His own people even so it is now therefore [she has missed a closed-quote in here somewhere] "Be careful for nothing" but go on in His strength and "The god of heaven, He will prosper you." I do hope poor Mr. Sanders will soon be relieved of his trying depression and with regard to the rest, I should do all I could and then leave it with God to dispose all to take an interest in me. We found Annie as well as usual; she sends her love to you. We both enjoyed our visit very much indeed and if the way may be made clear for us to come and sojourn amongst you, I trust it may be for our mutual comfort and benefit. Mrs. Hafford has been in bed for the last three days with Bronchitis. I called there and saw John William. The Doctor says Mrs. H. must be kept very quiet, so I did not see her. Miss Bell is at Alnwick. Now I must stop I have two other letters to write. Your Uncle is having his nap. Annie has given me the enclosed to return to you. Alfred would have sent his love; he is out in the yard busy. We all unite in love to you and Mrs. Wykes, not forgetting your little treasure. Believe me dear Mary Your affte Aunt, Eliza The 12-19 train from Sharnbrook will be the best and Alfred will go for her

item

Bell,
Chambers,
Hafford,
Sanders, Hugh,
Sanders, Mary,
Wiggins, Alfred,
Wiggins, Ann,
Wiggins, Elizabeth,
Wiggins, Robert

Orton [Northamptonshire], Orton Orton Lodge, family correspondence, servants